Faith (Ryubo-Shinto: The Fusion Of Shinto & Buddhism)
Within the Junsei Ryu one of the main aspects of our training is
the combination of an effective martial art with we the traditions, culture, beliefs and ethics of ancient Japan. This
duel instruction makes us what we are, and separates us from the myriad of “Martial Sports” prevalent
amongst the majority of other martial art systems. Up until now the majority of our religious teachings and information regarding
the cultural significance of our training was normally saved for students who demonstrated a particulat interest or those
of Shodan grade (Black-Belt) and above, as it was from these individuals that future instructors would be handpicked.
However in order to preserve our most traditions in the modern world, It has been decided that all students will be instructed
in these former Okuden teachings (Hidden Truths) from their entrance into the Junsei Ryu family.
Junsei
Ryu considers itself to be a Shinto-Buddhist sect more correctly termed Namban Ryubo-Shinto (Literally: Western Influenced
Shinto Of Two Parts). Many of our traditions core beliefs date back to the ancient Japan of the first millennium BC;
and whilst we do not expect all of our students to convert to Shinto-Buddhism, any wishing to train with us must respect and
follow our teachings in their original undiluted form. Failure to comply with these teachings will result in the immediate
expulsion of the student or instructor in question.
Our beliefs and practices are sacred to us and as
such we will not tolerate any deviation from them. For this reason training within Junsei Ryu is not always considered to
be suitable for strict religious devotees of Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism and Islam as their Monotheistic teachings directly
conflict with our own cultural, religious and spiritual teachings.
It must be understood that we hold no ill intent or prejudice towards followers of any faith or religion, but me must
protect our core beliefs and spiritual principles at all costs. We treat our faith in the same way as other religious devotees
and as such are unable to alter them on a whim. In other words, if a Christian were to attend worship at an Islamic Mosque
he would be expected to follow the Islamic traditions, as failure to do so would have that person immediately expelled. We
make no reservations based on an individual’s sex, skin colour, ethnic background, sexual orientation or physical appearance;
and all are welcome to train with us, provided that they abide by our religious doctrine during training.
Junsei Ryu is not just a martial art; it is a religious doctrine and a way of life.
The Way Of The Gods
(Shinto 神道 / Kami No Michi 神乃道
or 神乃途 or 神乃路 or 神乃径)
Shinto:Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion founded some time before 500BC. Originally Shinto was a mix of earlier
religious beliefs that incorporated nature worship, fertility cults, divination techniques, hero worship, and shamanism. During
the sixth century AD, the term Shinto “Shin-Tao” (The Way Of The Gods) came into use as a way of differentiating
between the rapidly spreading religion of Buddhism and the native Japanese belief systems.
Shinto Beliefs:The term Kami is used to signify the deities of Shinto belief, and although the word Kami is generally
translated as “God” they bear little resemblance to the gods of other faiths. In Shinto all life is considered
to be sacred, and after a time almost anything may become Kami. A good example of this belief is that the ancient deities
that created the islands of Japan are Kami, as is Japans most famous mountain “Fuji-Yama”; but ancient trees,
cliffs, lakes, rivers and streams may also possess and in turn become Kami. Even in the bustle of modern Japan, ancient trees
in areas marked for development are tied with a sacred length of rope to mark them as possessing Kami, this is enough to save
them from destruction and construction will then be carefully planned around them.
Some Of The Basic Divisions Of Kami Are As Follows:
·
Abstract Forces (Thunder, Wind, Rain Etc)
·
Ancient Ancestors
·
Ancient Gods (The Creator Deities)
·
Ancient Trees
·
Animals Are Respected As The Messengers Of The Kami
·
Great Warriors And Scholars
·
Lakes, Rivers, Mountains And Other Areas Of Untouched Wilderness
· The Guardians Of A Family Or Area.
Each Shinto shrine is dedicated to a specific Kami who has a divine personality and responds to sincere prayers of the
faithful. When entering a shrine, one passes through a Torii gate. The Torii marks a gateway between the world of the Kami
and the world of the mortal (Although Shinto practitioners understand that these two worlds exist simultaneously and are laid
over one another). Shrine ceremonies, which include cleansing, offerings, prayers, and dances, are directed to the Kami.
Basic Principles Of Shinto
Ai No Mori (Love Of the Forest / Nature) All of nature is sacred and as the Kami
intended, thus to be close to nature is to be close to the Kami. All natural objects are worshipped as sacred spirits.
Dento To Kazoku (Tradition and Family) Ancestors and the family bond is sacred, when training as a
Bushi (Warrior) your Sensei and fellow students become your family.
Kami-Dana (Shelf Of the Kami) The
Kami-Dana is a sacred Alter or portion of a shrine representative of ALL Kami. Within a Dojo this portion of the room is where
students are watched over by the Kami, including their own ancestors.
Makoto (Sincerity)
At all times one should be sincere, dark thoughts lead to dark deeds.
Mamori (Holy
Talismans)
Matsuri (Worship and Veneration of Kami): The worship and honour given to the Kami
and ancestral spirits. Offerings include food, drink, incense, poetry etc.
Musuhi
(Harmony / Creativity) If one listens the Kami will quieten the mind and grant inspiration.
Origami
(Paper of the Kami): This is a Japanese folk art in which paper is folded into beautiful shapes. They are often seen around
Shinto shrines. Out of respect for the tree spirit that gave its life to make the paper, origami paper is never cut.
Shinto Texts:Many texts are valued in the Shinto religion. Most date from the 8th century CE:
The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters)
The
Rokkokushi (Six National Histories)
The Shoku
Nihongi and its Nihon Shoki (Continuing Chronicles of Japan)
The Jinno Shotoki (a study of Shinto and Japanese politics and history) written in the 14th century
Buddhism
(Bukkyo 仏教 / Buppo 仏法)
Buddhism:Buddhism first arrived in Japan from Korea and China during the 6th century AD. Both Shinto and Buddhism
share a basic optimism about human nature, and how the balance of the world works. Within Shinto, the Buddha was viewed as
another Kami, whilst within Japanese Buddhism the Kami as considered to be manifestations of various Buddha’s.
