Written by Sensei Mitch on January 7, 2014
Great Looking Effort, No Real Accomplishment
A Zen Thing . State of Mind . Training notesBeing busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be Forethought, System, Planning, Intelligence, and Honest Purpose, as well as Perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing” – Thomas Edison Given the measure of accomplishments Thomas Edison made in
Written by Sensei Mitch on August 7, 2013
Unity, Truth, and Goodness
A Zen Thing . Quotes . State of MindWhat do Unity, Truth, and Goodness have to do with the Martial Arts? That is perhaps hard for many to see, especially those new to the Martial Arts. Here is a quote to start the conversation with: Franciscan John Duns Scotus says that when the one, and the true, and the good are operating in
Written by Sensei Mitch on August 4, 2013
A Different Mindset
A Zen Thing . Quotes . State of Mind . Training notes“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” —Mark Twain In life we are told and taught to be prepared. Mark Twain’s quote states the obvious, no one knowingly gets up in front of a crowd to speak without preparing! We prepare for everything from presentation to disasters. But
Written by Sensei Mitch on January 21, 2013
Meditation Point #133 – Good v Evil
A Zen Thing . Quotes . State of MindThe best way to fight evil is with small acts of kindness. — Gandlaf, The Hobbit The actual quote is “…what I have found it is the small everyday deeds or ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay.” but I like my version better. And it holds true more often then we may like
Written by Sensei Mitch on December 6, 2011
Meditation Point #132 – Crisis
A Zen ThingA friend of mine is going through a very difficult time. It is hard watching someone deal with a crisis in their life when there isn’t a lot you can do for them but be there for them as a friend. I’ve been thinking about this fact for the past week and wondering if there
Written by Sensei Mitch on September 28, 2011
Fact of the Day: Confucius
Events & Holidays . HistoryConfucius (551-479 BC) was a famous philosopher and teacher who lived in China nearly 2,500 years ago. His teachings were based on treating others in the same way as you treat yourself. He believed that peace and harmony are achieved by avoiding drastic action or wild thinking. He taught wisdom, love, courage, care, respect, and
Written by Sensei Mitch on April 13, 2011
Is Your Jar Full?
A Zen Thing . Articles of Interest . Quotes . State of MindWhen things in your life seem almost to much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar……and the beer. A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise
Written by Sensei Mitch on July 22, 2010
Loves Bonds Broken
A Zen Thing . Fun Stuff . QuotesLove such a despised wordShush before you are heard.Its a great verb!much better than any herbSo why the apprehension;to relieve your emotional tension?Don’t say admire or like you much,for stifling to the soul are such.For the sun never shined so bright,As when relieved of this plight.To speak as you feel,is such a great deal,Why do
Written by Sensei Mitch on July 16, 2010
Meditation Point #130 – Less Self, Selfless
A Zen Thing . QuotesHe who stands on his tiptoes does not stand firm;He who stretches his legs does not walk easily.So, he who displays himself does not shine;He who asserts his own views is not distinguished;He who exalts himself does not find merits acknowledged;He who is self-conceited has no superiority allowed to him.Such conditions, viewed from the standpoint
