A few years ago I taught a short Japanese Calligraphy class to college students at Roger Williams University. As a college professor myself, I knew I had to grab the students attention right away, or I would lose their interest. These students did not necessarily have an interest in Japanese Calligraphy; I was a guest instructor in their Asian studies seminar course required … [Read more...] about The Mind of Shodo
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Zen in Daily Life
The Zen experience must be direct and in a psychophysical level. We absorb that realization through our bodies, not intellectually with our minds. The methods used to experience this so-called "wisdom" differ, although the most common one is zazen or seated meditation. Any of us who have spent a significant amount of time on the cushion, have had such experience, however … [Read more...] about Zen in Daily Life
Training at Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Five minutes before class began everyone sat in seiza (a seated position with legs folded underneath). We faced the Kamiza (front wall of the dojo), and I contemplated the large scroll with the calligraphy of Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei and founder of Aikido. I sat there, somewhat in disbelief, breathing and absorbing the energy of the space. The mat, packed with … [Read more...] about Training at Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Visiting the Aikikai Hombu Dojo
With the cameras off, we headed out to get something to eat. Every night, after we wrapped shooting, we went out for dinner often on our way to the next day's location. The cameraman, Tamura San, suggested yakiniku, a form of Japanese grilled meat. At a yakiniku restaurant, the table has a built-in grill. The server brings platters of raw, bite-size pieces of different types of … [Read more...] about Visiting the Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Memories from Japan
I took hundreds of pictures while in Japan, but this is are my favorites. … [Read more...] about Memories from Japan