Hidden Lessons from Soke | Ninpo & Mikkyo
Published: Mon, 04/08/24
There is a saying in our art, one that I was introduced to WAY back before everyone came to believe that we were only doing "budo-Taijutsu," something that got stuck in a few people's heads and then spread like wildfire, and started at the Tai-Kai held in Princeton, NJ a few decades ago. The saying is: "Nothing in Ninjutsu is ever what it looks like." This holds true for the physical skills, as much as the philosophical/life-master skills.
And, while a lot of students nod in agreement when Sensei asked: "Understand..."
There's a reason that most gravitate towards strictly focusing on the physical skills... and avoiding any of the references to these other teaching which, in the words and actions of many...
...they're just too damned hard... they take way more work and energy than most are willing to put into not just learning them... but also developing them.
I think another reason is... they're too damned scary!
The lessons themselves aren't the scary part though. What's scary are things like:
- Letting go of the fears of others who taught us to be afraid (or anything that was Eastern, foreign, not what "we" do, etc.)
- Looking into anything that has a name or word that we were told to never look at or we'd go to Hell
- Finding out that all the work already put into our strongly held beliefs and practices might be wrong (not that they are, but Ego is afraid that it might be)
But, for those who have a truly developed or want to try to develop the "openess," courage, and look beyond the fear to at least see what else might be "out there..."
There have been just as many, if not more, of these "hidden" lessons taught by Hatsumi Soke over the years... as the Buddha and other Enlightened Teachers and "Saviors" along the way have said...
With eyes to see, ears to hear... and those "with only a little dust on their eyes."
Soke's classes more often than not reference books, writers and teachers, Noh plays (based on Buddhist teachings), Shinto references, and others... both Eastern AND Western... showing just how learned, educated, and Enlightened Soke is. But, more than that... by teaching on and referencing these things... he also wanted us to be this way as well.
He even used a method of teaching that, in the Tendai Mikkyo esoteric mind-science study and practice that I was initiated into after following some of these gems laid out by Soke, is one of the 4 teaching methods known as the sudden/perfect method.
In this method, Hatsumi Sensei would answer a student's fear-based question about whether or not we HAD to study Mikkyo to do Ninjutsu, with a smile and a "No..." while sitting in his office or in the dojo surrounded by Mikkyo esoteric statues and other symbolism designed to reference and guide students towards Universal, Ultimate Truth!
The sudden / perfect method is not about the words used, but... if this student has the right qualities needed for this level of training... he or she will notice that the teacher was teaching by example...
...while using words that kept a student around for whatever reasons made them comfortable.
I learned this by watching HOW Soke taught - what he said, and to whom - and not just WHAT he taught.
Why? Because he mentioned doing that, and more... in class as well!
That's why I followed the Mikkyo path and, under the direct guidance of Reverend Jikai, was initiated into the esoteric Path. Which, in turn, allowed me to understand why Hatsumi Sensei had these symbols and reference points in both Hombu dojo, his office... and in his lessons.
And, that's why I have them in mine as well!
That's why I also offer this training to those who want to take what is sometimes called the "Fearless Path." Where they want to go down the proverbial Rabbit Hole to find what they never knew existed - to break out of their limited, narrow-minded vision and beliefs about themselves, the world, and the connection between the two.
If that defines you, and you have the capacity to understand the esoteric teachings without turning them into some kind of woo-woo, new age "magic," then you might be interested in this new live program that I'll be starting shortly, that guides you through one of these practices designed to protect your mind against the negative karma we've generated over the years - and against the dull, sleepwalk living views and beliefs of the masses who...
...if they were right in their beliefs, assumptions, and so-called Truths... they wouldn't have the problems they do on a regular basis.
Here's the link to check it out: https://onlineninjaacademy.com/goshimbo-program/
Due to the nature of this training, I am only allowing a maximum of 15 students on this 8 week journey... and a third of those have already been reserved.
Look... I get it. This may not be for you. In truth, it's not really right for most people.
But, if anything I've mentioned during this little chat resonates with you... then this is my invitation to join me and other fellow seekers of truth and a realm of self-protection that isn't about dealing with the dangers of the physical kind... but against the "dragons of ignorance, desire, and anger/hatred." Will I see you in this training? https://onlineninjaacademy.com/goshimbo-program/
I hope so but, as always, the choice is yours!
In Mastery!
Dai-Shihan Miller
P.S. Remember, there's more to this training... and more lessons from a teacher than are readily apparent... and that's when you KNOW what to look for. If you're operating under the same views, beliefs, and confusion as everyone else... that makes things even harder! Grab one of these spots before they're all taken, because there is a strict limit so that I can help everyone to the best of my ability: https://onlineninjaacademy.com/goshimbo-program/