Shugyo, the Path of Daily Training

But what is the practical application of Jojii's insights? Do we Sho seek to live in a blissful state of oneness, walking around joyfully and negating themselves to the point that they care not if a Shreth gnaws upon their limbs?

No, of course not. For, just as the illusory concepts of individual existence are negated to attain wisdom, so must this negation be negated, lest it become itself a concept, an attachment. As the world of forms may be said to be illusory, empty, so it must be that emptiness lies fully in the world of forms. It is NOT enough to experience reality...afterwards, comes the long path of continued training to deepen and manifest this understanding, moment to moment.

Therefore, the Sho Way of Wisdom, the way of true insight, the Path, lies fully in day to day situations and nowhere else. If it is time to wake up and get dressed, it must be done. If evil beasts threaten our town, they must be defeated. These things themselves are expressions of wisdom. But, for the true Sho follower of Jojii, these daily activities are done with a unique intention: as a Way, as a method of training to perfect character and deepen insight into the nature of reality. Whatever wisdom is gained, whatever great insight is attained, it must be brought back and applied to the world of men. This explains the famous recent story regarding the Sho hermit-blademaster Tendo:

"Hermit," said Lord Yoshioka, "I cultivate relationships with many powerful persons. Great lords are my servants. Rich merchants vie for my attention, even seeking the hand of my fair daughter, Akemi! Wonder-workers, makers of sorcery, work charms and mighty spells for me. My armies hold tens of thousands of strong men, wielding bright blades and forests of bristling spears. In battle, their arrows blot out the very sun! What, then, can you show me? What have you of value? Show me your wonders, your magic!"

Tendo replied, "When I am hungry, I eat. When I am thirsty, I drink. Chopping wood, carrying water...these are my wonders."

Lord Yoshioka, it is recorded, did not understand. The mysterious disappearance of his daughter some time later led him to return to Tendo, tearfully seeking answers. But the hermit had disappeared...only a pair of shoes and a rusty sword remained behind. This, however, is another tale.

"Shugyo" is a word referring to the deepest possible physical and spiritual training. The genius of the Sho is that any activity, from flower arrangement to selling groceries to swordsmanship, is seen as a potential path of perfection. The arts of war, done in this way, become more than mere techniques of offense and defense. They become a means for cutting through ignorance. The killing sword of the soldier becomes the life-giving sword of wisdom and protection.

It is a simple idea - the Sho ideal is the person who takes all situations and hardships of life as opportunities...oppportunities for insight, for becoming more tough, for learning something. Ultimately, for gaining wisdom.

For the Sho who follow this way of life, there is a therefore tendency toward seeking challenges, and even toward what appears to be machismo. Death is considered inconsequential. Life is not to be clung to. Pleasures and material things are disdained. All things that one does, even the most trivial, show one's heart and degree of training. Details and form must be important. Weapons and armor must be proper. Etiquete must be correct. Words must be well-chosen. Frivolous, idiotic behavior (at least, without the excuse of drunkenness) must be avoided. Always kept in mind must be the Path of Training. It lies in all things, and in each moment.