I trained tonight, my usual Friday class in Monterey - Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu. For killing the Grandmaster says of his art. He lives in Noda Japan. Sometimes I think maybe he doesn't know it's 2005. He has signs outside in his training area announcing he will receive all challengers.
With live swords.
He means it.
But I digress...
Tonight a young Jujutsu student mentioned to me that he wanted to buy a sword in order to begin training in Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu. The swords cost $640.00, pricey but reasonable for a quality Iaito (training sword).
I mentioned to him that I could save him money, that I knew someone who no longer was training and wished to sell his sword for a bargain. He thanked me and then replied that Sensei (not the Grandmaster, our American Sensei) may wish to fit him with an appropriate sword for "his energy".
Fit for his energy
That "fit" will cost him a couple a hundred bucks.
That's the price of magic. Magic is a function of human life. It is not an ancient archaic and silly concept, it is a living function that comes - in modern society - with a price tag.
Are you paying money for magic? It's worth pondering....
Rev. Greg, Magician
"With live swords."
Now that is magic!
Where do you train, Fantastic Planet?
(Just havin' some fun, Greg. Love yer blog as usual).
Posted by: John at March 9, 2005 10:36 PMThe best magic can't be bought. A sensei who sells magic is selling tricks. At best he's like the magician who conjured a magic city. At worst he's selling disappointment. The magic is always "within" and all it takes is faith and confidence to bring it out. I suspect that a sword once used by a good student would have enough "magic" already. Maybe you could chant a few daimoku over that sword and tell him it's been blessed by Rev Greg. Do it for 10 bucks and save the guy a con.
Chris :-)
Posted by: Chris at March 9, 2005 08:44 PMFrom another internet forum - I thought these were apropos:
"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."
Tom Robbins
"Belief in magic can lead poor idiots to charge machine guns unarmed. Or cause folks to miss the magic of reality."
Chris Holte
Beyond that, some folks just LIKE magic, and don't mind paying for it. Others don't want it, and resent paying for it. Diff strokes/folks.
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett