World Sansei Self-imposed Exile

Recently, as some of you may have noticed, I seemed to drop off the map and disappear completely to some of you. And while that is partially true, my life, of course, has continued to plod along in its usual manner. The standard manic balancing act -- one day tipping the scales toward despondancy and the next day tipping them back to joy again. An endless game of see-saw, that for better or worse, is my life.The truth is, I have been in self-imposed exile. Shut up in my dusty terrace. I’ve been Sealed off from the world without regular company. With just my books, my writing, my tea, my music. Shut away, with my imagination and my unfortunate inclination toward constant brooding, Thinking about this and that. Worrying about God knows what. Worrying about the usual we all worry about. And it is only now that I have felt comfortable enough to timidly approach the world again. And thus, write this entry here in my blog, in the hope of returning to it with fresh inspiration in the next few days.I just hope the effort will be worth it.Although, before I continue, let me argue semantics for a moment. Because I have just realized that maybe it wasn't an exile after all, but a hibernation I have been living in. Maybe it was inevitable that I withdrew into my cave and rolled the boulder over its narrow entrance. I cannot be sure if it was a cowardly escape from reality or a brave leap into my core. But I am certain it was an inevitable occurrence, Something that needed to be done for my own state of mind. Because, if I must be honest, before I shut up shop, the outside world was wearing me down ever so slowly. The endless routines I had either created for myself or that had been thrust upon me from outside were afflicting me with a painful hopelessness I was finding incredibly hard to bear. Something wasn't right -- that's for sure.No matter where I looked or what facet of my existence I pondered, everything seemed to be falling apart. Cobwebs seemed to be hanging from the corners of the ceiling. A stifling dust seemed to have settled on every surface of my psyche. I could not understand how my life came to rest where I found myself. No matter how I studied it, I couldn't help but see myself as trapped in an absurdity. Cocooned in absurdity, that while being my life, could not have been consciously decided upon by myself. And while I know that I am responsible for my life, I could no longer follow the path that led to where I stood. But rather, it appeared as if I had been flowing with a violent tide. As if I had let go of the oars and the rudder long ago and just drifted off to these swampy waters into which I was now sinking.So this is why I have been silent. This is why I have been hibernating. I could no longer continue the way I was going. I no longer felt capable of putting on a brave face while I sensed a sub-conscious despair creaking in my bones and haunting my dreams.And now, now that I appear to be rising from my month-long meditation, I do not believe it has been in vane. In fact, I believe it has been a great success. This exile, or this hibernation, was a pre-requisite for my slow but perpetual progress. And today as I was driving , having spent the trip, screaming and cursing, punching the ceiling of my car and feeling an immense impulse to burst into tears, I suddenly felt myself awash in an emotion of great relief. As I walked to my house I felt alive again. It was as if this momentary break-down, where my despair reached its peak, had been the final act of this process of reevaluation. Like a tribal dance after a long religious ritual, it may have appeared ridiculous, but I do believe it actually served a purpose.I seriously think that I needed this break. I needed to stop and take stock. I needed a spring clean. And this is exactly what I have done. In this month of erratic thought I have achieved much. I have written a 20,000 word short story which I will soon post. Even though upon reading it I realise I am not very impressed with it. I have also have Decided to get rid of the excess garbage in my life. I have just begun the first few steps. I have reorganized my reading which I hope will open my eyes to further opportunities. I have started writing regularly every evening instead of the usual trickle I used to force from myself. And best of all, I have recognized my philosophy on life, which, if all goes well, I will be able to realign in the coming weeks.So, my friends, if any of you still exist, I hope tonight's post will be a new beginning. Otherwise I will have to hang myself from the rafters.And remember what Pascal said: "I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man's being unable to sit still in a room."

MEDITATION

Human beings just don’t put their hearts into something they don’t believe in. We don’t commit energy and intensity to something that’s not a fit for us personally. Like wearing a pair of slacks that are to tight, it’s not very comfortable, we look awkward, we feel embraced, and we can’t move around very easily.

What is Meditation?
Meditation is a method for acquainting our mind with virtue. The more familiar our mind is with virtue, the calmer and more peaceful it becomes. When our mind is peaceful we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness.
If we train our mind to become peaceful we will be happy all the time, even in the most adverse conditions. But if our mind is not peaceful, even if we have the most pleasant external conditions we will not be happy. Therefore it is important to train our mind through meditation.
There are two types of meditation: analytical meditation and placement meditation. When we contemplate the meaning of an instruction that we have heard or read we are doing analytical meditation. By deeply contemplating the instruction, eventually we reach a conclusion or cause a specific virtuous state of mind to arise. This is the object of placement meditation. Having found our object through analytical meditation, we then concentrate on it single-pointedly for as long as possible to become deeply acquainted with it. This single-pointed concentration is placement meditation. Often, analytical meditation is called simply `contemplation', and placement meditation simply `meditation'. Placement meditation depends upon contemplation, and contemplation depends upon listening.

Breathing Meditation

The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. This can be accomplished by practicing a simple breathing meditation. We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. If we wish, we can sit in a chair. The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.
We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing. We breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath, and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.
At first, our mind will be very busy, and we might even feel that the meditation is making our mind busier; but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.

The benefits of meditation

If we practice patiently in this way, gradually our distracting thoughts will subside and we will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. Our mind will feel lucid and spacious and we will feel refreshed. When the sea is rough, sediment is churned up and the water becomes murky, but when the wind dies down the mud gradually settles and the water becomes clear. In a similar way, when the otherwise incessant flow of our distracting thoughts is calmed through concentrating on the breath, our mind becomes unusually lucid and clear. We should stay with this state of mental calm for a while.
Even though breathing meditation is only a preliminary stage of meditation, it can be quite powerful. We can see from this practice that it is possible to experience inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind, without having to depend at all upon external conditions. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind, and many of the problems we experience, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. Just by doing breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress. We will experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind, and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we will naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people, and our relationships with others will gradually improve.
We should train in this preliminary meditation until we gain some experience of it. However, if we want to attain permanent, unchanging inner peace, and if we want to become completely free from problems and suffering, we need to advance beyond simple breathing meditation to more practical forms of meditation. When we do these meditations, we begin by calming the mind with breathing meditation, and then we proceed to the stages of analytical and placement meditation according to the specific instructions for each meditation.

Meditation posture

When we practice meditation we need to have a comfortable seat and a good posture. The most important feature of the posture is to keep our back straight. To help us do this, if we are sitting on a cushion we make sure that the back of the cushion is slightly higher than the front, inclining our pelvis slightly forward. It isn't necessary at first to sit cross-legged, If we can't hold this posture, we should sit in one which is as close to this as possible while remaining comfortable.
1. The legs are crossed in the ZaZen posture. This helps to reduce thoughts and feelings.

2. The right hand is placed in the left hand, palms upwards, with the tips of the thumbs slightly raised and gently touching. The hands are held about four fingers width below the navel. This helps us to develop good concentration.

3. The back is straight but not tense. This helps us to develop and maintain a clear mind, and it allows the subtle energy winds to flow freely.

4. The lips and teeth are held as usual, but the tongue touches against the back of the upper teeth. This prevents excessive salivation while also preventing our mouth from becoming too dry.

5. The head is tipped a little forward with the chin slightly tucked in so that the eyes are cast down. This helps prevent mental excitement.

6. The eyes are neither wide open nor completely closed, but remain half open and gaze down along the line of the nose. If the eyes are wide open we are likely to develop mental excitement, and if they are closed we are likely to develop mental sinking.

7. The shoulders are level and the elbows are held slightly away from the sides to let air circulate.

NOTE: World Sansei Organizational & Federation dues

Hi Hanshi Saveedra,

I hope you are well. I am Sensei Dennis Vélez from Puerto Rico , student of Renshi Elton Valentín. I write this letter to talk about the annual quota to Membership of the Sansei Kokusai Koryu Goju Kai Karate Do and Kobudo Organization. This happened just over a year that we pay the membership of the Organization, and I want to know how I can pay the membership of this new year. Please send me the following information: Direction, account number, on behalf of who and quantity, to send a Money Order to meet the annual quota. Thanks for all Hanshi Saavedra, always read your blog on Sanseipage, is a beautiful form to stay in contact with the organization and learn of your lessons posted in this blog.

Saludos,

Sensei Dennis Velez
Student of Renshi Elton Valentín
Sansei Kokusai Koryu Goju Kai Karate Do

The letter above is a perfect example of membership participation.

The World Sansei Koryu Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Organization's name and logo are owned by the Organization and its Founder Manny Saavedra. PhD. Members are cautioned to use them only for the purposes of demonstrating rank certification and certifying students who are in good standing within the Organization.

Membership in the World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karate and Kobudo Organization is an honor and privilege! A lifetime of hard work, dedication, and study from the Founder allows the Organization to exist - and it has for 30 years! The Organizational Hombu needs support and cannot sustain itself on its own. The Organizational fees are but a small token of one's loyalty towards this Organization. All members who desire to remain in good standing with the Organization will have their dues paid in full each year and will be posted on the international website. Many have failed to heed these guidelines and have taken the Organization for granted over the years. The Organization will no longer be hijacked by anyone, period! All members are expected to hold the highest standards of respect and dignity. As a member you are encouraged to take full advantage of the services of the Organization. You may elect to use any service we offer at any time.

We are all equal under the Arts. The only special consideration given to any member will be the respect afforded to one's rank. This privilege will be given to each member by another. It is only proper that one’s accomplishments in the Arts be recognized.

To acquire an accurate understanding of Loyalty, one must understand the meaning of the word Loyalty along with what Loyalty actually represents, both culturally and symbolically.

The World Sansei Goju-Ryu Karatedo Organization's “oath of allegiance" relates to words such as loyalty, commitment, adherence and faithfulness.
Loyalty is an actual act of truce between people. It commonly takes place when a new leader's ideals emerge. Those who believe in him and his ideology would "Be Loyal" to him. The act of Loyalty is formalized by a special handshake in the way of holding forearms.

Once this Loyalty in understood , it symbolizes support and devotion towards each other. It is also noted that there are no contracts, no formal agreements, only a simple handshake . That in itself emphasizes a simple trust and belief in each other more than anything else.

This Karate Association follows the same path and ideology as one can expect from its title "Loyalty". Its Karate teachings very much parallel the same virtues of loyalty, honesty and commitment; and it promotes supporting and helping each other to achieve the same goals and objectives in Karate-Do.
This Karate Association can be viewed as a "way of life" to help promote a unique perspective of life - the wisdom to perceive the benefits of adopting a nonviolent attitude, the virtue of being patient and the tranquility of possessing peace in our lives.

World Sansei Gojuryu Karatedo Organization was founded by Manny Saavedra, PhD., currently the Head Instructor of the Karate Association with one major goal in mind: to enrich the quality of life of its practitioners and to develop a strong sense of camaraderie, solidarity and team work among members ... all in the Way of Karate.

1. The Membership Application must be completed and sent along with the appropriate fee to the World Sansei Koryu Gojukai International Headquarters. (See application form and fee structure in http://www.koryugojukai.com/).

2. Your Application will be reviewed along with any investigations needed as related to the Application.

3. When the Application is found to be complete, accurate, et & all other the specific membership criteria, then the World Sansei Koryu Gojukai will approve your Application.

4. Your Application will be submitted for final acceptance and the first year's dues must be paid. Upon membership approval, you will receive a formal letter of membership.

Benefits of Membership:

·International Programs for Technical, Philosophical and Leadership Development in the Karate world.

·An International Network of "Karate Leaders"

·International System and Rank Recognition.

·"Highest Quality" Membership & Rank Cards, Patches and Certificates for Sansei Members.

·Published Rank Requirements for World Sansei Affiliate and Partner Organizations and represented systems.

·A Proper and Non-Political Promotion System for all members.

.Technical, Administrative & Communication Assistance for Students and Instructors across the globe.

·High quality training videos, books, technical material & more.

·The finest professional website.

·International Instructor / Examiner Certification.

·An International Headquarters with "decentralized" Martial Arts Programs and Leadership.

·The recognition of "International Training Centers" for expert training in both traditional and competitive Martial Arts.

·The further development of the "International Higher Learning Institute for Martial Arts”; continuing education courses for black belts for research and technical development. Based in Hombu Dojo Miami, Florida.

·The further development of the "International Martial Arts League” for scholarship and resource development.

·The "International League of Excellence" recognizing growth and leadership accomplishments of World Sansei members.

·"Established" International Martial Arts competition programs

·and much more to come...

MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE DUE IN SEPTEMBER THROUGH OCTOBER EVERY YEAR

World Sansei Annual Membership is $50.00 USD once a year for Kyu Grades that are also members of "Current Registered” Dojo. Note: Dan Grade holders are required to join World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo.
World Sansei Annual Membership is $100.00 USD once a year for DAN Grades

International Rank Validation Fees (Note: See "

Minimum Ages & Time in Grade Requirements for Dan Grades")

Black Belt :World Sansei Rank Certification and Promotion for Black Belt Ranks

·1st Degree - $150.00 USD
·2nd Degree - $200.00 USD
·3rd Degree - $200.00 USD
·4th Degree - $250.00 USD
·5th Degree - $250.00 USD
·6th Degree - $300.00 USD
·7th Degree - $300.00 USD
·8th Degree - $350.00 USD
·9th Degree - $350.00 USD

Payable to:

MANNY SAAVEDRA, PhD

e: manny_saavedra@yahoo.com

Address to:

Sansei International Headquarters

273 NW 58th Avenue, Miami, FL 33126