BOSATSU & KYOTEN
BOSATSU
Bosatsu are the Japanese equivalent of Bodhisattva in Eastern theology. As martial artists we have expanded our views on Bosatsu to include those who have left behind doctrines, philosophy and theology created in life for those who are currently alive to utilize and provide guidance through life. As there is no guarantee of their existence beyond death, in order to keep their “spirit” alive, it is important to continuously study their text as well as give reverence to them and their contributions through bowing and recitations of “Osu!” This is done in order to consistently foster and imbue their teachings with ourselves to keep us on the right path in life as well as to help others find their way.
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Current Bosatsu, and may be consistently added on as time goes on, are:
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Confucius
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Yamamoto Tsunetomo
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Siddartha Guatama (Buddha)
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Gichin Funakoshi
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Mas Oyama
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Jigoro Kano
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Morihei Ueshiba
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Miyamoto Musashi
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Ungo Zenji
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Choki Motobu
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Tatsuo Shimabuku
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Chojun Miyagi
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Chibana Chosin
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Anko Itosu
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Kenwa Mabuni
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On April 26th our dojo celebrates Bosatsu no Hi (Day of Bosatsu) and is a day of remembrance for the Bosatsu who have contributed to the furthering of martial arts and human consciousness. April 26th is a somber day and the death date of the founder of Kyokushin, Mas Oyama (July 27, 1923 – April 26, 1994) and the founder of Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi (November 10, 1868 – April 26, 1957) as well as Morihei Ueshiba the founder of Aikido (December 14, 1883 - April 26, 1969). It is a day of rigorous martial arts practice in their remembrance followed by an evening of celebration in their honor.
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For more information on these figures please be sure to check out our book Shodai-Soke: 101 Quotes, Anecdotes & Precepts from the Founders of Modern Japanese Martial Arts available in our shop HERE
KYOTEN
Kyoten are traditionally Shinto texts, however the term has been adopted by Shinbushido-Kyo to denote texts that foster the doctrines of Bushido and Shinbushido-Kyo.
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Hagakure- Yamamoto Tsunetomo
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Bushido: The Soul of Japan- Dr. Nitobe Inazo
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The Book of Five Rings- Miyamoto Musashi
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The Sayings and Discourse of Confucius- Confucius
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The Art of Peace- Morihei Ueshiba
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The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate- Gichin Funakoshi
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The Tao of Wu- RZA
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Shinbushido-Kyo: The New Way of the Warrior Theology- Kancho Hagen
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Shodai-Soke: 101 Quotes, Anecdotes & Precepts from the Founders of Modern Japanese Martial Arts
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