Justin Zagri, The Son of Soul Sword Administrator, Sid Zagri, and his wife, Dhyana, a noted artist, explores love in his new Film. It has been selected for viewing at the Love Actually Film Festival.

Justin Zagri is definitely from a Soul Sword Zen family. His parents have been a part of this mission for many years but our relationship is more like a spirit-centered family. On a visit with the Zagris, many years ago, I saw the then, teenager Justin working on his computer. I discovered he was developing a video presentation. When he showed it to me I was very impressed with his skills and artistry. Justin was self-taught but I saw the potential. I asked him to develop a video for me. He directed the first "A Mind Like Water," video, complete with trailer.

Something else happened as I watched Justin develop the Soul Sword project. I knew I could not always call on him. With school work and other activities, I knew he would become very busy in time. I felt the desire to create my own videos. This happened because I looked over the shoulders of the creative and enthusiastic young man. His enjoyment became mine as well.

Justin grew up to go to film school. He never lost his passion. Now I am happy to report that one of his short films has been recognized and selected as an Official Choice for the Love Actually Film Festival which takes place appropriately February 14th,Valentine's Day

The film is called KISS. Suppose you were too shy to kiss. What would you do? Well the character in this movie take an unusual approach to the dilemma. See what your fellow Soul Sworder, Justin, is up to.

In case you forgot or never knew, "everyday life is Zen life. We keep it real here at the Soul Sword Zen Community. Here is an uncensored clip. You will be informed when the entire movie is available.

Perhaps, nothing is more important to childhood development than a strong family support system. If Justin's parents had failed to offer him encouragement and to provide the tools he needed, he might have lacked faith in his own possibilities. Now a graduate of Columbia College Hollywood, he is strongly focused on showing what he can do by using his camera to paint life's pictures in "Broadstrokes."

Here is a picture of the Zagris when all the children were young enough to live at home.

The baby, Gavin, is now taller than his mother, Dhyana, who is standing behind him. Adam is in front, to the right of Gavin. On the left in the back is Ben, Dad, himself, my faithful student, Sid and his son, the film-maker, Justin, is on the right end.

Here is another shot of Justin looking very much like a film-maker.

Nikita in Bulgaria...Like the Phoenix rising from ashes, victory comes if you endure the flames.

Victory has its rewards but THIS time  Nikita is only kidding us.

KRYVONOS  DESCRIBES  HIS  DAYS  WITH  KITABU ROSHI/AUDIO

Soul Sword Radio: True Victory/with Kitabu Roshi

Sometimes a book can change your destiny. Nikita Kryvonos began playing tennis {+++}in the Ukraine when he was five years old. Now at age 22, he is a naturalized citizen of the United States of America and a professional Tennis player. He has played in the US Open and traveled to Russia with the Davis Cup team as a practice partner. He loves Tennis, and that love has him seeking for a deeper uncerstanding. Kryvonos is always looking for ways to improve himself, on and off the court. One day he he had a strange experience during a match but he could not describe it. People remarked about his form and the power of his serve. My mother bought a copy of Soul Sword:The Way and Mind of a Zen Warrior. After I read it I realized that I had a mushin (No-Mind) experience. I was excited.

I have read many books but this book was what I needed. Kryvonos sought a way to contact  Kitabu Roshi (Vernon Kitabu Turner, author of the book). Now, after several private consultations, Kryvonos plans to come to the Virginia Beach based Soul Sword Zen do (American Vishwa Dharma Zen) and train direction under Kitabu Roshi.  "I could not maintain the mu shin mind," Kryvonos admitted. "It is because you were trying," Kitabu Roshi replied. The Roshi does not promote the spirit of competition but he makes no judgment. Kryvonos understood, "My Tennis racket will be my Samurai sword," he said, signifying that he would approach The Way with the proper attitude. Nikita Kryvonos has agreed to share his progress with the Soul Sword Zen community. Zen is a method for renewing the mind and freeing the spirit from bondage. It can be practiced by anyone who approaches The Path with faith and humility. Tennis anyone? The field may be different but the practice is the same. Look for more on this continuing story.

Raymond Thrasher/Public Information

Kitabu Roshi Comments:

Awakening...transformation is a wonderful experience. There are no words to describe it but still we try. While it is not a result of our effort, there is still work to be done. The spiritual path is called the "razor's edge" because it is hard to travel, not easy. The easy way is just to go along with the norm. Kryvonos had a taste of what was possible. His appetite was whet with anticipation of  the possibilities.  The tennis pro would learn, as all students of The Way must, that we can not dictate or control the outcome of our practice in the midst of practicing. We can not think or will ourselves into No-Mind...mushin. At such a time, we may understand the role of the master.

"Drop it! "

"But master, I carry nothing."

"Drop it anyway."

When you come to the proverbial temple or zendo, leave your brilliant mind, your ideas, your preconceived techniques at the door with your shoes. If you don't, you will walk away with something.

Leaving with something in mind or your mind on something is not a virtue in our practice.

We erroneously believe that we must be able to conceptualize a truth in order to recognize or utilize it.  Zen, not the concept we read about Zen but Zen, itself, is direct experience without the mediation of thought. It is spontaneous, appropiate response that arises from wisdom without  duality. It permits no hesitation between thought and action. They are seamless. Reckless behavior is not Zen. Zen, or its Sanskrit origin, Dhyana includes Prajna (wisdom). This cannot be faked. When Nikita came to see me. He entered an unknown in more ways than one.