The tradition continues

When I read a newspaper article or hear a news report detailing how someone has been injured or killed by a senseless act of violence I am deeply troubled. On one hand, I am grieved by the fact that a person can be so lacking in human compassion that they have no problem inflicting pain, suffering or death on someone else. Yet, these crimes do take place, daily. No one knows when an adversary might strike but too often people travel dangerous routes as if nothing can or will happen to them. A dangerous route does not have to be through the dark woods or down an unlit alley in a big city. It could be from the living-room to your kitchen. It is unfortunate but ruthless people can find us anywhere, if that is their design. "The place of danger is right here, right now," I tell my students.

When I was nine years old I overheard my parents discussing the terrible murder of Queens, New York housewife, Kitty Genovese. She was walking from her place of employment at approximately 2 a.m. when she was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant. He stabbed her but she was still able to run and scream for help. About 200 neighbors heard her cries but not a single one of them came to her aid in anyway. Kitty Genovese died just a few feet from the door of her apartment building. The Genovese story sank so deeply into my soul that I asked God to give me the strength and wisdom to help people in moments such as that. That prayer became the basis for my Zen, my Martial ability, a meijin (genius) for overcoming danger.

For over 40 years I kept my promise to God and the memory of Genovese by never turning away from a call for help. In later years I became renown for demonstrating my ability to defend under any circumstances before Martial experts around the world, I did not forget my original motivation. Life, your life, and that of your loved ones is precious. You don't have to be a violent person to stop violence but you can benefit from a God-center and mental discipline to direct it away from you and your loved-ones.

"May Day" is a way of crying our for help. People who expect help to come become dependent on that hope. That is dangerous when every moment counts. It is May now and help has come to you. UNDER THE SWORD,my newest book has been released to answer your call. If you are willing to invest a little time and even less money you may discover secrets that can save your life and invigorate you life in ways you can only imagine.

You can purchase Under The Sword through your local bookseller, Barnes and Nobles or even Amazon.Com, among other venues.]]> http://www.soulsword.com/kitabu-roshi/may-day-suppose-no-one-answers-your-cries-for-help/feed/ 0 http://www.soulsword.com/universal-zen/vernon-kitabu-turner-bridging-the-gap-between-east-and-west-article-by-brenda-andrews/ http://www.soulsword.com/universal-zen/vernon-kitabu-turner-bridging-the-gap-between-east-and-west-article-by-brenda-andrews/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:24:30 +0000 KitabuRoshi http://www.soulsword.com/?p=1926

Reprinted With Permission From New Journal and Guide, Norfolk, VA, March 22-27, 2012

The following article was written by Brenda Andrews, Publisher of The New Journal & Guide. It was published in the historical, century old African American paper. The comments are her perceptions and observations based on a live interview. Any observations or clarifications I have will appear at the close of Ms Andrew's treatment.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE PUBLISHER

By Brenda H. Andrews Publisher New Journal and Guide

Many people today are aware of the Eastern religions, namely Buddhism, and some of their religious practices, especially meitation and chanting. It hasn’t always been that way, especially among African Americans who practice Christianity. Perhaps the popularity among Blacks of the martial arts and its focus on self-defense and inner discipline have helped take away some of the mystery. For internationally celebrated author Vernon Kitabu Turner, who was home grown in Portsmouth, Va., there has never been a conflict for him between his Christian roots and his attraction to Buddhist traditions. That despite the fact that these traditions were foreign in the 1950s African American southern environment into which he was born and reared. Buddhist philosophy defines happiness as an enlightened mind; suffering is caused by a distorted mind. So the spiritual quest to live happily in human form is linked to being enlightened about universal truths.

Today, Turner, known popularly as Kitabu, the name he gave himself, awaits the publication of his fourth book that once again will deliver a theme that unites the life principles and teachings commonly associated with Christianity and Buddhism to tell of self empowerment and self renewal through spiritual transformation.

Having known Vernon Kitabu Turner since my arrival in Hampton Roads in 1982 when he was working part-time as a reporter for a Portsmouth weekly newspaper, I have always been intrigued by the "out of the box" thinking that is behind his books. Recently we sat down to talk about his 40 plus years of contributions to the literary world.

Turner’s books are not an easy read, but they are full of wisdom for the spiritual seeker. Their messages are not transparent, but require the reader to delve beneath what may appear obvious for deeper meanings of universal truth. Turner insists his writings are not based in any religion be it Christianity or Buddhism but in the spiritual awakening of an individual to whom he or she truly is as a spiritual being residing in a physical body.

“I write about awakening the mind,” he says simply, as if everyone understands intellectually the “awakening.” I admit unashamedly it has taken me years to grasp this. But Turner has spent his life interpreting, writing about, and practicing his messages.

“This is a spiritual experience and is not connected to any religion. It is an individual transformational experience that results in a renewed mind or way of thinking.

“The religious path is a collective (or group) approach, not an individual experience,” he explains. Turner is a Christian who is allowed into Christian and Buddhist environs because he succeeds in addressing those truths that transcend religions. Such truths include mainly the belief that divine power resides within each of us enabling us to do the exceptional and accomplish the seemingly miraculous. It is the belief that we can access that power through our mind to affect the physical.

For Christians, the idea is expressed popularly in Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Turner writes both fiction and non-fiction which allows him to merge personal and autobiographical accounts from his life with his creative genius to make his points. In 1975, he published his only collection of poetry entitled “Kung Fu-The Master: The Book of Kitabu.” A recent copy sold for $200.00. His first book was a work of fiction entitled “Secret of Freedom”, followed by his most well-known book, a non-fiction account of his life entitled “Soul Sword, The Way and Mind of a Zen Warrior.” After the 2nd edition sold out, it was purchased by a European company and recently was reissued in Europe as an expanded edition. It is also being distributed in America.

Book number four, another non-fiction entitled “Under The Sword” is due for release in May 2012. A fifth non-fiction book entitled “Ki-asana: Bridging the Gap Between East and West” is in production. In reviewing Turner’s books, critics often appear fascinated with his affinity as an African American to Eastern Asiatic culture and its way of life. They often cite the influence on his works of his extraordinary documented antics as a black belt martial artist which he says he learned in one day and his superior qualifications as an Eastern zen master which confer on him the title of “Roshi” or spiritual teacher. He has zen students the world over and spends weeks each year doing lectures and seminars on the subject in the United States and abroad.

Yet, Turner’s writings are heavily laced in Christian theology, and he also carries the title of Minister. Further, as a proud man of color, he never leaves home without wearing something identifiably African.

“What the scriptures have taught me is that the same Spirit in the Holy Bible works today as in the past. We can accept Paul on the Damascus Road, but we want to relegate it to the past.” In the Holy Bible, John 1:16 speaks to followers of Christ as having the “fullness of His power” and not just a measure. Essentially, Turner’s books call for a spiritual transformation by a “renewing of the mind”. For Christians, this means to believe and practice what the Holy Bible teaches, there must be an new way of thinking. This is a truth that forms the basis of much of what was taught by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.

Zen which Turner teaches also is based in this universal truth. He explains that zen is not a religion but an awakening to truths that are unseen. Truths are practiced by all religious groups but they don’t belong to any one religion. “We think of God in an intellectual way more than in a spiritual way,” says Turner. It is this intellectual approach to God, he insists, that keeps us from achieving the miraculous and impossible that can come only through connecting with God in the spirit apart from the conscious mind. (In the Christian church, we call this the “Holy Spirit” or the third head of the Trinity.)

artist and being awarded a black belt in one day. “There is a secular way and a spiritual way to accomplish things,” he says. By connecting with the divinity of God within him, he tells how he was able to gain the martial arts skills of a black belt in one day. He tells this miraculous story in his books and on his website. (www.soulsword.com) Today, Turner is a long way from his Portsmouth upbringing. although he lives a short distance away in its sister city, Virginia Beach.

He says he’s always thought differently than most people he was destined to look like. In fact, he says his mother called him a “peculiar” child, and for much of his youth growing up, he spent large blocks of time alone and silent. “For the first 13 years,” he says, “I rarely spoke unless I was spoken to.” At 14, he determined for himself that he was meant to be a “loner”.

In this state, he says he could observe and see things around him as they were, and not as the people around him were interpreting and giving meaning for him. “There was something about the silence that appealed to me,” he remembers.

When he was 11-years-old during a visit to the library, he says he was drawn to a book about the Buddha which caused a stir in the family household. “I grew up in a Black Baptist church with a spirit-filled mother and father. I believed in God. Yet, this book represented to them that I was interested in worshipping another ‘god’.”

That was not true, he says. But his interest was piqued in what Buddhism was all about and why he had felt so attracted to the library book. At the age of 17, Turner left Portsmouth for New York City. Aware of his “out of the box thinking” , he was seeking to better understand his inexplicable yearning for the truth of his destiny. Shortly after his arrival, he says the “wind pushed him to a city park.”

“I felt a peace come over me,” he says. There at the park on the bench was a zen master who greeted him. “He knew who I was; I felt at peace,” Turner recalls. He would become a student of the zen master who gave him the book, “Three Pillars of Zen” as his instructional manual. Under the zen master, the eager young seeker of truth learned much, including how to sit in the lotus position in one day. It is a position he still masters 43 years later. “I vowed to help human souls no matter how different,” says Turner about the deep influence of this relationship with his teacher. It became a vow he has sought to keep through his literary and teaching careers.

“My books allow me to teach on surrendering ego and swallowing up fear to do things untaught,” he says. The same spirit that led him to his zen master leads him today, he says. “I have spent my whole life developing a ‘mind like water’.” Visit his website and you will view videos demonstrating his martial arts abilities, his zen lectures. and regular stories on everyday topical issues and human responsibilities.

Turner says he believes as an African American, he was called to bridge the gap of understanding in spiritual doctrines between the religious cultures of the West (White Europeans) and the East (Asians). “We (African Americans) are neither of the West (Europe) nor East (Asia).”

“We (African Americans) must understand and express spiritual things from our (African) perspective, says Turner, sporting an African dashiki and short ‘fro. Asked why he became an author, he smiles and says, “Nobody would listen to me. The blank sheet was friendly.”

For more, visit www.soulsword.com or email to kitaburoshi@swordsoul.com

The Anointed One, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, taught lessons of life but he did far more than that. He took the suffering of the world into and upon his body, mind and soul, so that the world through his great sacrifice might be transformed – saved from its own self destructive nature. The Bible tells us that though he, himself, was innocent, he was crucified, slain for the transgressions of others. If this is where it all ended, this would be a tragedy of the first order, a loving innocent soul, tortured and killed without cause. There is more to the story, however. The Book, that is The Bible, tells us that in three days he broke through the bonds of death and rose again. This is the ultimate victory. It is also the ultimate koan (spiritual mystery). How can this be? What is the scientific basis for such a claim? Faith starts off giving you nothing but your naked belief but if you persevere in that faith, its gives you far more. You have to put it to the test. This Easter ask yourself this question in earnest. Science and logic not withstanding do I believe that a man can transcend death? Can I rise into new life when this old form is no more? Such is the celebration of Easter.

Listen to this broadcast We Will Rise Again, recorded live at The Soul Sword Zen Community.

ROSHI VERNON KITABU TURNER

"I am a loner. I stand and walk alone," so begins a poem I wrote in my teens. For many years I believed that. I adopted the Bushido attitude of the Samurai. Whatever occurred in life I expected to face it resolutely without looking for help. That was then when I was burning with the fire of youth and lacking in wisdom. No matter who we are, we need other people. We need each other, we can't accomplish anything of value completely alone. You may be talented, you may be a genius but you will still fall short in some area of your life. You will need help. It is wise to acknowledge that need. It is important to accept the offer of help when it comes.

A doctor cannot serve all the positions in his office, so he has a nursing, a technical and a clerical staff so things run smoothly. The president of a country does not perform all the government duties, nor does he make all the decisions which effect his countrymen.

A preacher does not carry the church by himself. The church is called a body but it has many cells. In the same manner, those who are called to the role of master, be they called, roshi, guru, spiritual teacher, sir or madame, cannot function all alone. The master is one body but the disciples of the teachings, his devotees must become his many hands to spread the message and provide a strong platform for Dharma (Universal Spiritual Teaching).

When I was in my twenties, I marveled at the number of people who served the mission of Sadguru Sant Keshavadas. Devotees were in many cities and countries. Their coordinated efforts made thing happen. Even after I was charged with the mission of teaching and representing Dharma, I had no organization. I did not inherit that from the master. I stumbled along as a Spiritual samurai. Today, I pause to give thanks. I say thanks because so many people have reached out to help me fulfill my mission, through the years.

They did far more than speak mere words. They took action. Some helped by making financial contributions, money fuels all missions carried out on earth but What is also incredible are the number of people who pledged their skills to build our global community. Some years ago when I knew very little about computers I decided to create a website. It had been up for a number of months when I received a call from Sid Zagri, a businessman who then lived in Maryland. Sid read an article on me in what was then called, "What is Enlightenment? " magazine. He asked to help with the website. It was Sid who launched the first professional site for the Soul Sword Zen Community. He served in the post of webmaster for several years. While Sid is still very much active and a great support to me, Brigit Ananya Gita, of Ananya Systems, a software developer, took over the role of webmaster. She, too, served for several years before the current webmaster, Gleb Esman took up the duties. Gleb has served in that capacvity for about eight years.He is the founder of MemberWing, a provider of Software which is user-friendly to on-line communities. In addition to their loving input, Sabine Kleptogiannis of Germany, became Art Director of the Soul Sword Zen website and coordinator of the European mission.

Each of the named people are administrators. Each of these extraordinary people contributed to the expansion of the on-line Soul Sword Zen Community. Each one of them gave their best work from their heart, as an act of service. I cannot thank them enough. Many years ago, I served as Sant Keshavadas' publicist out of love, and the desire to be of service also. It did not occur to me that others would one day do the same for my mission.

Whenever I travel I do so with a professional haircut, lovingly given by Moses McFarland, my long-time student. The Zen Mushin Ryu black belt is my Martial understudy. He owns his own Barber shop but he still comes to the zendo and cuts my hair, as he has done for years.

Sean Engen devotes time to come and work with me in the office on videos and audios. Sean use to do landscaping for the zendo. Leonard Morgan provides ongoing business support, as does Sid. Rose Blackwell was my Executive Assistance until motherhood called her to another noble task. Joyce Anne Turner who prepares delicious meals for the sangha each week with the help of enthusiastic contributors, is my wife.. She is Social Director of the Zendo. Althea Corprew is my Personal Assistant.

Beverly Lamine likes to call herself ground support for the Roshi. In other countries, there are those like Joseph Duncan , London, England who is always ready to support the mission, flies across countries to be present at seminars and retreats, I lead. ever ready help in the expansion of the mission. Through the years, there have been many others to helped in opening the doors, Andrew Cohen, bestselling author and founder of EnlightenmentNext, Patrick Cassidy/Sensei of Aikido Montruex, Switzerand who brought me to his country and promoted my seminar in Holland, as well. There has been Mitch Doshin Cantor of the Southern Plam Zen Center in Florda, who invited me to conduct sesshin for the Florida Zen Community. Doing this is like standing before a microphone trying to remember all the people to thank when you receive an award. From time to time I will edit this page and there will be new names. We do nothing in this world all alone. We all need help, and we all need to be helping hand. I will be using this page to give kudos to others. The latest to join the team is Jo T, that is Jochanah Turner Silva, my accomplished baby sister. She had taken the double role of publicist and scheduler I also thank you. If you approach properly there is so much to receive. I am on a mission. It is an important mission but I can not fulfill it without your help. I will spotlight more people in later entries.

THE DEATH OF TRAYVON MARTIN IS A RALLYING POINT FOR JUSTICE.

The apparent voluntary resignation of Sanford, Florida Police Chief, Bill Lee, suggests that he or someone in the city administration believes his performance in the Trayvon Martin case was inadequate. It is not unusual for the PR machine to call for a sacrifice. Bill Lee must now fall upon his sword to save the image of the area. Now the focus has made a dramatic shift as Trayvon's admitted slayer, George Zimmerman, prepares for trial. Here to, the magic of Public Relations is in full-throttle to re-direct public thinking.

Trayvon's parents are in search of truth and justice, rather than blood for blood. The early machinations of the court and George Zimmerman's attorney hint that neither truth nor justice is the ultimate goal ... winning is but that, after all, is the way of prosecution and defense. We should watch the proceedings carefully. Hints abound. Zimmerland was permitted to wear a stylish suit to court. I have seen an African American judge accused for a non-lethal assault jailed without bond and brought to court in a blaze-orange jumpsuit.He spoke out of turn to address Trayvon's parents directly with a very transparent apology. Even if he was sincere it would be customary for the court to stop it. He was permitted to finish. The press said it humanized him but the apology did not come for over 50 days. Zimmerman was not only given bond well below the $1000,000 bond requested by the prosecution but the court entertained the idea of his leaving the state to await trial. Such a turn of events does not inspire faith in the outcome of the trial because suggestions are being made by the other side that Trayvon may have played an aggressive role during the incident. Logically, one who is attacked or harassed by a stranger should not be viewed as the aggressor, if he is defending himself from the action of another. Florida's Stand Your Ground law is also on trial. If it is a license to kill, more deaths will come without sensible amendments to it. Race is not an issue until it is made an issue by traditional responses and benign neglect. There have been many noted cases involving suspect killings in the African American community where no justice was offered. For some reason Trayvon became the community's child, and the community has acted that way. It is unfortunate that race remains an American spectre, even today. Do try to look beyond it. Justice means only the guilty should have to pay. It is not finished but demanding a hearing was absolutely right.

If you have ever read any of my books,Kung Fu: The Master (Poetry),The Secret of Freedom, Soul Sword: The Way and Mind of a Zen Warrior, Soul to Soul or heard of the upcoming Under The Sword, you know that I am a strong believer in the right of a person to defend self and loved ones. As a kinsman of Nat Turner, I may have a natural intolerance for those who would abuse me by any means. I must resist them using whatever tools are given me. I believe God created us to live and to do so abundantly. That understanding is specific to the given situation. I do not harbor blanket ill-will toward a culture or members of that culture, as a matter of course. I do not hold in my heart the desire to kill or maim a person, and I most certainly have no desire to be the victim of one who would do that to me. I am deeply disturbed by the elements of the Trayvon Marton case, in which the 17 year old was shot to death, even though he was unarmed. Trayvon was carrying ice tea and a bag of Skittles. Those are not the tools of a person up to no good.

There are many wonderful changes in the country and the attitudes of the people. I remember Segregation by law. I also remember being sent to the store by my mother one night. The store was on South Street in Portsmouth, Virginia, one block into the "White" neighborhood. I was about 10 years old, at that time. I had to pass a dark vacant lot to get to the store. As I was walking I saw two bigger boys, teenagers, walking toward me. They were White. What happened next was like a silent movie. One of them grabbed me from behind and lifted me in the air while the other pulled out a knife. I never cried out but from seemingly nowhere another teenager, older and bigger appeared. "Put him down!" He demanded, and they did. He asked me, "Are you alright?" and I said yes. I went on to the store. I could have been stabbed to death by two white youth who saw me as nothing but I was saved by a White youth, who recognized me as a person. It was a Sunday School lesson of sorts. That stranger who I could never recognize was an "angel." Angels are not prisoners of race.

Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman

Trayvon was deemed a threat or an intruder because he was walking in range of a gated communnity where he was not known. It was a neighborhood in his own city, his own state, his own country. The sidewalks, the streets belong to the citizen. George Zimmerman said he felt threatened, perhaps by the hood, certainly not by the baby-faced Trayvon. A person on the prowl for trouble does not carry ice tea - as a rule. It is important to keep one's hands free, ready to grab the gun when needed, unless the tea was the weapon or the skittles. It is hard to believe that the harden-muscles, manly Zimmerman could be intimidated by Trayvon, a frail High School student by comparison. There had to be another reason Zimmerman pulled the trigger and killed Trayvon but I will not speculate at this time. I will say that shooting an unarmed person to death is a highly suspicious and cowardly act. The gun is deterrent enough in most cases to send a person running. Even police use guns to hold a person. Pulling the trigger in such a case is not self defense. I do not accept that. If you get a person to desist their "malevolent" activity or to leave your person alone, you have successfully defended yourself.

I recently shared that I was attacked on the street by three men. One ran to get his gun. By the grace of God I fought the other two off so well that the third man returned to help them without his gun. After swift but hard battle, all three men ran. Just a few days later I learned that the man who ran for his gun actually had a gun. He used it to kill his next victim and is now on trial for murder. I gave my information to the police but my martial friends say I should have killed them. They do not understand. God gives life, man should not take it. The men ran off. Power can easily be abused when we lack compassion for our fellowman. We have to show compassion even for the bad guys. In my case, I was aware that I might only have second to do something decisive. I really was in a fight for my life but I did not think killing. I thought saving.

Trayvon's parents are united in their quest for justice. They are not alone.

I know George Zimmerman is someone's child also but unfortunately he took the life of a teenager, not because there was no other way but because he wanted to. By his own words, Trayvon was not a person but a "F---- Coon." It is not so difficult to kill an animal, a coon. Ask a Vietnam era soldier who shot "Gooks," not people.

For two long Americans allowed Racism to fester in the consciousness of its people. The Willie Lynch brainwashing approach plotted to strip Black people of their human dignity and cohesion as a people. The psychological damage affected everyone. Moreover, it created a sense of not belonging, a sense of having no real anchor in the country where we were born. It re-enforced the superior attitude of the empowered. "You do not belong here," was easy to say. For many it was an unquestioned belief. Baby-Boomer African-Americans worked hard to instill the sense in their children that they are indeed Americans. They belong everywhere they go. Yet, deep inside, the fear remains that something might happen. There is danger in stereotyping, the style of dress, the hairstyle their off-springs choose, the swagger some young men are so proud of. The African American, parents, see children experimenting but sometimes those on the other side of the track fail to see children. They do not permit themselves to see their own children in the dark faces. They color them as threats by virtue of that color, that style.

Trayvon Martin was a good boy. To look into his eyes is to intuitively grasp how great this tragedy is. President Barrack Obama said that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon. Trayvon looked like me, also. He as the universal son of anyone who wanted a good son, and that should have nothing to do with color. Growing up in the African American community I saw that people could love Shirley Temple without any reference to her skin. She was adorable. Recognition of such should be universal. The cry for justice for Trayvon is cry from every soul that loves a child. I don't want to see anyone's child shot down in the street.

On The Stand Your Ground Law:

It is important that a citizen recognizes and uses his or her right to defend themselves but they must not be given a license to kill. If they are attacked by a person bearing arms, they may be justified in that situation. In most situations, it is enough to run the person off or incapacitate them until the police arrive. If there are not clear guidelines there will be more convenience killings taking place under the color of law. My advice is re-train your mind. Learn to be more aware. Sometimes we expect things to be as they ought to be or should be but it is wise to discern what they are, and adjust ourselves accordingly.

My sister Jo T Silva, mother of two sons, an entrepreneur,shows the hooded garment she is wearing to show solidarity with Trayvon's parents. She joined Raheema at the park rally. The feelings cross states and cultures.

Ironically, African American parents, children and their supporters have rallied behind a call of justice in this case. They are standing their ground in a most impressive way. When a good parent sends a child out of the house they expect them to return safely. They have a right to expect that. If there is a racial tinge to this discussion, nationally, it does not indicate a wholesale disregard for the authorities. It bubbles to the surface only because of a longstanding history of neglect. The life of an African American youth does not seem to matter in this country. This time is different, too many people see the face of their own child or even themselves in those once bright eyes of Travyon. If there is no justice in this case, we can weep for our country, weep for the shame.

The tradition continues

A good person can be the victim of violence. We do not want to think about it but it happens every day. We have the capacity to learn but we also have the ability to unlearn unsafe habits. Part of the Soul Sword Zen Mission is to teach people how to stand their ground but in a very different way from what we are hearing now. There is an internal way, a Divine way to be strong. We are not born to become a statistic. We are not born killers either. We need transformation of the mind to discover the balance that will heal us all.

May peace prevail.

Kitabu Roshi

GLADYS KNIGHT ... A LESSON IN RHYTHM, GRACE AND SOUL

Watching legendary singer Gladys Knight perform her first dance on this season's Dancing with the Stars was genuinely breathtaking to me. Going strictly by calendar years Ms Knight would be categorized as a senior citizen. On the dance floor her movements and joyfulness transformed her into an age-defying diva who caught my attention and held it. With each step, each twirl, she taught Americans a lesson, an object lesson. Ms Knight rode the music with rhythm, grace and soul. Obviously, the power of soul in motion defies the years.

It is an unfortunate practice in the west to assume that as people become older their value as a person, even their allure diminishes or vanishes altogether. In other parts of he world age is synonymous with wisdom and grace, and often, power. Expectations, the power of collective suggestions can produce the effects projected. The saying, "Act your age!" is a suggestion that there are fixed cultural laws that dictate at what age we can or can not perform in certain ways. While to some extent this is good, such as those laws which protect children from themselves and outsiders, others are just arbitrary nuisances. They can serve as a net to pull in and drown the spirit. It is no accident that we have the term, "free-spirit," to refer to a person who will not be trapped by conventions.

A woman told me that she observed her young grandson watching a football game with his father. Excited by the action he hooped and hollered. His father coolly turned to him and said, "if you can't contain yourself, go to another room." If you can not express your emotions, your excitement during a football game, if you have to contain yourself and your feelings at home, when will you ever be free. It is the mission of society to mold and shape us, to whip us into shape until we fit snugly into a type. It should not be our goal to conform. The Authority of this world would have us do so, however. Yet, the spiritual teaching on the matter calls for a completely opposite tack.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) ~ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Although we do not act like it in our daily lives, we are essentially spiritual beings. To realize the highest nature of ourselves we must go beyond the pattern set for us by the minds of this world. Only when our mind is renewed will we be able to break free. As in the movie, The Matrix, people can not see their actual condition with their eyes. Someone free of the trap must inform them. Nothing informs better than a demonstration in real time.

When Gladys Knight, the oldest contestant on Dancing with the Stars, this season danced, she like octogenarian Betty White, who performed during a past season, demonstrated that a person, a single individual, can transcend stereotype and labels to create their own place. Dancing is moving in rhythm to a beat,and in harmony with another person but at its best it is more than that. It is allowing your spirit to synchronize and snycopate with your environment, within amd without, at the same time. When that happens you are dancing with yourself. Dancing, then is the same as Kung Fu, it brings the resources of your being together, so as to maximize your ability to move through the world around, staying in harmony with the nature of self, earth and the universe at large. That "Kung Fu" is far beyond fighting, it is Zen, The Way, it is Nature in its highest sense.

The world is always throwing things in our path, challenges, stresses, the unexpected. If we function from a fixed-mindset, the conformed mind, we will be slow on our feet, not at all quick to adapt and move on. We need to dance. We can do that when the music is always playing. Other people may not hear it but you have to listen for it, reach for it, meditate on that unique music that is beyond sound, "the music of the spheres,", the divine current of melodies that play in your soul. Now that leads to some good dancing.

It is no wonder that all cultures on the planet have dance. When performed with an uplifted heart and worshipful mind, it links us to our primordial roots. The ABC Network dance show is so popular because somehow people sense the curent beneath the hype. We are touched by the transformation of the individual. The performance of Tennis great Martina Navatilova was wonderful to witness because she went from awkward to feminine grace in a single dance. The legendary king of clumsiness, "Steve Urkel," who is really actor, Jaleel White, proved he was anything but clumsy on the dance floor.

We can rise above stereotype and find our own rhythm, if we are willing to dance. The dancing I am referring to is not just dancing on a ballroom floor. You must learn to express your rhythm wherever you are. There will always be guide-lines and frames in which we must work but we have the inward ability to make such our own. Those who are master controllers are standing by to tell you your movements are not legitimate. They may use ridicule to force you to conform. Ask yourself this ...who is the real choreographer of the Universe Dance? Are you really bound to what this person says or that one?

The interesting thing about Dancing with the Stars is that the stars are not stars of dance. They are beginners with a star halo. Don't be afraid to try a new move in life. Take the risk. Treat it like a dance you do for fun. If we go out to dance and look at the great dancers, we may talk ourselves out of trying. Listen to the music. Meditate on the music. Before you even know it, you will reach for your partner's hand and walk onto the floor. In the ballroom called life, you have to be the star. Dancing is a creative process and so is life. There are themes we must follow to live in relative peace but we can expand upon those themes endlessly. Just as there is no end to the new songs that are written and sung there is no end to the way you can move to the rhythm. The critic may applaud how closely you emulate their model. If you want to soar, make your own dance. I like the way David, The Shepherd Boy who became king approached the subject. He danced before The Lord. His dance was a celebration of our creator. That is genuine "Kung Fu." However you view your own responses to life, don't stop dancing at any age.

Before we leave this subject of dancing, finding your own steps and the rhythm of being for yourself. I offer another video which demonstrates that I do, indeed, practice what I teach, not from a hiding place but on the stages of the world, if I cam called to do so. The art you see me display is a creative dance called Zen Mushin Ryu, arising from the same source that produced the great arts of The East but such a thing is not so easy for most people to accept. The dance must be taken to the floor. In this case, all the judges wear black belts. When you believe in The Power, all things are possible. What a marvelous opportunity to put God, The Spirit, The Choreographer to the test, for His glory, not mine.

JAI!

Photo supplied by Myson Sheppard

A professor at a nearby university went to visit a Zen master. The two men settled in the garden. The professor wanted to learn something about Zen but almost immediately he began talking about what he already knew. The Roshi listened for awhile then politely asked, "Would you like a cup of tea?" The professor agreed to join the master by receiving the exlixir so closely associated with Zen lore.

The Roshi looked into the eyes of the professor, "Your mind is full. How can I offer you Zen, if your mind is already full?"

Today many people claim to be seekers of truth but whether they are or not depends on their definition or approach to this experience they call Truth. We live in a time we identify as the Information Age. The value of a person can often be measured in how fast they can gather data and facts. Are you a 3G or a 4G person? if your ability to download cannot be measured in gigabytes, your phone is not smart ... and just perhaps, you will be viewed in a similar fashion. You must KNOW. You must have information available at every moment of need. At least that is the story we are told.

Of course, it is good to have the data you need when you need it. It is handy to have facts at your fingertips. Your work is made easier and your curiosity can be satisfied in seconds. If truth means data and facts, your problem is easily solvable ... upgrade. Get yourself a new computer, I-Pad, Smartphone or enroll in a university. Stream facts and data into your brain on every subject you ever wanted to explore. If this is your truth seeking, wisdom, and nirvana may only be a few click away. However, if by truth you mean awakening to the fundamental nature of being and the Divine rhythm of life and the universe, itself, you are probing cyber-space with the wrong tool. A mind full of stuff can bring you more and more stuff but it can not bring you that most awesome of gifts, INNER-PEACE.

Inner-Peace is the center-point, the magnet for immeasurable Divine treasures you can utilize right here on earth. It is taught that "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you ..." How do you get there? Can you take a bus, dig through your skin?? Can you find the answer on your computer or ask the Artificial Intelligence, Siri, on your I-Phone? Herein lies the problem. Too often, seekers and human beings in general, leap on the mule but mistake the tail for the mane. This is a classic dilemma. It does not matter whether it is the man or the mule who is positioned wrong. Positioned in this way it is a clear case of man backwards ... ass backwards. The journey is in peril. The one who sees the trail does not know the destination. The one who knows the destination can not see the trail. How sad it is?

Guru or Roshi comes up to the man and says, "You are facing the wrong way, brother." The man looks at him and says. "I am facing the right direction. It is this dumb mule who is pointed wrong."

No one can help you if you will not see. No one can help you, if you stubbornly sit on your ass, the mule, and will not change your position. You may have a brain full of facts and data but when it comes to the real TRUTH, none of it will help you. There is a way, however. Don't emulate the professor. You can not believe for a single moment that you can approach the path of Self-Realization ... true awakening proudly overflowing with your own ideas. If you are not willing to empty your cup you are not a seeker of Truth, you are a discovery of delusions. You will definitely need more gigabytes to store them.

The Way is not your way. It is not my way. It belongs to no one. It is beholding to no one. It is beyond traditions even though traditions may embrace it. As Buddhist say, it is beyond beyond, altogether beyond ... So it is that when one comes to The Path of Truth in its highest sense, it defies what is known. It defies logic. Those who are emissaries of The Way are empowered by The Way to break through the mental walls which re-enforce our illusions and help free us of our delusions. When a student or disciple of The Way, herein referred to as Zen, in its universal all embracing expression, finds a master, the experience will be meaningless, ineffective, if all he or she does is take notes. It is the mission of the master to take everything from you, including your pre-existing idea of a self to be realized. If the seeker does not understand the purpose of the master, he or she will be deluded about the nature of the path.

When the Roshi offered the professor tea, he poured the brew made from boiling leaves into his cup. What a waste! I am happy to pour you a cup of tea also. Here is the difference... no cup, no teabag, no water and no pot. Now that is awesome tea.

The world of particulars, that is the world of things is exciting. Sometimes, it is terrifying but mostly it is wonderful. Whatever it is it is but a flashing of light, darkness and colors before our eyes. What is before our eyes is ephemeral, we know that. Yet, we push off that thought until someone close to us dies. We remember then. We do not know how to feel but we find comfort in our stories of what lies beyond. There is so much speculation. People cling to thoughts but thoughts may not point to anything real. Imagination is just as powerful. Who knows what is real?

As long as reality remains in the realm of thought we are suffering from duality, what Christ calls a double-mind. We are observing something apart from ourselves but reality by its very nature must be inclusive. How can there be anyone to observe it unless they are functioning from a diminished consciousness. It is akin to a sleeper who dreams he or she is awake. If a person views the whole body in the midst of activity he is asleep or out of the body . A person who is awake uses the body from within, barring the use of a reflective device such as a mirror, he can not observe his whole form in action.

From an early age we are taught to live in a linear world and to embrace it and its properties as the foundation of what we call life. The norm is measurable by established laws and traditions which work to the socialization of beings. We are herded this direction and that for our own good, we are taught to believe. If we follow the leader we assume the destination is benevolent. Cattle quietly follow one another to slaughter. We may not face actual bloodshed by playing follow the leader but we deprive ourselves of the greatest of all experiences. It is something that can only happen to a a triune being, a being who is at the same time, physical, mental and spiritual. Only by the harmonious integration of this trinity can the person awaken. Christ said that Man could be "One with God." This is not something that can be done as a congregation or tribe. It is the result of an individual's personal quest. It is also important to note that despite the examples given, this is not simply definable as a religious path. The vast universe and a mustard seed are part of the same Truth. The word, Science and its discoveries are no less scriptures than the books of The Bible.

The Spiritual Teacher teaches by way of The Spirit. In other words, to qualify a master, The Spirit of The Universe guides and teaches through the vessel of the master. The master does not lose his viability as a genuine person through this "anointing" or "transmission." Those who recognize this phenomenon yield and receive the teachings. The master serves as the physical manifestation or embodiment of that which is beyond seeing. Air has no form. An empty balloon is lifeless. Filled with air it becomes vital while giving form to the air which inflates it. This is the role of a master, Here is a story that may help you sense that message:

A Zen master asked a monk, "How do you get a hold on empty air?" The monk grabbed at nothing. "What is that?" The master asked. "You have grabbed nothing at all." "What should I do?" The monk asked. The master suddenly grabbed him by the nose. The monk cried out in pain. "This is how you grab empty air," the master said.

How do you grab a hold of The Spirit? How do you sit at his feet? How do you share a cup of tea with him or split an ice cream sandwich with him? There are those who do this. You can do it also. What are you leading with? Is your brain (hardware) in charge? Is your intellect running everything? Are you fully dependent only on your five sense? You are filled to overflow. Empty your cup! When it is truly empty come closer.

End of Part I

It is clear to me that our arts and skills are offshoots of The Creator's power. For that reason when I am awed by a display of talent in any form, I tend to receive it as a prayer, a reminder that there is someone greater than our selves just out of sight. That feeling of sacred awe is intensified when the person at "center-stage" also recognizes Divine Source, The Lord of Creation. When they do I experience an electrical connection between us, even if the person is not unaware of my existence. That person or performer becomes part of my spiritual support, one of my earth angels. An earth angel is an instrument of God, consciously or unconsciously. Whitney Houston was such a soul. The first time I heard her sing her voice went all the way through me, reaching a dimension of sound, hitherto, untouched. Whitney had a voice blessed by Heaven and a fresh-faced beautiful spirit that not only refreshed the music industry but opened new doors in Hollywood film. Her starring role in The Bodyguard quickly became a classic to me. The music, that face, those sparkling eyes were unforgettable. Whitney flew high, and she took us with her.

In a few hours of this writing, Whitney Houston will be laid to rest at her home church in New Jersey, New Hope Baptist. The live service is being played in the background on CNN as I write these lines. Whitney traveled a long way since being the little girl who sang in the choir. Some would say she fell from grace but they would be wrong. The eyes of flesh do not see as God sees. Human beings fail. God understood that so well that he made provisions to restore and lift us up again when we could not do it ouselves. Man looks and judges but they do not understand how Spirit works invisibly but effectively to forgive, cleanse and heal a soul from the inside, even if the eyes of our fellowman do not recognize it. When one knows The Lord, even that person can fall but to the glory of God they do not fall out of his grace but into it. Human beings tend to abandon those they claim to love when they slip into troubles but it is at that critical moment that God draws nearer.

The Chinese have a saying about TAO. "Men love The Tao (The Way) beause it forgives you when you sin."

When Whitney was at the top of the charts she was loved by her fans. During her attempt to rise from the ashes of her troubles and ascend to the glory clouds again some of those same fans walked out of her concerts because she was not the same as they remembered her. They could not bring themselves to root for her to "tarry" with her for one day. Such is the way of man. Now she is gone ... the praise comes again. Of course some that, perhaps most of it is sincere but we need to remember that our heroes, our stars are just human beings, like ourselves. They hurt, they get hurt, they are fallible .. and yet, they can give in extraordinary ways, gifts to raise up our spirit. For that they are special. For that should they be respected and honored, for they are special vessels of The Good.

When Whitney sang, "I Look to You," on her 2009, so called, comeback album, I knew she was singing to The Lord. I understood this also when she sang, "He's all the Man I Need." I knew that no man of flesh and blood could meet the criteria of the song. Christians know the teachings "Be in the world but not of the world." No matter how spiritual a person may be their body remains in the world. It is subject to cold, heat, hunger, disease and the temptations. There will be times when the pull of the flesh will win. Contradictions are so inherent in our condition that The Scriptures says, "The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." We need to learn how to celebrate the good we recognize in each other. Wouldn't it be better if we inter the bad with the bones, and not the other way around. I am always saddened at how hard the media works to "expose" a person we admire when they pass from us. We really do not need this. We have only to look at our own private lives to know we cannot sustain our public persona indefinitely.

I celebrate the life of Whitney Houston as a metaphor for all the musicians who enriched our lives and continue to do with their marvelous gifts. Not all will reach her level of fame, nor sense her depth of pain but they give from their souls, nonetheless. When we give so much we can drain our life-force, so we need to refuel. If you listen with your ears and feel with your spirit, you knew that Whitney Houston often sang to a higher dimension. In her eyes I could see that light and knew she could never forget the one who touched her spirit in church so many years ago. He was always there, in the background sometimes, in the foreground at other times. For most of us, Whitney remains what Oprah Winfrey called "The Voice." She delivered over and over again, and now The Lord has delivered her into his presence. He left us indelible memories. I acknowledge the commercial support that permits the showing of these videos.

I look to You was a fitting swan song,final message, for witness. It appears that her spirit understood that it would be her final anthem. This performance in Germany points to her universal appeal.

Love is forever. We abide in only temporary housing. It is wise to reach beyond it, to look to God always.