Seishin Teki Kyoko

"Seishin-teki kyōyō" is a spiritual refinement technique in "ninjutsu".

Points for spiritual refinement

# Knowing one's self
# Knowing nature
# Destiny (can be translated as calling)
# Harmony
# The Heart
# The Eye
# Love

Taken with permission from this page [http://www.akban.org/english/general-info-budo-ninjutsu/reasons-for-ethical-code.php Explaining AKBAN's Ninjutsu ethical code]

In "ninjutsu", the mind must be prepared before it can receive what it must do. Derived from Shinto and Zen buddhism, the active mind must be clearly on task to make any technique work. It is said, "a naked man in an empty room can still practice ninjutsu." For "ninjutsu" is about a thinking, adaptive mind that is responsive to this situation, yet passive like a river on its banks.

Some "ninjutsu schools" start this awakening the mind with a yoga-derived system from India. A common symbol is the "dorje", a double mini spear meditation tool that helps the "ninja" attain a form of enlightenment by following a series of mantras. Or with preset meditative positions with the Tendai or Lotus Sutra from Buddhism. Shinto allowed the "ninja" to develop the meditations into "kuji'in" and "Kuji-kiri", as a means to channel "ki"-energy toward allowing the mind to accept the pain of training, and understanding the elements. The meditations allows the "ninja" to release the material world, to form in the mind the mindset necessary to study the elements, and to allow "ki" to flow freely through the "meridians" and hence through the "chakras".

Some trained in "ninjutsu" can meditate for many hours. Other "ninja" trained in winter, under waterfalls stressing their bodies to the limit, to help cleanse their souls. For some "ninja", impurity of the soul is the same as impurity in steel, the soul like steel will break under pressure if the soul is not pure and mixed correctly, for the connection between mind and body is only available if the soul is there. Once the soul takes flight from the body, the connection between mind and body is forever lost, only something like a silver string combines these things with the soul. Silver can corrode and tarnish turning weak if silver is not polished regularly.

Some "ninja" are trained in certain schools to understand the laws of "karma", castes, and interaction in society that the web of life so they would be wise in their decisions. As to combine themselves, the many elements, towards linking with heaven and earth. "Ninja" understand these elements and the spiritual "kami" each element has in its linkage to the world. To blend with the world, you must understand your place in the world, and how you fit into the way of things. If your soul is not pure, you will see things incorrectly, and then your decisions will reflect your corruption. The desire, intent, and focus must be straight. It is once held, awaken the mind, release the spirit, and steady the body, and understanding will follow.

One "koan" that could fit this is you cannot handle another cup of tea if your cup is full. Nobody can use the bathroom for you; you must relieve your suffering in your own way. If you are done relieving your suffering, then your mind will be a polished mind, like a mirror, it will reflect clearly on the moment, undistracted by your needs.

External links

* [http://www.akban.org/english/general-info-budo-ninjutsu/ethical-code.php This page shows the modern implantation of these guidelines in a current day school.]