Class: Divination
Apr. 11th, 2008 05:29 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
edomedpeddler.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
hh_mirror((OOC notes: There are two assignments to this lesson, the first above the cut, the second hidden behind it.
Anyone can join, even if you didn't sign up, so if after reading this post, you want to reply, go for it. As with most classes, if you want Kusuriyuri's attention, please include that in the subject line of the reply. Since Kusuriyuri is Japanese [and very much so], he talks in a rather passive, convoluted and understated way. If you need me to "translate" it in replies, please include an OOC asking for such and I'll be glad to do it for you. I do know that sometimes it can be off-putting, not being sure how to respond.
Also, there will be some Japanese words in the lesson. This is mostly due to the "they don't translate well if at all" problem. I will provide a translation for them, though, but the Japanese will be there because it is more accurate.
There will be links at the bottom if you're interested in following up on any of the ideas presented here. I find research utterly fascinating but I understand if you don't. I provide them as citation and as "if you’re interested, you can follow up here."
The mysticism Kusuriyuri practices is based on 密教 Mikkyou Buddhism [Mikkyou translates to "secret religious transmission"], an esoteric branch of Buddhism that was passed down linearly [teacher to student]. Being Japanese, it is also heavily influenced by 陰陽 [onmyou, the kanji translate to dark and light], which relates to the Daoist philosophy of yin and yang. It is why Japanese religion is a thing of complex interactions between seemingly antagonistic faiths.
Kusuriyuri's practice as a medicine peddler would have required him to master the arts of exorcism, philosophy, divination, and reiki. He will, however, downplay his abilities for modesty's sake, that is, he is "just a simple medicine peddler."
Feel free to say the topic is difficult...the mun agrees That is enough from me.))
Kusuriyuri examined his class. He was more familiar with one on one teaching. This group effort seemed to him a bit less focused than necessary for the students to gain the information they needed. But, this was the method that the books, when he'd finally found the library, suggested.
Students may notice odd pieces of paper adorning the walls. The paintings and the ghosts still make him uneasy so he feels better with 札 fuda, wards, on the walls. If they do not react, there are no mononoke around. It is wiser to be prepared and warned than taken unawares.
Greetings, I am Kusuriyuri. I look forward to working with you. It was requested that you consider the meanings of form and substance for this lesson. Please, write the meaning you have derived on the paper before you. When you are finished, please turn the paper over.
Mikkyou teaches of 三秘密 （san himitsu, three secrets）. These are, in the basic form, imitsu (meditation), kumitsu (mantra), and shinmitsu (murda or hand gestures). These relate to the mind, speech and the body, or reason, truth and form. The three are interrelated, relying on one another for their being.
The three secrets are mirrored by the three marks of existence. Striving or suffering relates to kumitsu, the non-Self or perceived self, relates to mantra. Impermanence, or change, relates to shinmitsu.
This being said, all things that have existence are subject to change and non-existence. The form is impermanent, changing with the flow of time.
If form, if existence, is not constant, then what can we gain from studying it? Through study, through practice, it is possible to directly experience that which is fulfillment, the Self and permanent. Through seeking understanding of these secrets, understanding the reason, truth and form of the world and ourselves, one may focus their energies to discover and develop skills and gifts: Coordination, pain control, healing, psychic sensitivity, divination.
What, then, is form? What is substance? Substance is that which underlies form. Without substance, form is empty, meaningless. Without form, substance cannot become impermanent, though. In order to exist, substance needs form.
In Mikkyou, substance is 真言 (shingon, ‘true word’ or ‘mantra’). Mikkyou is the movement, the form, and Shingon is the mantra, the truth. Together, they lend reason to existence.
It is within the heart to create form, truth, and reason. One may create a form, an idea, a concept. If to this is added energy, emotional or thought, it gains substance. By releasing this energy into the world, the thing gains reason. Thus, it is possible for people to manifest that which they want and do not want.
With humans, the strongest emotions are usually those that are negative: Fear, anger, hatred. When their form is not acknowledged, these emotions gain power and become a controlling factor over a person. Negative emotions give substance to that which is there, regardless if it can be seen or not.
Though a thing may have form, without substance, it cannot exist. If form is joined by truth and reason, a thing will have the three marks of existence. If a thing exists, it can be caused to not exist.
By naming, by giving form to that which is most feared, one begin giving it existence. When a thing has existence, it can be rendered non-existent.
To face one's own fears, then, facing the formless, the unknown, the endless. It is to face the non-existent and make it exist.
In turn, please write down and share with us what your greatest fear is. On the paper, describe it. It is best if you do not back away from naming it. To give fear a name is to give it form, is to being giving it an existance that can be taken away. It may be that among those in this class, there are others who will see the truth and reason to your fear's form, thus giving you more tools with which to confront it.
Kusuriyuri looks around at the class, pausing a moment. He is not used to speaking for such a long period of time. He closes his eyes briefly before looking at the class again, seeking to make eye contact with each student.
My greatest fear is that at the end of existence, there will be no form, no truth, no reason, that everything I am and have done will be in vain. By seeking these three, I confront my fear.
Kusuriyuri bows slightly to the class and kneels on the floor next to the desk. He is not comfortable yet in western style chairs. He will wait until he is needed. He trusts that the students are bold enough to attract his attention should they need it.
((OOC: References/related links:
http://www.occultforums.com/showthread.php?t=5448
http://www.aetw.org/reiki_ko_ju.html
http://www.aetw.org/jsp_mikkyo.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikkyo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_marks_of_existence
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onmyodo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mononoke_%28anime%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai
Episodes of Mononoke can be made availible if desired. This lesson directly references episodes 3-5))
Anyone can join, even if you didn't sign up, so if after reading this post, you want to reply, go for it. As with most classes, if you want Kusuriyuri's attention, please include that in the subject line of the reply. Since Kusuriyuri is Japanese [and very much so], he talks in a rather passive, convoluted and understated way. If you need me to "translate" it in replies, please include an OOC asking for such and I'll be glad to do it for you. I do know that sometimes it can be off-putting, not being sure how to respond.
Also, there will be some Japanese words in the lesson. This is mostly due to the "they don't translate well if at all" problem. I will provide a translation for them, though, but the Japanese will be there because it is more accurate.
There will be links at the bottom if you're interested in following up on any of the ideas presented here. I find research utterly fascinating but I understand if you don't. I provide them as citation and as "if you’re interested, you can follow up here."
The mysticism Kusuriyuri practices is based on 密教 Mikkyou Buddhism [Mikkyou translates to "secret religious transmission"], an esoteric branch of Buddhism that was passed down linearly [teacher to student]. Being Japanese, it is also heavily influenced by 陰陽 [onmyou, the kanji translate to dark and light], which relates to the Daoist philosophy of yin and yang. It is why Japanese religion is a thing of complex interactions between seemingly antagonistic faiths.
Kusuriyuri's practice as a medicine peddler would have required him to master the arts of exorcism, philosophy, divination, and reiki. He will, however, downplay his abilities for modesty's sake, that is, he is "just a simple medicine peddler."
Feel free to say the topic is difficult...the mun agrees That is enough from me.))
Kusuriyuri examined his class. He was more familiar with one on one teaching. This group effort seemed to him a bit less focused than necessary for the students to gain the information they needed. But, this was the method that the books, when he'd finally found the library, suggested.
Students may notice odd pieces of paper adorning the walls. The paintings and the ghosts still make him uneasy so he feels better with 札 fuda, wards, on the walls. If they do not react, there are no mononoke around. It is wiser to be prepared and warned than taken unawares.
Greetings, I am Kusuriyuri. I look forward to working with you. It was requested that you consider the meanings of form and substance for this lesson. Please, write the meaning you have derived on the paper before you. When you are finished, please turn the paper over.
Mikkyou teaches of 三秘密 （san himitsu, three secrets）. These are, in the basic form, imitsu (meditation), kumitsu (mantra), and shinmitsu (murda or hand gestures). These relate to the mind, speech and the body, or reason, truth and form. The three are interrelated, relying on one another for their being.
The three secrets are mirrored by the three marks of existence. Striving or suffering relates to kumitsu, the non-Self or perceived self, relates to mantra. Impermanence, or change, relates to shinmitsu.
This being said, all things that have existence are subject to change and non-existence. The form is impermanent, changing with the flow of time.
If form, if existence, is not constant, then what can we gain from studying it? Through study, through practice, it is possible to directly experience that which is fulfillment, the Self and permanent. Through seeking understanding of these secrets, understanding the reason, truth and form of the world and ourselves, one may focus their energies to discover and develop skills and gifts: Coordination, pain control, healing, psychic sensitivity, divination.
What, then, is form? What is substance? Substance is that which underlies form. Without substance, form is empty, meaningless. Without form, substance cannot become impermanent, though. In order to exist, substance needs form.
In Mikkyou, substance is 真言 (shingon, ‘true word’ or ‘mantra’). Mikkyou is the movement, the form, and Shingon is the mantra, the truth. Together, they lend reason to existence.
It is within the heart to create form, truth, and reason. One may create a form, an idea, a concept. If to this is added energy, emotional or thought, it gains substance. By releasing this energy into the world, the thing gains reason. Thus, it is possible for people to manifest that which they want and do not want.
With humans, the strongest emotions are usually those that are negative: Fear, anger, hatred. When their form is not acknowledged, these emotions gain power and become a controlling factor over a person. Negative emotions give substance to that which is there, regardless if it can be seen or not.
Though a thing may have form, without substance, it cannot exist. If form is joined by truth and reason, a thing will have the three marks of existence. If a thing exists, it can be caused to not exist.
By naming, by giving form to that which is most feared, one begin giving it existence. When a thing has existence, it can be rendered non-existent.
To face one's own fears, then, facing the formless, the unknown, the endless. It is to face the non-existent and make it exist.
In turn, please write down and share with us what your greatest fear is. On the paper, describe it. It is best if you do not back away from naming it. To give fear a name is to give it form, is to being giving it an existance that can be taken away. It may be that among those in this class, there are others who will see the truth and reason to your fear's form, thus giving you more tools with which to confront it.
Kusuriyuri looks around at the class, pausing a moment. He is not used to speaking for such a long period of time. He closes his eyes briefly before looking at the class again, seeking to make eye contact with each student.
My greatest fear is that at the end of existence, there will be no form, no truth, no reason, that everything I am and have done will be in vain. By seeking these three, I confront my fear.
Kusuriyuri bows slightly to the class and kneels on the floor next to the desk. He is not comfortable yet in western style chairs. He will wait until he is needed. He trusts that the students are bold enough to attract his attention should they need it.
((OOC: References/related links:
http://www.occultforums.com/showthread.php?t=5448
http://www.aetw.org/reiki_ko_ju.html
http://www.aetw.org/jsp_mikkyo.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikkyo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_marks_of_existence
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onmyodo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mononoke_%28anime%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai
Episodes of Mononoke can be made availible if desired. This lesson directly references episodes 3-5))
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no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 07:23 am (UTC)He's incredibly relieved that Soichiro didn't write Mello's name. He'd been so badly injured that he probably wouldn't even have thought it was Kira's fault; blowing up buildings was risky business.
no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 07:30 am (UTC)That had been when he was young and cocky.
no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 07:37 am (UTC)"Ouch. That can't have been fun." (It might have been nice to only get shot once, though.)
no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 07:39 am (UTC)"I should have been more careful." He looked around at the other students. "Hm, Ryuzaki's here. I shouldn't be surprised, yet I am."
no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 07:54 am (UTC)"Yeah," Matt says. "It's always easy to say that afterwards..."
A small laugh. "You're surprised that Ryuuzaki's at a class?"
no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 07:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-04-12 08:02 am (UTC)Matt personally thinks that knowing who Kira is from the get-go could only be a good thing, but... not his decision, really.
no subject
Date: 2008-04-13 01:25 am (UTC)"I wonder if he put something down. He acted so casual about things normal people fear."
no subject
Date: 2008-04-13 01:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-04-13 01:45 am (UTC)"If he had one, it'd probably be more in line with your second one, I suppose."
no subject
Date: 2008-04-13 01:54 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-04-13 02:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-04-13 02:11 am (UTC)It had been really fucking difficult.
"Yeah, I guess."