Standing at The Intersection of Conflict and Belief
“I myself have resolved to follow the path of righteousness henceforth. More than anything, devote yourself to learning and act in accordance with the teachings of the past.” – Katsu Kokichi, Musui’s Story
Podcast Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donavon-riley/episodes/0192-Midweek-Debrief—Musuis-Story–A-Tokugawa-Samurai-e2ib66a
“I realized that this was true for both China and Japan: every one of those who had been brought to ruin or lost their lands had been punished by Heaven for neglecting the proprieties between sovereign and subject, the bond of affection between parent, child, and brother, and for wallowing in greed and extravagance. All the more wondrous, then, that I have survived thus far without mishap. Indeed, I am overwhelmed by the mercy and goodness of Heaven that I even hesitate to show my face to my fellow men.” – Katsu Kokichi, Musui’s Story
Podcast Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donavon-riley/episodes/0164-Midweek-Debrief—Do-Not-Regret-What-You-Have-Done-e27djn8
It’s natural to have regrets, but this does not mean that you should live in a state of regret.
Many people say that you shouldn’t regret anything, but I think what they mean is that they don’t regret how things have turned out even if they had to go through some difficulty and hardship to get there. So we do not regret the outcomes.
We do not regret what we have done. This is only possible if you live intentionally and accept that mistakes happen. Learning occurs through those mistakes. Learning is how improvement happens. And how could we ever regret improving our lives. – Miyamoto Musashi, Dokkōdō
Dokkōdō Link: https://edlatimore.com/dokkodo/
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/0123-Midweek-Debrief—What-is-The-Warrior-Ethos-e1mkk2c
Ethos is a derivative of the same Greek word for ethics, and for the warrior comprises a code of conduct that guides his values and actions. It is often an oral code, passed down from one warrior to the next. Warrior ethos dictates not just how a warrior should behave towards his enemies, but also how he should relate to his people and overcome his own weaknesses. It is a philosophy that must balance the encouragement of active aggression with voluntary self-restraint. This tension lies at the core of warrior ethos.
https://www.thecollector.com/warrior-ethos-spartan-samurai-sioux/
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/0107-Midweek-Debrief—Eight-Virtues-of-The-Samurai-e1h53dq
Just a few decades after Japan’s warrior class was abolished, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt raved about a newly released book entitled Bushido: The Soul of Japan. He bought five dozen copies for family and friends. In the slim volume, which went on to become an international bestseller, author Nitobe Inazo interprets the samurai code of behavior: how chivalrous men should act in their personal and professional lives.
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/82-Takemi-Sasamori—Jesus-Double-Edged-Sword-escri3
We teach that to effectively execute this technique, students must first take stock of their own shortcomings, and “cut away” selfish desires, pride, and wickedness.
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/79-Takemi-Sasamori—Baptized-Samurai-eq4mnp
The mere pursuit of material wealth is meaningless, and that one should live a life based on spiritual values and faith.
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/78-Takemi-Sasamori—Warriors-Born-Too-Late-epocjk
Is Christianity compatible with the martial arts and the ancient samurai code of Bushido? The Reverend Sasamori Takemi, Methodist minister and pastor of the Komaba Eden Church in Tokyo, Japan and inheritor of three ancient martial arts traditions, unequivocally answers: “Yes!” In Bushido and Christianity, the Rev. Sasamori weaves together elements Japanese history, lessons from the Bible, and his own personal experiences growing up in a samurai family to trace where Bushido, the martial arts, and Christianity intersect and shows how following these ‘Ways’ can lead to a more fulfilling life. The Rev. Sasmori has over forty years experience as a pastor and over seventy years of training in traditional Japanese martial arts. He is regularly featured in the media in Japan and is a sought-after lecturer on the connection between Bushido and Christianity worldwide. His life’s mission has been to bridge the cultural divide between East and West.
Podcast Link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/71-Yamamoto-Tsunetomo—Book-of-The-Samurai–part-11-emrh3i
The foundation of a Nabeshima samurai should be in knowing this fact; in being deeply resolved to return this blessing by being useful; in serving more and more selflessly when treated kindly by the master ; in knowing that being made a ronin or being ordered to commit seppuku are also forms of service ; and in aiming to be mindful of the clan forever, whether one is banished deep in the mountains or buried under the earth. – Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure: Book of the Samurai
Podcast link: https://anchor.fm/donavon-riley/episodes/66-Yamamoto-Tsunetomo—Book-of-the-Samurai–part-6-ektc51
What is called winning is defeating one’s allies. Defeating one’s allies is defeating oneself, and defeating oneself is vigorously overcoming one’s own body.
The Warrior Priest Podcast 