Recommended Reading: Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers

An excerpt from Wabi-Sabi:

Wabi-sabi is the most conspicuous and characteristic feature of what we think of as traditional Japanese beauty. It occupies roughly the same position in the Japanese pantheon of aesthetic values as do the Greek ideals of beauty and perfection in the West. Wabi-sabi can in its fullest expression be a way of life. At the very least, it is a particular type of beauty. The closest English word to wabi-sabi is probably "rustic." Webster's defines "rustic" as "simple, artless, or unsophisticated . . . [with] surfaces rough or irregular." While "rustic" represents only a limited dimension of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, it is the initial impression many people have when they first see a wabi-sabi expression . . . Originally, the Japanese words "wabi" and "sabi" had quite different meanings. "Sabi" originally meant "chill," "lean," or "withered." "Wabi" originally meant the misery of living alone in nature, away from society, and suggested a discouraged, dispirited, cheerless emotional state. Around the 14th century, the meanings of both words began to evolve in the direction of more positive aesthetic values. The self-imposed isolation and voluntary poverty of the hermit and ascetic came to be considered opportunities for spiritual richness. For the poetically inclined, this kind of life fostered an appreciation of the minor details of everyday life and insights into the beauty of inconspicuous and overlooked aspects of nature. In turn, unprepossessing simplicity took on new meaning as the basis for a new, pure beauty.

Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation

Based on the eclectic Western-Eastern teachings of Nakamura Tempu Sensei, Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation is a step-by-step introduction to Japanese yoga (Shin-shin-toitsu-do). It presents stretching, healing, and meditation exercises designed for mind/body integration. It is the first book in English to detail the life and teachings of Nakamura Sensei. In Japanese yoga, which is based on mind and body unification principles, the ultimate goal is enhanced concentration, calmness, and willpower for a longer, healthier, and fuller life. H. E. Davey Sensei also shows how Japanese yoga relates to various classical Japanese arts as part of a tradition of spiritual practice with spiritual and aesthetic roots in India, Japan, and the West. Illustrated, with a glossary and reference section.

The Japanese Way of the Artist

The Japanese Way of the Artist:Living the Japanese Arts & Ways, Brush Meditation, The Japanese Way of the Flower


By H. E. Davey


512 pp
6 x 7.75"
Paperback
135 B&W illustrations and photographs
ISBN 978-1-933330-07-5
$19.95


Now in a single volume, three essential works on Japanese aesthetics, spirituality, and meditation.


Living the Japanese Arts & Ways: 45 Paths to Meditation & Beauty


“Davey uses words with clarity and simplicity to describe the non-word realm of practicing these arts-calligraphy, martial arts, tea ceremony, painting-and the spiritual meaning of such practice. . . . A wonderful complement for practitioners of meditation, especially Zen.”
Publishers Weekly


The Michi Mission: From chado—“the Way of tea”—to budo—“the martial Way”—Japan has succeeded in spiritualizing a number of classical arts. The names of these skills often end in Do, also pronounced Michi, meaning the “Way.” By studying a Way in detail, we discover vital principles that transcend the art and relate more broadly to the art of living itself. . . . Books in the Stone Bridge Press series Michi: Japanese Arts and Ways focus on these Do forms. They are about discipline and spirituality, about moving from the particular to the universal.


The three works anthologized here are essential to understanding the spiritual, meditative, and physical basis of all classical Japanese creative and martial arts. Living the Japanese Arts & Ways covers key concepts—like wabi and “stillness in motion”—while the other two books show the reader how to use brush calligraphy (shodo) and flower arranging (ikebana) to achieve mind-body unification.


In the Michi series, H. E. Davey explores the mind/body connection that lies at the heart of traditional Japanese arts and culture. Mr. Davey is Director of the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Free Month of Japanese Yoga & Martial Arts for Kids!

For a limited time only, the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts is offering a free month of instruction for children age five and above. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you'd like to get more details about this offer, call 510-526-7518 (evenings). You can also drop by Martial Arts & Kids (http://martialartsandkids.blogspot.com/).

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts has a special program for children. Since 1981, we've specialized in teaching young people traditional Japanese yoga and martial arts via fun, carefully structured classes. These classes present effective methods of controlling an opponent without excessive violence, and our overall emphasis focuses on the realization of each child's full potential. We stress learning to unite the mind and body in daily activities through practicing Japanese yoga and martial arts (jujutsu), which can in turn result in the discovery of our greatest human power.

Shudokan Martial Arts Association California Seminar (1)

SMAA California Seminar (1)—June 26 and 27, 2010

When: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27

Where: The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts
1053 San Pablo Ave.
Albany, CA 94706
USA
www.senninfoundation.com

What: Japanese yoga & meditation, Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu

Who: H. E. Davey--http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=2
With attending SMAA Senior Advisors:
Kevin Heard Sensei--http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=11
Ohsaki Jun Sensei—http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=18
Ann Kameoka Sensei—http://www.smaa-hq.com/bio.php?bioid=13

Theme: Students will receive instruction in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. The focus will be on unification of mind and body in action. Exercises will help participants to achieve deeper calmness, balance, and coordination in budo, but also in their daily lives as well.

Saigo Ryu hanbo-jutsu training will use many of the principles of mind and body unification practiced in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, and it will focus on the hanbo, a three-foot stick. Hanbo-jutsu, as practiced in Saigo Ryu, features dynamic throwing and pinning techniques using the hanbo for additional leverage and pain compliance. Think of it as “jujutsu with a stick.” (Hanbo can be purchased from the Sennin Foundation Center.)

No prior experience is needed in any of the above-mentioned arts. It is important, however, not to miss the first classes on June 26, which will introduce the basics of these disciplines.

Contact Information: hedavey@aol.com, 510-526-7518

Cost: General public—$60 for all Japanese yoga and martial arts classes, SMAA members—$40 for all Japanese yoga and martial classes (save $20!), hanbo—$14.99 with tax included.

Registration Deadline: All fees and a completed registration form must be received by the Sennin Foundation Center two weeks prior to the seminar. It will not be possible to register after this date, and space is limited. The Sennin Foundation Center reserves the right to close registration at any time when the maximum number of participants has been registered.

Troy Swenson Receives Japanese Yoga Teaching Certification

Sennin Foundation member Troy Swenson recently received Shihan-dai ("Associate Instructor") certification in the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. Swenson Sensei also studies in the Sennin Foundation's healing arts, martial arts, and fine arts programs. He is working toward teaching certification in these disciplines as well.

Mr. Swenson joined the Sennin Foundation Center in 2005, and he lives in El Sobrante, California. He works as a structural engineer.

For more information about Japanese yoga, visit http://www.senninfoundation.com/.

Sennin Foundation General Information

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts was formed in 1981. Since then, we’ve been teaching Japanese yoga and meditation, healing arts, martial arts, and fine arts. Japanese yoga and martial arts classes for children, age five and above, are also available.

We’re at 1053 San Pablo Ave. in Albany, California, between El Cerrito and Berkeley. We’re accessible by BART and bus. Visits are by appointment, and you can set up an appointment to visit and ask questions, pick up free literature, and/or register for classes by calling 510-526-7518 (PM).

Beginning classes in Japanese yoga and meditation take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Our class in Japanese healing arts takes place on Monday nights. Classes in martial arts are also on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes in Integrated Shodo & Meditation, which focus on brush writing and ink painting, are taught in private lessons. And our classes in Japanese yoga and martial arts for children are available Monday through Thursday in the evening.

All classes are semi-private, meaning we do not teach large groups to avoid watering down the quality of instruction. Private lessons are also available.

Prices are reasonable. Discounts are offered for paying more than one month at a time.

All the arts that we teach emphasize unification of mind and body in action. Participating in them develops willpower, concentration, calmness, and other important character traits. You can read more about these disciplines at www.senninfoundation.com. While there, check out the books for sale. Most of these publications can be purchased at the Sennin Foundation Center, and they represent another way to learn about our classes.

The best way, however, to understand what we offer is to call us at 510-526-7518 in the evening. If you get the answering machine, it probably means we’re in the middle of a class. Just leave a message, and we’ll call you back as soon as the class is over. We prefer telephone communication to e-mail, because telephone calls allow us to more effectively explain our programs and their price structure.

Thank you for your interest in the Sennin Foundation Center and this blog. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sennin Foundation Teacher has Book Published

Dr. Kyle Kurpinski, a Sennin Foundation teacher of Japanese yoga and martial arts, recently had his first book published. How to Defeat Your Own Clone: And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution has been getting great reviews. Visit the book's Facebook page for more information or go to http://www.kylekurpinski.com/.

Kurpinski Sensei has been a Sennin Foundation member for several years, and he teaches weekly at our dojo. He is also one of the leading U.S. cell biologists.

Free Japanese Yoga Class

On January 7, the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts will offer a FREE introductory class. The class, which will start at 7 PM, will feature Japanese yoga and meditation principles. It will be an introduction to how these principles of mind and body unification can help us in Japanese yoga and daily life. The class is open to both Sennin Foundation members and the general public.The instructor for this class will be Kevin Heard Sensei, who has been studying Japanese yoga for over 25 years. He has a Shihan teaching license, a very advanced rank.If you and/or your friends would like to participate, please call 510-526-7518 (PM). Then, drop by 1053 San Pablo Ave. in Albany, California at 6:45 PM. If you are not already a Sennin Foundation member, you will need to fill out a registration form and waiver. Wear loose clothing and bring a notebook.After the class, you will have a chance to purchase related books and CD-ROMs, and you and/or your friends can also make arrangements to join the Sennin Foundation Center if you like.

Kevin Heard Sensei

As of this past June, Kevin Heard Sensei has been a member of the Sennin Foundation Center for 25 years. He has displayed exceptional devotion to our dojo and achieved high levels of teaching certification in several of the traditional Japanese arts that we offer. His constant help with the organization and maintenance of the dojo has also been invaluable.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Heard Sensei has been studying Japanese cultural arts since he joined the Sennin Foundation Center in 1984. He is the webmaster of www.senninfoundation.com as well as Michi Online: Journal of Japanese Cultural Arts (www.michionline.org). He serves on the Board of Directors of the Sennin Foundation, Inc. as well, and he's an assistant editor of Michi Online.

Mr. Heard has obtained Shihan ("Professor" or "Instructor") teaching licenses in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, a form of Japanese yoga, as well as healing arts based on yuki, or "transference of ki." He teaches classes in these disciplines at our dojo each week.

Heard Sensei also holds the rank of menkyo chudan (a traditional teaching license roughly equivalent to fourth through sixth-degree black belt in modern ranking systems) in Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Heard Sensei has received teaching licenses from the Nihon Jujutsu and Kobudo divisions of the Kokusai Budoin, an elite international martial arts federation headquartered in Tokyo. He has demonstrated aiki-jujutsu several times at the Kokusai Budoin Sogo Budo Taikai, held annually in Tokyo. Heard Sensei is also on the Board of Advisors of the prestigious Shudokan Martial Arts Association.

In addition to teaching beginning and advanced martial arts classes at our dojo, Mr. Heard helps teach in our program for children, where he offers instruction in both Japanese yoga and martial arts. He has extensive experience working with young people, and he began assisting with our classes for kids in the mid-80s.

Heard Sensei earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of California at Berkeley. After working in the software development industry, he returned to the University to become Director of Computing and Information Services for UCB's School of Information. His professional interests include UNIX/Linux system administration, building information systems based on open standards, and open source software. He is also interested in issues of security, privacy, and personal freedom in the digital age. He is co-author of Mastering Netscape SuiteSpot 3 Servers (Sybex).

The next time you see Heard Sensei at the dojo, congratulate him on his 25th anniversary. It’s quite an accomplishment.

Anjo Daza Ho Meditation CD

The Sennin Foundation Center is now offering a new Anjo Daza Ho Meditation CD for just $8.95 (plus $2.00 U.S. shipping, $5.00 international). This unique CD is only sold by us, and it features the soothing sound of a classic Japanese meditation bell, timed at particular intervals, which can be used for Anjo Daza Ho meditation (as described in H. E. Davey Sensei's book Japanese Yoga). These kane, Japanese bowl-shaped bells, aren't widely available outside of Japan, and Anjo Daza Ho uses this sound to powerfully focus the mind for meditation. A special buzzer can also be used to effectively concentrate the mind, and this distinctive hum is included in our new CD as well.

The CD contains two tracks: one for beginners and one for more advanced meditators. The beginners' track features a longer sound, with shorter periods of silence, making it easier for novices to initially focus the mind and requiring them to maintain the meditative state for shorter periods. It lasts about 30 minutes.

The track for advanced students uses shorter periods of sound, with longer intervals of quiet, encouraging more adept meditators to focus the mind rapidly, and sustain soundless meditative consciousness for longer periods. This track is also about 30 minutes in length.

The production of this extraordinary CD was personally supervised by H. E. Davey Sensei, author of Japanese Yoga, and internationally acclaimed teacher of Japanese yoga and meditation. It represents your chance to more easily practice Anjo Daza Ho, a potent meditation created by Nakamura Tempu Sensei, the renowned founder of the Shin-shin-toitsu-do system of Japanese yoga and meditation. With our Anjo Daza Ho Meditation CD, you can experience heightened calmness, relaxation, concentration, and willpower.

You can order this meditation tool by visiting http://senninfoundation.com/meditation_cd.html. Once there, you can buy your CD using a major credit card or your PayPal account. Transactions are handled via PayPal and are safe and secure.

Gift Certificates

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts has gift certificates available for purchase. You can buy one month, three months, six months, or one year worth of classes for a friend with these certificates, and they make great presents.

Not sure what to get for a friend's birthday or wedding? Consider giving them prepaid instruction in any of the Japanese arts taught in our dojo. A Sennin Foundation gift certificate will benefit your friend, and help support our dojo.

For more information, or to purchase a gift certificate, please call 510-526-7518.

A Free Month of Japanese Yoga & Martial Arts for Kids

For a limited time only, the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts is offering a free month of instruction for children age five and above. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you'd like to get more details about this offer, call 510-526-7518 (evenings). You can also drop by Martial Arts & Kids (http://martialartsandkids.blogspot.com/).

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts has a special program for children. Since 1981, we've specialized in teaching young people traditional Japanese yoga and martial arts via fun, carefully structured classes. These classes present effective methods of controlling an opponent without excessive violence, and our overall emphasis focuses on the realization of each child's full potential. We stress learning to unite the mind and body in daily activities through practicing Japanese yoga and martial arts (jujutsu), which can in turn result in the discovery of our greatest human power.

SMAA Martial Arts Seminar at the Sennin Foundation

SMAA CALIFORNIA SEMINAR!

On June 27 and 28, the Shudokan Martial Arts Association will offer a special seminar in conjunction with the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts. It is one of several seminars commemorating the 15th anniversary of the SMAA, and the featured instructor will be H. E. Davey, SMAA Primary Director and SMAA Jujutsu Division Shihan and seventh dan.

The theme of the weekend will be “Unification of Mind & Body in the Martial Arts,” and instruction will be offered in Shin-shin-toitsu-do, a form of Japanese yoga and meditation, along with Saigo Ryu, a traditional martial art emphasizing jujutsu and several weapons. The event will take place in quaint Albany, California, just across the bay from San Francisco. Instruction is open to anyone above the age of thirteen.

Through unification of mind and body, martial artists and average people alike can learn to manifest their full potential in a wide variety of situations. Instruction will emphasize how mind and body unification principles created by Nakamura Tempu Sensei in the 1920s lead to enhanced concentration, calmness, relaxation, and willpower in both life and budo. Since Mr. Davey will be showing how these principles relate to budo, attending the Japanese yoga and meditation training is required for this event.

Saigo Ryu training will focus on the wide variety of dynamic throws, unique immobilizations, powerful strangle holds, and rarely seen grappling methods that make up the unarmed portion of this Japanese martial art. Emphasis will be placed on how an understanding of ki (“life energy”) and the hara (a natural abdominal center) can lead to greater power, balance, and grace in any martial art. Students will also be introduced to the art of subtly influencing an opponent’s mind and ki (ki o michibiki), resulting in effortless throws and pinning techniques.

Classes will be offered in a time-honored Japanese atmosphere, and Mr. Davey’s classical dojo is traditional in appearance and intimate in size. Attending these classes as special guest teachers will be at least three SMAA Senior Advisors: Kevin Heard Sensei, Ann Kameoka Sensei, and Ohsaki Jun Sensei. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly suggested.

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Book your flight and make your hotel reservations early. Plenty of time has been built into the schedule to allow for sightseeing and fun.

Mr. Davey and the various attending instructors look forward to offering you a life-altering training experience in June, an event that will present new ways of approaching budo and daily living. Registration forms have been sent to most of our members via e-mail. Members without e-mail should call soon to request a registration form.

Mr. Davey and the various attending SMAA officials are hoping to make new friends and meet old training partners at the first SMAA event ever offered in California.

When:

June 27 and 28

Where:

The Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts

1053 San Pablo Ave.Albany, CA 94706

USA

www.senninfoundation.com

http://senninfoundation.blogspot.com/

Who:

H. E. Davey Sensei (Featured instructor for Japanese yoga/meditation and Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/davey.php)

Kevin Heard Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/heard.php)

Ann Kameoka Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/kameoka.php)

Ohsaki Jun Sensei (Attending instructor, biographical sketch at http://smaa-hq.com/bios/ohsaki.php)

Schedule:

Saturday, June 27

8:45 to 9:45 AM (Introduction to Japanese yoga and mind/body unification. Wear a t-shirt and loose pants.)

10:00 to 11:30 AM (Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Wear a white gi.)

11:45 AM (Sightseeing in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Sunday, June 28

8:45 to 10:15 AM (Mind/body unification in Japanese yoga, martial arts, and daily life. Wear a t-shirt and loose pants.)

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu. Wear a white gi.)

12:15 to 2:15 PM (Informal party at Ruen Pair Thai Restaurant:http://www.ruenpair.com/)2:30 PM (Sightseeing in the San Francisco Bay Area)

Cost:

General Public—$60 for all Japanese yoga and martial arts classes

SMAA Members--$40 for all Japanese yoga and martial classes (Save $20!)

Housing and Meals:
Albany is located in the East Bay, across from San Francisco, and next to Berkeley. Restaurants are widely available, as are hotels. A Holiday Inn can be found in nearby Berkeley, just minutes from the dojo (http://www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/bekca?&cm_mmc=mdp=true, Telephone: 1-877-863-4780). The Hotel Durant is also located in Berkeley (http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/durant/, Telephone: 510-845-8981). Motels for almost every budget can be found by searching the Internet, so be sure to check around for the best possible deal.

Registration:

Space is extremely limited for all sessions. Contact Mr. Davey soon to reserve your place. The SMAA, the Sennin Foundation Center, and H. E. Davey reserve the right to close registration at any time, once all available spaces have been taken. Your fee and seminar registration must be received no later than June 20. Checks or money orders should be made out to Sennin Foundation Center. It will not be possible to register in person at the first class.

Map:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&address=1053+San+Pablo+Avenue&city=Albany&state=CA&zipcode=&submit=Get+Map

Visitor & Tourist Information:

Albany, California Visitor Information: http://www.albanychamber.org/

San Francisco, California Visitor Information: http://sfo.web.infoseek.co.jp/

Airports & Transportation:

San Francisco International Airport:

800-435-9736 or 650-821-8211

http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp

Oakland International Airport:

510-563-3300

http://www.flyoakland.com/index2.cfm

Rental cars are available at both airports.

Contact Information:

H. E. Davey

hedavey@aol.com

510-526-7518