Sword practice and running ...

Yesterday I practiced with bokken (Japanese wooden sword used for practice instead of using Katana, the metal sword) for the first time. We did all the regular rigorous workout before and then the master said we can participate in bokken practice with others. Few of us didn't have bokkens of our own, but the master had brought some and let us use. So we stood there with bokkens in our hand, took the stance. Japanese sword is held with both the hands most of the times. The first lesson was to raise the sword above head and bring it down straight to the level of hara (navel). We were supposed to repeat this over and over again. Within few strokes, my hands started feeling heavy, my back started feeling the strain. Then I started exhaling breath with each stroke as I brought down the sword. I started exhaling with loud "shoo" sound. I got into rhythm of it and what a surprise, I stopped feeling all strain and pain. It became easy as breeze. Then master was counting loud in Japanese and at the end of each round there was a loud cry. The whole experience was sort of transcendental as I started getting the feeling of runner's high same as what I get while running. I think breathing was the key ...

The master was explaining ... how sitting in meditation is same as running is same as sword practice ... Zazen! At least I can say running is same as sword practice because I almost got the same runner's high in both the activities. I think breathing is the connecting factor ...

Other than that it was a sad day at class. We have lot of Japanese folks in our class. The earthquake and tsunamis devastated Japan. My master unfortunately lost few friends. We prayed for them and ended the class.