( The original article was first posted here)
The story, “Neko no Myojutsu” (translated- as the mystic art of the cat), was written by Issai Chozanshi (Niwa Jurozaemon Tadaaki, an 18th-century swordsman and intellectual).
It is regarding a Samurai, who having been thwarted by a rat in catching it, decided to call upon the aid of a master cat to do so. As expected, the master cat caught the wily rat. Thereafter, there was a meeting among the cats (call it a rat-catching conference if you will), where the junior cats sought out the wisdom of the master cat in catching rats. Done in a Q & A fashion, the narrative between the master cat and other cats aims to illustrate some of the enduring points in Budo. One should be able to find the narrative of the fable on the net, but today’s post tries to summarize and examine some of these points covered.
Mastery of technique. The blind mastery of technique in a waza is not enough. Sure, for beginners the drilling of fundamentals is important, but eventually, one needs to think about the scenario of the wazas. Achieving such understanding and incorporating them into wazas further develops one’s proficiency in Iaido. The other side of the coin is true as well; neglecting techniques and substituting your risks for the deviation of fundamental principles taught by Senseis or the development of undesirable habits (which hampers iai execution or may lead to injury over time). There are surely reasons why particular techniques are done in such ways — uncover them through practice and confirm them with seniors and Senseis.
Cultivation of fighting spirit. In the development of a fighting spirit (or any other endeavor and application), there is always room for improvement. Don’t be blinded by one’s hubris or strength. For example, being overly forceful in doing iai wazas — might be a good exercise for testing physical and mental limits, but overdoing it gives your intent away to the would-be opponent. It also increases the chance of bad posture and injury risks. On a subtler level, this can also be interpreted as being confident in one’s abilities but not overtly flashy or showing off.
Cultivating the state of mind. The point that the story attempts to convey is regarding Mushin — a state of mindlessness. Firstly, Zanshin is a state of awareness of one’s surroundings. Next, Heijoshin, a state of calmness; not being perturbed by one’s situation. Lastly, Mushin is in a state of awareness but is not being distracted by stray thoughts. And because one is not distracted by stray thoughts, consequently, one’s actions are rendered unfathomable (no openings/ weaknesses to be exploited) for the opponent.
These concepts are aptly practiced in Budo. While it may seem lofty a goal to attain perfection in these areas, nevertheless, they are guiding principles in the development of one’s self on the path of Budo, if one so chooses to study them diligently.
This brings us to another topic that is invariably linked; the intent or heart (Kokoro). In the context of Iaido, what does one learn iaido for? Is it in sincere pursuit of knowledge, for self-development, or as a hobby to unwind? Or is it for showing off, or some other undesirable pursuit such as a violent means to an end? The answer is quite clear. And indeed, principles from ages of old have always cautioned against this:
“Weapons are instruments of misfortune That are used by the unevolved. When their use is unavoidable, The superior acts with calm restraint.
Even when victorious, let there be no joy, For such joy leads to contentment with slaughter. Those who are content with slaughter Cannot find fulfillment in the world.” — Source: Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu
Iaido provides a means of technical, mental (and even moral) training and development. However, it is a tool, and how it is to be used is entirely up to oneself. Similar to other forms of Budo, learning Iaido doesn’t automatically make one a better person, only if one chooses to make it so and continually makes the effort to do so.
Disclaimer: The summary points from “Neko no Myojutsu” is based upon the Author’s interpretation of the story. Readers are encouraged to read the complete story for better understanding.
