6th kyu - green belt Shorinji Kempo

I received my certificate for 6th kyu, green belt on the 9th of January,

This means I grew from a minarai 見習い - an observer/beginner - to a practitioner of Shorinji Kempo. 

 

One of my favorite philosophies I learned during the past couple of months is: 

 

八方目 Happoumoku 

Split vision (to eight directions) 

 

八 = eight 

方 = direction 

目 = eye 

 

We practice to focus in eight directions: 

1. Inside ourselves 

2. In front of us 

3. To the left 

4. To the right 

5. Behind us 

6. Underneath us 

7. Above us 

8. All directions at once 

 

I think this is a wonderful practice for modern days, as we are mostly glued to our phones and devices while on our way. Not paying attention to the world around us. I know this kind of practice from my Zen Buddhist background. But Shorinji Kempo helps me to practice this not only in the dojo but also in daily life. 

 

I will do my best for the next grading in June 2024!