The Role of the 'Bodhisattva Warrior Monk'

 

For many centuries, there has been a 'un-spoken' element within the walls of the Monastic.  They are called, 'Bodhisattva Warrior Monks'.

The role of the Bodhisattva Warrior Monk is now and have been throughout the centuries, a person who  was the protector of the Teachings, as well as the physical well being of the inhabitants who resides behind closed doors.  One might go as to say that they are the 'bodygards' of the Temple.

Understanding the need to protect themselves against brigands, who would profit from looting , bodily harm, the  Bodhisattva Warrior Monk came to be.  Because of the secrecy involved regarding these unarmed warriors, no one knows for certain the dates this system was actually used.  We do know that they were long into the Monastic system long before the 1st century; that is, pre-Jesus Christ period.

What we do know  is the fact that these 'bodygards'  were the most learned of  all monastics.  They had to learn every kind of subject, such as Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Micro-dynamic study,  holistic arts & sciences, Study of Yogic Principles, Herbal medicines & antidote study,  & years of hand-to-hand combative  training.  Moreso, the study of 'Throwing Energy' enveloped long and intense years of study.  In addition to this, they also had to maintain their Spiritual Path in and outside of Temple setting.

Prayer & Meditation was a normal routine. One had to dawn the Robes just as the Bodhisattva Ritual Monk. However, there were priviledges allotted the Warrior Monk as he was allowed a standard of rules far different than the Ritual  Monk.  The warrior Monk was allowed to reside both inside and out side Temple walls.  He was allowed to eat  differently, such as eating meat if  it was required.  He was also allowed to mingle and marry; but this was never encouraged.  If he married, he was still allowed to reside within the Temple.  His wife & offspring, were not.  This meant that he had to have  a separate dwelling outside of the Temple, within the community, close by the Temple if needed.

The Warrior Monk was never allowed, the use of traditional weaponry, such as swords, knives, or archery.  His weaponry was simple farming tools such as the 'Bo' (a 6' wooden staff),  'Jo' (a 4' wooden staff), or common cicle; a tool used to cut grain from the fields.   As time evolved, so did his imagination of the use of many kinds of objects which could be used against those brigands who sported convntional weaponry.

Today, we have learned to use almost anything as a means of weaponry.  a  key can be used to raggedly cut one's assailant.  A simple piece of paper can be uded to cut ones extremity.  Grant that these are rarely utilized; it merely points out that the Buddhist will often use other means of self protection uncommon to that of his attacker, which he feels is not in controdiction to his Buddhist beliefs in the the use of weapons forged for the purpose of taking life.  All Buddhist,especially Monks, believe that taking human life, is wrong.  The literal  statement of 'Thou shalt NOT kill', interprets exactly this: "Thou shalt NOT kill".  It commands no exception to this rule.

Comments

[Ray Hickman]

Shifu,

Thank you for the years of service you have given many of us. As you remember, I was formerly experienced in several martial arts; that is, before I met you. I know you mentioned never to say that one's martial art is better than another. However, I must say that studying Budo as a martial science in monastic setting, is the difference between day and night. You opened my eyes up to so many avenues I have not seen before or for that matter, may never encounter again. May you always know many blessings.

Raymond Hickman

[T. Mitchel, Sr.]

I have been a student under Arakawa, Shifu since 1991. I can attest that this individuals genius regarding the teachings of martial science, surpasses
most martial arts teachers of today. Shifu has studied
under some of the most renowned Master's in the word. I have met some of them over the years (most of them have passed on since our introduction) but the most memorable to me was when Shifu actually introduced me to some of the Dalai lama's senior monks (lama) and on another occasion, Shifu's Teacher, DongXia Chen, Monk of China.

Shifu has studied over 51 years and is a very learned teacher & practitioner. He will tell you he is "getting old" but I will tell you this man can run circles around even the youngest of students.

My thanks and mostly my love Shifu.

T. Mitchel, Sr.

[John Blankenship]

Shifu Arakawa,

What a grand web the monks & nuns of the Chen Yen
Buddhist Society created for you. Not only does it define who you are and all you have accomplished but clearly defines some of the work that is being done by you in manner of humanitarianism. I have not seen the new temple but have viewed the web site and certain, can not wait to visit and pick up where we last left off in the teachings.

For all of you that have not studied under His direction, Shifu Arakawa is one of the most informative & learned individuals in martial studies today. I have have studied some 8 years or so under His guidance and received more credible information in that given time, then in previous styles of martial arts I was engaged prior our meeting. I would recommend anyone to study under this individual.

Peace and joy Shifu

John Blankenship

[Tenshin Ishikawa, Sensei]

Shifu,

I pray that your recovery is going well since your heart attacks and open heart surgery. We miss you
and always have you in our minds, heart and prayers.
Get well soon so that we can continue our teachings with you.

Gassho,

Ishikawa Tenshin, Sensei

[L.R. Maghee]

Arakawa, Shifu

Congratulations on your induction into the Elite Yudansha/Kodansha group, Warriors of Baqua. I hear they are some of the real heavy hitters of the martial arts community these days. You will have to tell me all about it later.

I also heard they awarded you a Menjo scroll of Shichi-Dan ( 7th Dan black belt) at the ceremony.

We are all proud of your accomplishments and to be your student.

Larry Maghee

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