Once again, beautifully written. Such a pleasure to be carried off by your words. You have such a way with them. You are truly blessed with an extraordinary gift. Blessings to you and yours.
Musashi was a ronin, a samurai without a master. America flips that (most Americans seem unaware). A true American is a sovereign without subjects. Should be a good word for “a sovereign without subjects”
We must educate ourselves and our young to defeat them with their own weakness. It starts in the family, our network, our local community, then beyond.
My sense is that much of your writing is what I understand to be Stream of Consciousness, BB. Not necessarily laying out a theme, outlining it, and filling in the words, but, perhaps starting with an idea, letting the words come, enjoying the ride, and discovering where it takes you - and us. Please keep it up.
I really enjoy it when you swerve from the War of Stories and key in on introspection. Keep it up, it not only helps you but so many can relate to your words. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Verbosity notwithstanding, I walk away from your epic tomes of intellectual/spiritual introspections with a greater appreciation for the ephemeral journey that is our almost comically short time span in this realm. It's been a supreme pleasure, Sir, to have found a cohort, of sorts, that reflects many of the same burgeoning questions (albeit, inane to so many others) and realizations as myself. I only wish I could reciprocate the fellowship in a better way than a measly comment, but I shall attempt it, nonetheless. Thank you, BB. :)
Verbosity. Yes, Burning Bright does paint a complex word picture sometimes... I find his prose to be inspiring while illuminating.
Words in a story, like bits of color in a painting, combine to create a whole which is much greater than the parts. If, that is, they are used wisely, by a master.
Burning Bright is (as are all of us, regardless of 'age') a master in training. Every work is a step in the direction of that mastery. I'm sure that Mushashi would tell us the same thing -- mastery is a goal, always to stride for, but never possible to truly achieve. There is always another step forward, another step toward 'knowing the way broadly.'
To me, this was one of his easier pieces to understand, at least in the general sense. I'm sure I will come back to it (as I often do with his work), and find new gems of understanding that passed me by the first time around.
I'm advancing in years, so I will not be here when Burning Bright reaches his highest levels of mastery. But a new generation will. I find it heartening that 'Gen Z' is much more conservative than its predecessors, breaking a pattern that has existed now since the 1960s. 'Conservative' as in believing in the things -- values -- that [they] have tried to deny to us. To me this means that the forces of good have found a way to instill in the upcoming generation the Truth, despite [their] efforts. Perhaps because as [they] have become more and more a caricature of that which they hope to represent, [they] have drawn themselves out into the light, for all to see them for what they truly are.
After all, [we] cannot expose [them], they must expose themselves. We can turn on the lights and force them from the corners and crevices where they hide, and we should do so. But in the end, it is up to us, especially the young generation, to see [them] for what they are.
One of my favorite bits of wisdom in the martial arts world came when a master told me a black belt eventually fades to white to signify that the journey is a circle and there is never an end to learning.
I wholeheartedly concur with your sentiments, Wild Bill. Hope springs eternal, no? God willing, we shall achieve the golden age that Trump paints with such grand ardor. A pleasure to "meet" you amongst the digital soldiers of the modern age, my good man! :)
BB/ Great Post, aligning Ronin-Musashi's 'spiritual-life' vs 'warrior' and, current 'War of Stories'. Real analogy/ NCAA Wrestling Champ: Wyatt H, saluting DJT after his Battle! You Sir/ rRONIN!
". . haunting War of Stories playing out before us—as, whether they wear white hats or black, the shadows are always cast in gray until you turn away from the wall, . . " will share onTRUTH
My life has been one of mastering my own style and I am so glad and so grateful to you, Burning Bright, for your words of wisdom, LOVE and LIGHT! The greatest HERO's JOURNEY of ALL, ASCENSION to a higher octave in the symphony of life is NOW as we discover we are ONE with ALL THAT IS! I was born knowing my WAY and could not deviate from it no matter how hard I tried to. I could not have been anything else but who I AM and what I have been.
Most people are now having to fight so hard to AWAKEN to their own style and authenticity with no one who can truly tell them the WAY anymore. They are free, truly FREE to find their own WAY AND TRUTH AND THE LIGHT as we were once told we are, by another warrior and spiritual master. I am so grateful for a life in which I honored myself and thus could "Look forward with confidence and back with no regrets." To be alive right NOW and to be a part of this Spiritual Battle and WAY has been the best adventure I have memory of.
I may be looking at this incorrectly, but I think martial arts are defensive, not offensive weapons. You do not look to fight, you know how to win a fight prompted by others.
I have never been defeated in a battle with a martial arts expert. I have always won because I merely spoke kindly to them. I explained that I was not going to attack them but would agree to discuss our differences.
In one case the fighter just turned and walked away. Several hours later he called me on the phone and thanked me for being more mature than he was. He told me that I had taught him the best defense was rational thought. At the time I was just confused but over the years it has actually made a lot of sense.
You see, he was upset by something I had done. I was not upset with him because I didn’t know I had upset him. But, the word went out that he wanted to fight me after school and I showed up because I didn’t want to be called a “chicken”. But, I also didn’t want to fight a black belt Judo pro. So, I refused to hit him when he taunted me. He did not have a clue what to do.
He walked away and succeeded in confusing me and about 50 kids who wanted to watch us fight.
I think this is what we are witnessing with Trump in our politics. Our strength is our refusal to fight. We do not want a battle, we want peace. So, fighting is a losing proposition. Aggression promotes aggression. Logical speech promotes progress toward improving conditions. But, illogical, aggressive, bullies cannot deal with kindness and rational thought.
We are fighting just like Jesus fought. That kills the Devil! How can he ever win? Really, what can he do to beat us? I just don’t see a way for us to lose.
Most martial artists are signifciantly more peaceful, with greater control of their emotions than most who are untrained, at least in my experience. It's about controlling the mind, which wields the body.
I had a similar experience when I was in 7th grade. My ‘attacker’ had height, weight and experience much higher than me, but as the crowd surrounded us, I just looked her from top to bottom, chuckled, and walked away. Never did have to fight and she eventually became a friend. Hadn’t thought about this incident in decades!!
That is interesting! You were the underdog and walked away. I was the underdog and the powerful bully walked away from me.
In thinking about the difference I came to a conclusion that makes sense to me. You, as a female, could walk away and being chicken was totally fine because women aren’t supposed to fight. In my case, as a male, I was expected to fight. I couldn’t walk away without losing face.
I think you and I have discovered a truth that is not readily seen. But, it is a real life conundrum.
One of my faves. Brushing up against Freewill and the metaphysics. More please! Saw someone on X say they thought you are Neitzsche reincarnated. Ever read any? The most based of all the philosophers, I've read, by far.
Once again, beautifully written. Such a pleasure to be carried off by your words. You have such a way with them. You are truly blessed with an extraordinary gift. Blessings to you and yours.
Much appreciated, Kathleen. Glad people don't mind (or may even enjoy) the more esoteric pieces occasionally.
Another very insightful piece. You have incredible talent. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Much appreciated, Elaine.
Remember your son chose you and your wife as his mom and dad. I think he made a great choice.
Thank you!
Musashi was a ronin, a samurai without a master. America flips that (most Americans seem unaware). A true American is a sovereign without subjects. Should be a good word for “a sovereign without subjects”
Good point.
Once upon a time, in the English language such a being was called a 'freeman.' A master of one's self, with no need to lord over another.
We can return to such times, and it seems that we are doing so. A New Golden Age.
We must educate ourselves and our young to defeat them with their own weakness. It starts in the family, our network, our local community, then beyond.
Agree 100%. As you look around you, you will see it.
Once you know the way broadly...
Great perspective! Thank you
Thanks Connie!
My sense is that much of your writing is what I understand to be Stream of Consciousness, BB. Not necessarily laying out a theme, outlining it, and filling in the words, but, perhaps starting with an idea, letting the words come, enjoying the ride, and discovering where it takes you - and us. Please keep it up.
Very true.
No matter how much I try to plan, the best writing and thought paths usually just happen when I attempt to court a flow state.
This was also when I fought the best.
I really enjoy it when you swerve from the War of Stories and key in on introspection. Keep it up, it not only helps you but so many can relate to your words. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Thanks for the encouragement, LaVar. I'll continue to delve into this side of the writing more.
Verbosity notwithstanding, I walk away from your epic tomes of intellectual/spiritual introspections with a greater appreciation for the ephemeral journey that is our almost comically short time span in this realm. It's been a supreme pleasure, Sir, to have found a cohort, of sorts, that reflects many of the same burgeoning questions (albeit, inane to so many others) and realizations as myself. I only wish I could reciprocate the fellowship in a better way than a measly comment, but I shall attempt it, nonetheless. Thank you, BB. :)
Much appreciated, Warren.
The verbosity may be a feature, and not a bug ... ;)
I would have it no other way.
Verbosity. Yes, Burning Bright does paint a complex word picture sometimes... I find his prose to be inspiring while illuminating.
Words in a story, like bits of color in a painting, combine to create a whole which is much greater than the parts. If, that is, they are used wisely, by a master.
Burning Bright is (as are all of us, regardless of 'age') a master in training. Every work is a step in the direction of that mastery. I'm sure that Mushashi would tell us the same thing -- mastery is a goal, always to stride for, but never possible to truly achieve. There is always another step forward, another step toward 'knowing the way broadly.'
To me, this was one of his easier pieces to understand, at least in the general sense. I'm sure I will come back to it (as I often do with his work), and find new gems of understanding that passed me by the first time around.
I'm advancing in years, so I will not be here when Burning Bright reaches his highest levels of mastery. But a new generation will. I find it heartening that 'Gen Z' is much more conservative than its predecessors, breaking a pattern that has existed now since the 1960s. 'Conservative' as in believing in the things -- values -- that [they] have tried to deny to us. To me this means that the forces of good have found a way to instill in the upcoming generation the Truth, despite [their] efforts. Perhaps because as [they] have become more and more a caricature of that which they hope to represent, [they] have drawn themselves out into the light, for all to see them for what they truly are.
After all, [we] cannot expose [them], they must expose themselves. We can turn on the lights and force them from the corners and crevices where they hide, and we should do so. But in the end, it is up to us, especially the young generation, to see [them] for what they are.
It seems to be happening. Thanks be to God.
One of my favorite bits of wisdom in the martial arts world came when a master told me a black belt eventually fades to white to signify that the journey is a circle and there is never an end to learning.
I wholeheartedly agree with you!!
I wholeheartedly concur with your sentiments, Wild Bill. Hope springs eternal, no? God willing, we shall achieve the golden age that Trump paints with such grand ardor. A pleasure to "meet" you amongst the digital soldiers of the modern age, my good man! :)
Thank you, it is my honor and pleasure. Many good people here 💖
The New Golden Age is upon us! Let us rejoice and be glad in it. 🙏✝🕊🕊
Excellent, as always! It’s good to step back and look at the individual and collective journeys. Need to stay grounded. Thank you
Thanks Jeff!
I loved it. I felt a sense of "flowing" and connections to every word. Beautiful BB.
Appreciate that Pamella.
Agreed, Pamella. One of his best, IMO, and I have read them all.
BB/ Great Post, aligning Ronin-Musashi's 'spiritual-life' vs 'warrior' and, current 'War of Stories'. Real analogy/ NCAA Wrestling Champ: Wyatt H, saluting DJT after his Battle! You Sir/ rRONIN!
". . haunting War of Stories playing out before us—as, whether they wear white hats or black, the shadows are always cast in gray until you turn away from the wall, . . " will share onTRUTH
Thank you!
My life has been one of mastering my own style and I am so glad and so grateful to you, Burning Bright, for your words of wisdom, LOVE and LIGHT! The greatest HERO's JOURNEY of ALL, ASCENSION to a higher octave in the symphony of life is NOW as we discover we are ONE with ALL THAT IS! I was born knowing my WAY and could not deviate from it no matter how hard I tried to. I could not have been anything else but who I AM and what I have been.
Most people are now having to fight so hard to AWAKEN to their own style and authenticity with no one who can truly tell them the WAY anymore. They are free, truly FREE to find their own WAY AND TRUTH AND THE LIGHT as we were once told we are, by another warrior and spiritual master. I am so grateful for a life in which I honored myself and thus could "Look forward with confidence and back with no regrets." To be alive right NOW and to be a part of this Spiritual Battle and WAY has been the best adventure I have memory of.
Thanks for reading, Sharon.
I like it.
Thanks Sarah!
I may be looking at this incorrectly, but I think martial arts are defensive, not offensive weapons. You do not look to fight, you know how to win a fight prompted by others.
I have never been defeated in a battle with a martial arts expert. I have always won because I merely spoke kindly to them. I explained that I was not going to attack them but would agree to discuss our differences.
In one case the fighter just turned and walked away. Several hours later he called me on the phone and thanked me for being more mature than he was. He told me that I had taught him the best defense was rational thought. At the time I was just confused but over the years it has actually made a lot of sense.
You see, he was upset by something I had done. I was not upset with him because I didn’t know I had upset him. But, the word went out that he wanted to fight me after school and I showed up because I didn’t want to be called a “chicken”. But, I also didn’t want to fight a black belt Judo pro. So, I refused to hit him when he taunted me. He did not have a clue what to do.
He walked away and succeeded in confusing me and about 50 kids who wanted to watch us fight.
I think this is what we are witnessing with Trump in our politics. Our strength is our refusal to fight. We do not want a battle, we want peace. So, fighting is a losing proposition. Aggression promotes aggression. Logical speech promotes progress toward improving conditions. But, illogical, aggressive, bullies cannot deal with kindness and rational thought.
We are fighting just like Jesus fought. That kills the Devil! How can he ever win? Really, what can he do to beat us? I just don’t see a way for us to lose.
To take my logic to another level, look at that Act of 1871 that relied on America providing the military protection if the Cabal was threatened.
What did Trump do in 2017? He said we would not be their defense any longer. He is stepping back from NATO and the UN. He wants fair trade and no war!
I rest my case.
Most martial artists are signifciantly more peaceful, with greater control of their emotions than most who are untrained, at least in my experience. It's about controlling the mind, which wields the body.
I had a similar experience when I was in 7th grade. My ‘attacker’ had height, weight and experience much higher than me, but as the crowd surrounded us, I just looked her from top to bottom, chuckled, and walked away. Never did have to fight and she eventually became a friend. Hadn’t thought about this incident in decades!!
That is interesting! You were the underdog and walked away. I was the underdog and the powerful bully walked away from me.
In thinking about the difference I came to a conclusion that makes sense to me. You, as a female, could walk away and being chicken was totally fine because women aren’t supposed to fight. In my case, as a male, I was expected to fight. I couldn’t walk away without losing face.
I think you and I have discovered a truth that is not readily seen. But, it is a real life conundrum.
Concur completely and I think you are spot on with the difference between how a male is expected to react vs a female.
After all that has happened since uknowho descended the golden escalator IF you are still asleep in the [matrix], you want to stay in the matrix.
The [matrix] will continue until:
a. 1 day voting on “Voter Holiday”
b. Paper watermarked ballots on all federal elections
c. Overseas Military personnel are ONLY allowed mail-in ballots under tight controlled by each regional combatant HMFIC
d. all ballots continuously counted sun till all ballots counted. No pauses no excuses
.
Full sToP
MAGAA1st
11b
The choice to know ...
One of my faves. Brushing up against Freewill and the metaphysics. More please! Saw someone on X say they thought you are Neitzsche reincarnated. Ever read any? The most based of all the philosophers, I've read, by far.
You look exactly like him. 🤣🤔🤔🤫
Much love, brother!😎
Haha thanks a lot, Josh. Never looked up what he looked like.