©™ 2003 - 2010: OWH Industries - Ueshiba Aikido : Victoria, Canada
All Rights Reserved
Ueshiba Aikido e-Reflections
ISSN 1712-2341
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Oct 31 , 2010

"7 Wonders of the world:
To See, Hear, Smell, Taste, Touch, Laugh, and Love..."

From a sermon by Fr Frank Franz, Victoria, BC, Oct 29, 2010


Growing up in a multi-racial country, as children we had no thought of cultural and religious differences being barriers. We played with anyone and everyone in our neighbourhood, and were invited to the festivities of each culture and religion. From an early age, we learnt each different custom and how to behave when visiting the homes of our friends of different races, cultures, and religions. First and foremost is respect for our elders, and always greeting the parents and grandparents of any household before entering their home. The other was respecting their home and not doing whatever we wanted to: being keenly aware and sensitive to respect their customs and beliefs.

Developing this sensitivity in the context of Dojo practice is nurtured through the journey of the student from white belt, representing the neophyte willing to learn and study with no pre-conceived notions or demands, through to 1st Dan, or Shodan level, which literally translates to “beginner level” of the art. Each unfoldment along the path is represented by belts of different shades, as the student journeys and evolves deeper into wisdom and oneself, to discover the “Ki” (or “key”) within.

This brings us to the quote above, which was delivered during a funeral service. It drew my attention to how easily we take for granted what is truly the seven wonders of the world. The faculties we possess are so easily glossed over as entitlements. However, conscious appreciation for our faculties enhances our ability to concentrate because of the keen awareness of those faculties. This can translate to and be utilised while practising with our partner in the Dojo; “reading” the responses and reactions, and “feeling” each movement, intention within the environment. When the entire class practices techniques together, there is harmony in the class, between each student, and harmony with the Sensei. In that moment, the entire class is ONE, in Aiki.

As martial artists, we attempt to be fully alive whilst being constantly aware of inevitable death. When we get too caught up with the grind of life, it is timely to have a month like November set aside to reminisce and honour our friends and loved ones who have gone before us.

The month begins fittingly with All Saints Day, which is preceded by a night of mayhem and mischief on All Hallow’s Eve. Then comes All Souls Day, where in some countries and cultures, families visit the cemetery to put flowers and light candles on graves to honour friends and loved ones. Living in a world of dualities, it will always seem calmest before a storm. We learn respect when we experience disrespect. We feel the triumph of joy only after experiencing sorrow. And only when we lose our sight do we realise we see, or lose our hands that we miss touching or holding. Only when faced with death do we appreciate life.

A life-time is a whisper in eternity.

Happy Halloween!

In peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
(© Copyright October 2010: Rafael Oei)

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©™ 2003 - 2010: OWH Industries - Ueshiba Aikido : All Rights Reserved