Before a battle, a samurai would sometimes write the word tora (虎) or “tiger” in the air hoping that they would fight with the bravery and tenacity of a tiger. A samurai writing tiger seems like a dichotomy because they are supposed to believe in jiriki (自力) or “self-power” and that by writing this they seem to be engaging in a form of prayer or meditation which is clearly a form of spirituality or outward power. We also see this same thing as many warriors decorate their weapons and armor with symbols of inspiration. We think it is a dichotomy because they are supposed to be self-determining and that their success is solely under their own power. However, the samurai might have known what physicists are just now coming to understand, which is that tangible matter or what is visible only makes up about 4% of the universe while the other 96% of the universe is invisible or dark matter/dark energy. Some people call this other 96% ki (氣) or “energy.” Understanding this, a warrior would need to get that 96% on their side and they do this by believing in intangible things like spirits, divinity, karma, or ki to name just a few. In other words, by being “superstitious.” Believing brings us into alignment with not only our abilities, but also our principles, philosophies, and faiths. This alignment is how we attain oneness and this alignment is really what makes us powerful or successful. In budo, they say, sonaearebaureinashi (備えあれば憂いなしなし) or that “If you fully prepare, you need not worry.” A warrior develops themselves to the best of their ability and they don’t need to worry about anything else because they believe. Work hard, believe in yourself and leave the rest to the divine. Thus, a warrior is superstitious.
Today’s goal: Find a symbol or some totem which helps bring you into alignment with that which can’t be seen.