Welcome to THE BALISONG JOURNAL An online journal of Southeast Asian Martial Arts, Culture and Spirituality from Guro Jeff Davidson and Detroit Kali-Silat. We will focus on Filipino Kali, Batangas Knife, and Silat Melayu (especially Silat Kuntau Tekpi) - along with Yoruba (West African) fighting and healing arts- and other interesting diversions along the way.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Guru's Day 2012
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,
Administrative Assistants’ Day, et al have all come and gone this year. On this coming July 3rd one very
special Day that somehow didn’t make it to the Hallmark schedule will be upon
us again: Guru Purnima. This holiday
will be observed in communities throughout Asia and the Diaspora. Put succinctly:
“The festival is common to many spiritual traditions in the
East, where it is dedicated to the expression of gratitude towards the teacher
by his/her disciple. A day of remembrance towards all Teachers, through whom G-d
grants the grace of knowledge to the students.”
(Wikipedia)
One of my associates gives
the following advice regarding recognizing such a Teacher for those who may be
wondering:
“To recognize a true Guru
when one sees him (or her) is not easy and there are no rules of thumb.
However, certain changes may be expected after the Guru comes into one's life.
If one's mental attitude is
being transformed and sense of detachment from ego is increasing, or especially
if one's weaknesses are being exposed and one is forced to deal with and
overcome them…or if one feels more at peace within oneself…or if one is able to
engage in the same actions as previously but with greater detachment from ego,
THEN one is likely being influenced by a true Guru.”
I humbly bow in obeisance to
the Gurus’, Babas’, Awos’, Syehs’, and Pirs’ who have mercifully guided me and
sheltered me with their Knowledge. May I
always be worthy to walk in your shadows.
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