In this installment we will examine the second system of 5-elements imported from China and seen extensively in the ninja's escape and evasion, and higher strategy teachings.
Since writing the first part of this article, I have had the opportunity to go back on-line to see what others had written in response to the original question. I was not surprised to find that the subject had been "beaten to death" (imagine how I felt after having written an article about it both for Ura & Omote and my own Hannya newsletter!)
But, as always, instead of just answering the question, a political (i.e. right/wrong) crisis ensued for most of the input. And then the political views were answered and then. . . (geez!!!!!) Again, just as with the books often found on the subject matter, the responses to the question were of three major types:
1. Intelligent, well thought-out responses, regardless of the point of view, or level of understanding of the subject.
2. Justifications for either using the system or not using the system to teach the art -- as if the question were stated 'Why is it (not) used in teaching ninjutsu?"
3. "Sensei-says" responses that supposedly quote Hatsumi-sensei with saying this or that. (He probably did; you'll get no argument from me!) But don't forget that Sensei has also said that he lies to his students (is that the truth or a lie? and if it's a lie then he does and if it isn't. . .)
Anyway, the point of this article, as the first, is to explain the second of the two systems of five elements, that were originally condensed into one in the question. I will try to do this to the best of my knowledge and understanding.
The Gogyo '5-Elemental Transformations' theory is a Chinese system of explaining the growth, progression or destructive dissolution of energy in an ever-changing process. Where the Godai '5-Elemental Manifestations' symbolize and categorize "things" (i.e. solids, fluids, sexes, job titles, personalities, etc.) as they appear in the ever-growing and expanding universe, the gogyo "transformations" -- which are based on the Taoist concept of in and yo (yin/yang in Chinese), shows the development of, progression towards or blocking of energy in any "thing." Far from being contradictory theories, the godai and gogyo symbologies are in actuality mirror images of each other. In fact, in the Buddhist mind-sciences, the gogyo system can be seen as the sixth element (mind) transforming the godai into the rokudai.
The five elements of the gogyo are sui "water," moku "wood," ka "fire," do "earth." and kin "metal." The elements, unlike those of the godai have no real beginning or ending as such. They 'appear" to start where the observer first becomes aware of them and can be seen to progress in an unending series of cycles from there. The system has two parts. One, a productive, progressive 'growth' cycle; and an ura destructive, blocking or damming cycle.
The productive cycle of the gogyo, picking an arbitrary starting point, is as follows:
*Sui "Water"-- is energy in a pooling, collecting or sinking state. Unlike the godai element of the same name, the "water" element represents the coming together of all the necessary components that will allow growth to take place. As an example, we could take a look at the growth of a plant and see how the seed from which it comes is just one part of the whole process involved. But without the right soil conditions, moisture level, mineral content and balance, warmth, etc. the seed will not even begin to germinate.
* Moku "Wood" -- represents upward reaching new growth. As the elements of the "water" element come together and focus they take on a 'life' of their own that appears to be separate and distinct from it's base parts. In our example of the plant, we see it's stem or shoot break through the surface and begin to reach toward the sunlight which will feed and nourish it.
* Ka "Fire" -- also an element of the godai but used here in a different context. This symbol represents expanding or evaporating energy. Our plant opens up in full bloom as it comes to full maturity. However, by doing so, it exposes more of its self to the air allowing for more evaporation and moisture loss; thus leading naturally to the next element.
* DO "Earth" -- is the representation of energy in a condensing state. From the initial growing stage of the "water" level, and through the expansion phase of the "fire" state, the energy now begins to condense back in upon itself. As the plant continues to mature it begins to wither and dry out.
* KIN "Metal" -- represents energy in a 'hardening,' compacting state. Our plant continues to dry out until even the solid parts return to their mineral base forms and return to the soil from which they came. The moisture that the plant has been giving up as it dried, the solid matter returning to the soil for decomposition, the gasses given up during decomposition and so forth, all contribute and lead to the "water" element of the next cycle.
The elements are not, and should not be thought of as separate and distinct steps, but rather phases in a natural process. It is difficult to find an exact changing point from one to another, but each is seen as a gradual coming into being from the previous elements activity. The seasons (for those of you in the temperate zone!) make a good analogy for this process. In contrast to the man-made calendar that has divided the year into four roughly equal parts measuring ninety-tow to ninety-three days each, nature takes its own course in its gradual shifting from the new growth of Spring into the warmth and activity we all enjoy during Summer; which becomes the colors and beauty of Autumn (which is really the drying out of the vegetation) and the slowed activity as the days become progressively colder into the Winter months. As I said, man has constructed this 'reality' for convenience and then complains when Spring doesn't come on schedule!
The fifth 'season,' here represented by the "water" element can be seen to be the 'dog-days' of Spring. That 'unofficial" season when the ground is thawing, and the ice is melting and everything is preparing for the new growth to come.
This same cyclic progression can be seen in a defensive situation, and should be acted out by those wishing to prepare for a real situation. It can be viewed from either perspective; attacker's or defender's.
At the "metal" phase, the attacker is laying plans for the attack; the defender is operating in a mindful state instead of the sleep-walk living typical of the 'average' person.
The attacker moves into position readying his body for the attack -- gets mentally and emotionally set for what is about to happen; the defender becomes aware of a problem and also attempts to position him or herself for the easiest solution possible.
Next, the attacker launches the actual assault either with the first grab, punch or kick or by causing a 'scene' from which he can apply psycho-emotional pressure; the defender receives the initially attack -- hopefully with success! At last the fight is fully engages as each participant counters, evades, attacks, etc. in an attempt to win until finally the tempo dies down ("earth") as each loses energy until one is brought under control, and finally stopped ("metal").
While it takes a lot to explain, the actual timeline of events often takes less time than it took for you to read about it.
The system also has a 'destructive' or energy damming (NOT damning) cycle. The same elements are involved but
are related to each other differently.
Where the productive cycle shows the natural progression from one phase of energy to another, the destructive
cycle shows how each type of energy can
be used to block or destroy another and prevent the productive cycle from continuing. The elemental relativity
of this cycle is:
earth, water, fire, metal, wood, earth
(**Note that I have listed "earth" twice to show the continuing cycle in the process and not as an additional element. Also note that arbitrarily chose "earth" as my starting point, but could have chosen any of the others instead.)
The logic of the flow can be seen in the obvious natural descriptions of the elements in that DO the "earth" dams-up and controls the flow of "water" SUI which, in turn, destroys KA the "fire" -- just as the cold water puts out a roaring fire. "Fire" destroys "metal" KIN, as the furnace turns the iron ore to soup; "metal" destroys "wood" as the saw cuts down the trees. Finally, MOKU the "wood" element then destroys "earth" -- just as the growth of plants and trees can be seen to move the earth, and even boulders, from their path.
The destructive cycle can also be seen as a guide for strategy in a battle if one understands the context of each element. Metal represents the planning stage and will naturally progress to the equipment gathering or preparation stage unless it is stopped by a full assault (Fire). The Water phase of preparation for battle will naturally lead to the invasion if not delayed or stopped by information which requires a return to the planning stage (earth). The initial invasions (wood) will progress effortlessly into the heat of battle if not stopped by better-laid plans (metal) by the opposing forces which cause an army to require more supplies and renewed preparation to continue. The fury of battle will wane and phase out (earth) as each side evaluates their previous strategy for any necessary changes unless it is forced to continue by a new assault (wood.)
This destructive cycle, which stops the progression of energy to its next phases (causing it to either return to the previous stage or skip to the following one), can also be seen with our plant.
This destructive cycle, which stops the progression of energy to its next phase (causing it to either return to the previous stage or skip to the following one), can also be seen with our plant. The seed, as pre-planned (karmic) potential represents the metal element. It will not progress to the growth state of its life if it does not get the moisture and nutrients needed because of draught ("earth" drying). The new shoot ("wood") will never bloom ("fire") if it encounters a gardener's blade ("metal") but will immediately move onto the drying out stage of the "earth" element. And so the process goes on.
The gogyo theory receives a great amount of attention in the practicing of the ninja arts (and is NOT limited to the Kasumi-an program!) The Goton-po escape and evasion strategies are categorized by these elements as are the teachings involving military strategy as shown above.
First, the Goton-po categories, and some of the skills comprising them, are:
* DOTON-Jutsu -- is the use of the terrain, ground, and geography to hide or escape from, thwart the activities of, or attack the enemy as he attempts to move through an area. Land navigation, reading the land, tracking, and the ability to operate various types of vehicles are some of the skills covered by applying this strategy.
* Kinton-Jutsu -- employs the use of metal and steel in the form of tools to assist with our strategy. Various weapons, both man-made and improvised, tools for gaining access to, and escaping from, barricaded structures, as well as equipment for climbing or perching on high natural or man-made structures are examples of skills suggested by the "Metal" element.
* Suiton-Jutsu -- covers the use of actual water sources for escape and evasion and attacking from a distance. Induced flooding, swimming skills for survival and stealth, water collection and purification in emergency situations, and construction and use of various water vehicles represent some of the skills here.
* Mokuton-Jutsu -- is the application of plants and other vegetation for survival, escape and evasion. Climbing skills (shotenjutsu), camouflage and concealment, use of plants for food, medicine, and poisons, rope-making, improvised shelters and carpentry skills all fall under the implied use of the "wood" element. * Katon-Jutsu -- is the heading for skills employing fire and explosives. Skills under this category include, but are not limited to, use of a wide range of firearms, improvised explosives, fire-building, and the reflection of sunlight as glare against an attacker's vision.
This Goton-po strategy is introduced to students of the Kasumi-an program early in training as a basis for optional outdoor wilderness survival training and is a necessary requirement for teacher certification.
The gogyo theory, as with the godai, regardless of whether or not they are a formal part of any particular school, remain valid and powerful tools in a ninja's arsenal; both for learning the material covered and application under stress. Coming to a deeper understanding of these theories still lie ahead past the given description here.
The final installment will cover both of the systems as mirrors of each other, their application in the realm of personal development and Enlightenment study, and their sister symbols in other philosophical systems often used in their study, by some, to enhance and understand the higher levels of the Ninja's lifeways.
This article is the third and final part (parts 1 & 2) of an open response to a question that I encountered on America On-line in the Martial Arts' Ninjutsu Forum. The question (paraphrased) was: "What are the 5-elements (earth, wind, water, wood and metal) about that I have seen mentioned in books on ninjutsu?" In this installment we will examine both the Godai and Gogyo 5-elemental systems, in their combined or complimentary forms, and their use in personal development training. The approach here is not solely in the same mechanical application or psychological strategies of each system but in their use as mirror images of the same processes.
The point of this article, as in the previous two, is to explain the connection between the two systems of five elements, that were originally condensed into one in the question. I will try to do this to the best of my own knowledge and understanding but, due to the content and scope of the material and its strong spiritual nature, I understand that it may not be as readily accepted as the previous articles.
In the metaphysical lore of the East, there are several ways that have been developed over the centuries to explain the workings of the universe and man's existence within this cosmic framework. Two such 'ways' or systems developed to do this were the Godai or 'Five Great Elements' and the Gogyo, the 'Five Goings or Journeys.' The Godai's 5-elements are called manifestations or appearances and are seen as a means of cataloging all the parts or individual 'items' that show up in existence. The elements of chi, sui, ka and fu or the earth, water, fire and void go much further than identifying those natural phenomena that each seems to point out. The element 'earth,' for example, alludes to much more than simply the ground beneath our feet. It is a way of identifying and coming to a deeper understanding of those firm, absolute, and stable aspects of existence, regardless of whether we are operating on a natural, human, sub-atomic, conscious or subconscious, or pure energy level. The same goes for the remaining elements.
This system, imported from Tibet, is often used as a way of describing the creation of the universe. First there was a single germinating cause ("Big Bang," God's word, etc.), representing the formless potential and creative aspect at the void level. Next, atomic particles gravitated toward each other forming loosely grouped masses which were free moving, called gasses in the scientific community. As these gasses at the fu or 'wind' level continued to condense in on each other they began to react with one another, giving way to the connectedness, energy and reactiveness of the 'fire' element. Continuing to condense to the point where the particles were close enough to roll around on each other, they became the elements and 'things' in a fluid state. Finally, coming together to the point where motion can no longer be discerned (there is ALWAYS motion), the solid, firm "earth-like,' aspects of existence came to be.
This systematic coming into being is also seen in the creation of a living organism but I will use the Gogyo to explain this process (in that it is easier to see). But the godai can be used to easily identify the 'formation' of the organism after 'creation.' (Check your science notes folks.)
First the physical tissues and structure, including the heart forms. Next the heart begins to beat and the fluids begin to 'flow' and circulate. The baby does not yet breath air so the oxygen metabolism and continual cell division is the representation of the 'fire' element in operation. As the child enters the world, the 'wind' element comes into being as he or she takes their first breath. And finally, they learn to think and communicate with their world around them. It is here that we enter the connection of the two elemental systems, or the forming of the Rokudai or '6 Great Elements.' The ability to think and communicate, to create and conceptualize requires consciousness beyond the preprogramming at the primitive cellular level of the animal world. This requirement then become the underpinnings or foundation of all we experience. The sixth element, shitta (citta in pali, sittam in Sanskrit), 'mind' is the combinations and flow of the gogyo on a human psychological level.
As a refresher, the Gogyo or 5 Elemental Transformations or fluctuating energy states. Developed and imported from China, the gogyo can also be used to catalog phenomena, but at a different level than the godai*. Where the elements of the godai describe and catalog energy "types," the elements of the gogyo describe and catalog energy "states" or stages in the continuing change through which the energy flows.
The five elements of the gogyo, sui, moku, ka, do and kin or water, wood, fire, earth and metal (in their 'productive' cycle) show the life (or death: water, fire, metal, wood, earth cycle) of any 'thing' as identified in the godai. This behind-the-scenes flow of the 'what-is' can be seen in the creation as opposed to the formation of an organism as discussed previously.
Beginning, arbitrarily for our model, with the symbolism of the 'metal' element which depicts the planning stages or motivating factors behind the current flow, we have the initial intention or preprogrammed inclination towards procreation on the part of the parents. Next, the coming together of the egg and sperm (in the case of we humans not having attained God-hood yet) which carry all of the necessary requirements (water) for life. This then leads to the beginning of a new life (moku) at birth. The growth of the individual through the energetic years of childhood represents the energy transition of the 'fire' level leading to the adult years where the individual settles down with a companion (earth) and carries out the necessary actions for the next cycle (metal).
An easier way of looking at the relationship between these two systems has been provided in the esoteric mind-science training known as Mikkyo. The graphic representations or maps known as mandala can help to show in a pictorial form, the processes described so far. The godai manifestations are represented by the Taizokai mandala which even shows us a picture of what appear to be individual 'things' and, in some cases, groups of likes with subtle differences (i.e. tree = pine, maple, oak, palm, etc.). The gogyo is then depicted by the Kongokai mandala which is laid out in a systematic, almost simplified, manner. Where the taizo mandala depicts individual potentials or already manifested realities, the kongo view describes and shows the development and inter-relatedness of any one of these individual 'things.'
An excellent example of this, drawn from our own Western sciences, is the relationship between Anatomy and Physiology. One is the study of the individual parts and the outer is the study of how the parts work together as a whole. Without the parts, the whole could not function properly, but, conversely, breaking up the whole to examine the parts ends the life of the organism.
In our study of the martial arts, the godai/taizo examples represent all of the individual techniques, kata, waza, strategy, principle, disguise and tactic, while the gogyo/kongokai coded representations represent the drills, experimentation and exploration leading to the mastery of each. Where the godai/taizo are the kata, the gogyo/kongo are all of the possible henka that could ever exist from each kata. One is the parts, pieces, examples and form or outward appearance, without which we could not identify it as some-thing, the other is the life, breath and rhythm that makes it 'real'.' ("Hatsumi-sensei says life is the most important thing. . ." quotes the fool -- without ever learning the lesson!)
Both systems in and of themselves are life filing cabinets with each drawer containing an element. Each drawer then contains folders with examples and aspects on various levels which describe a concept (i.e. personality, nature, energy, emotion, mental attributes, constitution, physical quality, etc.) in both a positive and negative context. Each system provides a view from which we can look at the world. But we cannot have one without the other. The godai and Taizokai representations show us the reality (read: perspective) that everything is separate and identifiable. We see the trees and the mountains and the wars and the . . . The gogyo and Kongokai view show us the reality (see above) that everything is ultimately connected and the essence and direction toward the potential of each manifestation. You cannot have form with that which it is made of and you cannot identify the universal laws and potential without the forms.
The understanding of the combination of the two systems into one is the beginning of higher levels of mastery, not only of our martial arts, but of ourselves. And the most important thing to remember is, just as with gravity, you don't have to study it or even believe in it, but it is there working all the time
*The five elemental manifestations known as the godai can also be written with the kanji for gogyo (five forms). So Hatsumi-sensei's use of the term Gogyo no kata when referring to the elements earth, water, fire, wind and void is, in essence, correct. Be careful about arguing over what is right and wrong when it comes to his teachings. The level of a genius is never understood by fools."
Jeff Miller is a Licensed Private Investigator and Personal Protection Agent. He is the chief instructor of Miller's Martial Arts/Bujinkan Kuryu Dojo in Sunbury, PA. He has been training in the martial and meditative arts for 2/3 of his life with the last 11 years attempting to capture the "essence" of ninpo-taijutsu, under the guidance of Shihan Stephen K. Hayes. Mr. Miller is a firearms instructor and wilderness survival tactician and conducts seasonal seminars on the topics. He is the editor of the HANNYA ('Insight') newsletter for individuals interested in learning more about themselves and their art.
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