Uncovering purity

In many of the world's spiritual practices we find rituals of purification. The rituals including washing our bodies, or parts of it, in water or clean sand, as well as the sweating out of toxins. In chemistry we find purification processes, such as, extraction and evaporation, in which a substance is being reduced to become purer.



After creating one of his masterpieces, Michelangelo said: "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free". The pure form already exists in the block, and the sculptor chips off all that is not. A similar process exists in the creation of the Japanese sword, the Katana (刀). There are a few processes that gave these swords their reputation of being some of the best swords ever made; folding and smelting, burns off many impurities of the steel, and polishing, which brings the sword to its final shape and sharpness, as well as places the mirror-like finish on a blade.




There seems to be a process of reduction, ridding of and clearing out as purity is uncovered, whether it is a substance, a spiritual evolution, or a work of art.

In our practice we undergo an ongoing forging process. Over time we lose and shave off many things we accumulated throughout our lives. We wash away, and sweat out many tendencies and habits. We become sharper, more concentrated, and eventually more pure.
Every time we train, we strive to keep a positive attitude, and act in a productive and compassionate way. We are shown our "extra stuff", and learn to let go of it. By our physical efforts we create a stronger body, and by sweating we get rid of toxins residing in our system. We concentrate and our mental efforts bear a brighter outlook and perception.

My teacher often reminds us to keep polishing ourselves, day in and day out, in order for us to really shine. This is the essence of our training, little by little, uncovering purity.
"Foster and polish
The warrior spirit
While serving in the world;
Illuminate the path
According to your inner light."
~ O'Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba