Neutral Center

One man's good is another man's bad. If there are many different belief systems, then there will always be many perspectives of what is just and what is not. What I have learned is that no matter what beliefs you may follow, there are indisputable truths in the universe that frame a viable foundation for justice. Universal truths apply to all of us, no matter what our layers of differences may involve over the core truth.

In other words, religions, politics, cultures, and even sports fans all have differing beliefs and loyalties based upon the ways they are conditioned and taught. Since, however, we are all natural beings, all literally of the same composition and subject to natural laws, we have a common thread of truth that runs through all of our lives, no matter what beliefs or rituals we otherwise integrate.

Justice in America is based upon several elements of religions and philosophies and laws that we choose to accept. Justice defined in other cultures we may see as inadequate or even over the top. True justice and morality cannot be subjective, otherwise the intentions between parties become swayed, and it then boils down to who is more powerful, more deceitful, and even better armed.

I, as a natural being, cannot afford to be swayed by subjectivity of my personal beliefs, desires, strengths or I become a hypocrite when I impose my intentions upon others. I must function from a center of indisputable truth, something to which we all must adhere. That truth is found in the natural world. To learn this, I spent a year living in the natural world with no tools, no equipment, no gear--only me and what the Creator provided. This taught me that I am not independent, and I am not separate, but that I have the option to temper myself and be a useful tool for the natural world. I am an extension, just as we all are.

So, I agree that it would be unjust to affect anyone's particular "brand" or perspective of what they believe justice to be. And the only true carpenter's level we have available to us is the natural world because it is the foundation of all life. Natural laws and predetermined cycles govern what the parameters of our justice really is, and it has no connection to emotional bias nor to fabricated belief systems and doctrines.

Free will, which follows here logically, is a whole other element, but it is important to recognize that it is also a gift that comes with responsibility and conditions to follow. Aikido, in any case, as it emulates the natural world in movement and philosophy, is emulating truth, using us as channels and advocates of that truth. To truly "do" Aikido, is to be the center of the universe while embodying the universe all at once. This must manifest in our actions and words, and we become the focused center of unconditional love that others can trust and lean on in order to repair a sick world.