Study on the Book of Chivalry - 15

We continue in the study of "The Book of Chivalry" by Sir Geoffri de Charney.  In this post the author discusses the Order of Marriage and the purposes of marriage (in the time of the Middle Ages).  I will comment on how his viewpoint is relevant for the Modern Warrior in regards to conduct in Marriage.

The authors states the following regarding marriage:


There are three possible ways of entering into marriage.  Some men and women marry when the man has no carnal knowledge of a woman, nor a woman a man, and they do it more for love than for greed for riches; such as marriage is good....  There are some who pay no regard to the person when entering into marriage, but do so out of greed for riches; in the case of those who marry more for gain than any other pleasure, it is unlikely that any good will come of it....  It is those who conduct themselves most properly in the order of marriage who live joyfully and pleasantly.


To the Modern Warrior who faces the endless days of private loneliness; it is not unusual for one to think for days on end on who they will choose to marry so that to battle and overcome their ego or inner demons.  This is a reality that I face everyday, not a thought goes by without me looking at a woman in the hopes that she would be my wife one day.  But that is the ego speaking and not my rational self.  The distinction between the ego and the rational warrior self must be defined and established by the individual warrior.  It is by Logic, Reason, Virtue, True Chivalry, True Bushido and all of Warrior Philosophy that we Modern Warriors govern if not rule our minds and actions by. 

It is for this reason that when it comes to Marriage, the Modern Warrior must always conduct him or herself in a rational and discerning manner.  For Marriage is naught but a committed relationship in which the deepest and hidden parts of the soul are exposed to the significant spouse.  This exposure is not intended to criticize or to tear down character or integrity but rather to establish trust and mutual commitment. 

According to the author, the Warrior must enter marriage with the understanding that he/she cannot enter into marriage for sake of riches or endless days of pleasure that degrades an individual to moral and physical apathy.  Rather the Warrior must enter into marriage with a spouse that shares the same beliefs, ethics, morals (Warrior Philosophy, True Chivalry, True Bushido, Logic, Reason and Virtue) and goals for the long run for life. This must be the mutual foundation between both Warrior Spouses for the marriage to be based on.  Emotions, wishes and dreams are temporary but commitment remains rooted in reality and stays there forever. 

The Modern Warrior must never fall into a marriage that was started on physical/carnal pleasure only to find out that dissonance resides in the relationship.  For this is the most destructive thing that can happen to a Warrior.  When one's private self is exposed to the wrong person, the feeling of alienation, rejection, depression rooted in melancholy, hatred and self loathing fills the mind and is manifested in unethical, immoral actions.  Therefore, the Modern Warrior must always practice Virtue, True Chivalry as a lifestyle not relegated to a system of belief.  The Modern Warrior must never enter into a marriage where money is the primary motive.  For riches and wealth can appear one day and can vanish in a single moment.  True wealth lies in having few wants while having what is needed to live in this world.  Therefore, the Modern Warrior must never be a gold digger but rather a seeker of Truth and a Protector of Virtue and Honor in service to all mankind. 

The true marriage that the Modern Warrior must enter in is one that both partners share the same moral/ethical foundation and are committed to each other in action and vows.  Even when building a family, they ought to conduct themselves as role models and teachers to their children.  For morals can be learned by seeing the private conduct of the parent.  Even with the passing days that can be redundant, mundane, repetition of the same routine, constant waiting the Warrior Couple stand firm in conviction of Life that is lead by Virtue.

Therefore Valiant Warrior, choose wisely the one who you will call your spouse.  Remember, Discernment and Wisdom will be the standard for which you enter into Marriage.

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 14

We continue in our study of the Book of Chivalry by Sir Geoffri de Charney.  In this part we will cover the author's description and take on the Knighting Ceremony and how this rite of passage is applicable to the Modern Warrior.


The author describes the Knighting Ceremony as the following:

On the eve of the ceremony, all those who are to be knighted the ext day should enter a bath and stay there for a long time, reflecting on the need to cleanse their bodies henceforth from all impurities of sin and dishonorable ways of life; they should leave all such impurities in the water.  Then they should come out of the water in the bath with a clear conscience and should go and lie in a new bed in clean white sheets; there they should rest as those who have emerged from a great struggle....  The bed signifies repose, stemming from virtue, from a clear conscience.....  Then the knights should come to the beds to dress those to be knighted; the stuff in which they dress them, the linen ad all that goes with it should be new; this signifies that just as the body of each one should be cleansed of all impurities.., so should it be clothed in new, white and clean material, signifying that they should all from henceforth keep themselves pure....  The the knights should robe them in red tunics, signifying that they are pledged to shed their blood to defend and maintain....all the other rights set out..which it is the knight's duty to protect.  Then the knights bring black hose and put them on those to be knighted; this signifies that they should remember that from the earth they must return for the death which awaits them, they know not at what hour; therefore they should put all pride beneath their feet.  Then the knights bring them white belts with which they gird them, signifying that they should surround their bodies with chastity and purity of the flesh.  After the knights bring them red cloaks and place them on their shoulders as a sign of great humility..... For each one to be knighted he gives two gilded spurs, one to each of two knights; these two knights fasten one to a foot, signifying that gold is the most coveted of all metals and is placed on their feet as a sign that they should remove from their hearts all unworthy covetousness of riches.  Then the knight who is to confer the order of knighthood takes a sword; as the sword cuts both sides of the blade, so should they defend and maintain right, reason, and justice on all sides without being false...for anyone..... Then the knights give them the collee [light tap on the shoulder or slap across the face] as a sig that they should for ever more remember this order of knighthood which they received and carry out all the activities that may pertain to this order.

From what the author describes he also gives meaning to each part of the rite of passage.  Then noted and emphasized virtues are humility, chastity, purity and inner cleanliness.  Now for the Modern Warrior such a rite if passage as this does not exist in our times.  Why?  Because of society's usage of ceremonies to uphold what is morally hypocritical and rites of passage that are artificial, having no inner meaning or purpose.  But why must the Modern Warrior study a rite of passage?

The answer is this: it is so that he/she can internalize what are the important meditations in their lives. 

What I mean by this is that each part of the ceremony has a meaning in which the Warrior can meditate on for inner refinement of Character and complete maintenance of Honor.  Allow me to explain.

Firstly, the described bath is a reminder that as much as the physical body needs to be cleansed daily and when needed so must our Character be purified of egoism, vices, vanities of this world, doubts, confusion, uncertainty and apathy. 

Secondly, each garment described are reminders that Humility is the balance of Character and Honor within the Modern Warrior.  How so?  Character must be refined and enhanced by application of Virtue in choices and lifestyle.  Honor is the standard and guiding ideal that is the motivation of every choice and action.  Humility serves as the balance and sense of discernment that is down to earth. 

Thirdly, when it comes to materialism and the need for riches or a wealthy place in society, the Modern Warrior must always put Integrity of heart and action in all matters of wealth.  Why?  Because the illusion of money guaranteeing everything is false and the Modern Warrior sees and acts beyond that illusion.  Money is only a tool for the Warrior to maintain a home and the Warrior Lifestyle.  Instead of seeing wealth in the manner of a collectible, the Warrior sees money as a means to follow through with the duties of life in this world. 

Lastly, when the Warrior meditates on their own mortality, the weighty responsibility, the high standard and obligation, the fire of duty burning in the heart they become more human and more genuine.  For such thoughts and deep critical thinking into such matters keeps the Warrior humble, down to reality and maintaining a healthy perspective on life and living to the fullest. 

In summation such a rite of passage is a reminder of the obligations and duties of the Warrior Lifestyle which are to be humble and wise in all things in life.

"Good knights can and should live loyally and honorably."  Keep this in your heart Brave Warrior, you can, you are able and should live your life loyally and with Honor.

What Happened?

As I am writing this post, I understand that my time on hiatus on the Jersey Knyght Facebook page, Youtube Channel, and all other announcements have been put on hold.   What is my reason for doing so?  Why have I not been posting since June? 

The answer is this: Life. 

Life for me has taken on a new meaningful transition as I have now the means of living on my own and thus having the liberty to live out the Warrior Lifestyle to the fullest.  However reality hit my mind and soul as the current modern lifestyle demands and headaches have constantly been testing my patience and mental endurance.  But through it all I have learned much about myself and how one can apply the Warrior lifestyle without the threat of inner or outer hypocrisy. 

What I have learned is that when it comes to one'es daily duties and responsibilities; one must be vigilant and careful in making the crucial decision to choose what battles to fight.  For the Warrior, this means that one cannot afford to be neglectful in his/her responsibilities in life. 

I have learned that time is a precious treasure, one that cannot be wasted on entertainment or in social events where one can be distracted by conversation or by people getting into heated, prolonged discussions on random topics.  Rather for the Warrior, time is the tool in which he/she utilizes for training, self education, meditation and building life based on Virtue and following the ideal of True Chivalry. 

I have also learned that when one practices and applies the Warrior lifestyle in private but not in public, it creates confusion, hypocrisy (both inner and outer), and unwanted stress from trying to balance the demands of life and the rigors of the Warrior lifestyle. Rather one must apply and practice the Warrior Lifestyle both privately and publicly.  By doing so, one becomes firmly rooted and will not be shaken or pressured by the demands of current society. 

These lessons have taught much to me about myself and where I needed to improve.  I am grateful for such lessons.  For Humility to the Warrior is equivalent to drinking fresh water after a long journey.  The lessons that any Warrior learns must be reminders to always be vigilant and discerning to their decisions and their adherence to living by Virtue and True Chivalry.


With all this being said, I will be posting weekly and will continue to bring to you my readers new content for you to digest and apply in your journey of living by the Warrior Lifestyle.. Life will hurl many obstacles in your path, how you push through is up to you alone.  Strive Forward Brave Warrior!

Verità mia spada. Onora il mio scudo.
Truth my Sword.  Honor my Shield.

Changes and Turnings in Life

In the journey of Life, the choices of others and our own choices make the quick or gradual turns or twists along the path that we choose to walk.  Often the real source of inner stress comes from one's doubting a certain choice or having second thoughts such as "could things have been better if I did this?" or "did I do the right thing in that moment of time?" or "have I actually thought through this?"  Such questions haunt one's mind to endless self made arguments that lead to inner conflicts and an emotional drain that makes one feel useless via deprivation of motivation or willpower.

Yet the Warrior for all of his/her virtues and attributes, the Warrior is still a human being.  Any notion of a cold, heartless killing machine is simply nonsense.  The Warrior is human, so therefore he/she can feel every emotion.  Yet the question is asked: "How does the Warrior react to these emotions or second thoughts?"  The answer is the following:


The Warrior a human being that distinguishes him or herself by complete control of mind, emotions and actions.  What this means is that the Warrior is neither impulsive nor easily given to the sway of emotions based on the choices of other people, life circumstances or the emptiness of desires unfulfilled. 

This control of the Warrior's mind is achieved through the mental processes of Reason and Logic that overrules the emotions to maintain the balance between mind and body.  The goal of the processes is not a subjugation of emotions but rather an exercise in mental prowess and emotional stability which is vital in the process of making the decision as response to the emotion. 

One will ask the question: "What is the overall goal of all of this?"  The answer is a complete, balanced mental response to the emotion that comes as an attack on the Warrior's mind.  This process does not exclude the emotions that arise from within the mind whether in meditation or witnessing a positive moment in life.  What must be understood is that this process is a safeguard against negative emotions will if left unchecked will destroy the mind from within. 

Awareness and vigilance against negative emotions and it's impact is one aspect of the Warrior's mind when dealing with sudden changes in life or in living conditions.  This can be extended into how the Warrior deals with loss of family, friends, loved ones, melancholy, unfulfilled hopes or dreams, lost love, relationship breakups, arguments, verbal fights and much more.  But what cannot be excluded is also dealing with the after effects of a fight, a self defense scenario, defensive living, dealing with corrupt people, dealing with memories of battered bodies or witnessing death. 

All of these scenarios that I have detailed here is not an elucidation of psychology, but rather an explanation of how the Warrior's mind works to give the right response to an emotional attack or when dealing with the complexities of life. 


The goal of the process is not just emotional stability and giving a reasoned response to the negative emotion,it is also mental clarity that helps bring peace when the decision is made.  This clarity removes second thoughts or doubts that often plague people. 

When dealing with the complex scenes of life, the Warrior is rooted in Reason, Logic, Warrior Wisdom, Vision, Purpose, Noble Cause so that when he/she makes a decision; the decision is based on Virtue and not on emotions or on feelings that are induced by peer pressure or doubts.  The Warrior seeks Wisdom in all things and rules his/her actions by the standard of Wisdom.  This is what brings assurance and peace to the Warrior's mind.  For when the mind makes a complete and sound decision, there is no room for doubts or second thoughts. 

The power of the mind is a powerful weapon, use it with Wisdom Brave Warrior.

Silence - Wisdom's Mark

There is a saying "Silence is the mark of Wisdom."  Upon first glance, it will sound like an incomplete sentence or a vague thought.  Yet when considering Warrior Wisdom, this saying holds much weight and as thought food. 

What I mean by this is that the act of being silent is one of many signs that an individual has Inner Wisdom.  Inner Wisdom is simply the knowledge of moral and ethical excellence as seen in action and choice of words.  Why did I say choice of words?  It is a sign of good upbringing and high manners when one chooses carefully his/her words in conversation. 

Refined speech is not just having a high level grammar or having the knowledge of big words in the English language.  Rather refined speech on an ethical/moral level means that the individual knows how to control his/her tongue and states words that are balanced with wisdom and discernment. 

If one were to have the ability of refined speech, does such as individual need to speak much?  The answer to that question is no.  Why no?  A mouth that does not have any boundary in regards to speech can be a danger to people if not more so to oneself.  The vice of a loose tongue is the reason why the individual with refined speech does not speak much, but rather speaks only when the occasion calls for it.  If one were to speak words full of kindness and encouragement, that is a good thing to do if not a better use of one's speech. 


For the Modern Warrior, all of this does apply to his/her speech.  For words based on the virtues of Loyalty, Honor, Sagacity must be the only thing that comes out of the Warrior's mouth.  If there is no need for the Warrior to speak, silence is then a virtue in action.  However, the silence is not a sign of incompetency or fear of speaking one's mind.  Rather the silence is an action based on Discernment, Prudence and Inner Wisdom. 

Silence is both mark and action for the Inner Wisdom with the Warrior. 

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 13

The study of Sir Geoffri de Charney's "Book of Chivalry" continues and we are getting close to the conclusion of the text study.



The author states the following regarding on who is a "Man of Supreme Worth"

You should know that if a man were sufficiently intelligent but not a man of worth, his intelligence would be wholly turned  to evil.  And if a man were of worth and had not enough wisdom, he would still be of merit, but not of such value and of such merit as the wise men of natural good sense who are true men of worth.  And as for having a reputation for prowess without being a man of worth or wise, do not expect in the end any great perfection in such prowess.  

I chose this quote as the author defines the opposite characteristics of what is not a Man of Supreme Worth.  What would be the reason?  Let us consider this.


1. An intelligent man who does not have any moral worth is susceptible to being corrupt and will use his/her knowledge to advance carnal or immoral desires.


2.  A moral individual who does not have any wisdom would be considered smart but not wise.  Reason?  It is because the individual is gullible to be mislead to do a wrong action or could be misguided in his/her heart.


3. A fighting individual who does not have any inner moral foundation or wisdom will not attain the highest perfection of his/her martial abilities. 


As one can see the Man of Supreme Worth will be the opposite of these traits.  So we can read the quote as the following:

A Man of Supreme Worth is one who is intelligent yet has worth from within.  A Man of Supreme Worth is one who is wise in word and deed.  A Man of Supreme Worth is one whose prowess is guided by his inner wisdom and has attained the highest levels of prowess.  

What does all this mean for the Modern Warrior?  It means a great deal. 

The Modern Warrior can be called an individual of Supreme Worth because of the following traits:



1. Wisdom
2. Inner Worth (Morality)
3. Prowess


But why these three?  The reason is this: Prowess represents action, action that is guided by intelligence (Wisdom) and rooted by Inner Worth shows more of the Warrior than words or what other people will say in slander or confusion.  Actions are the physical manifestations of inner, premeditated thoughts.  Thus when one commits to an attack or a strong counter defense, that action shows more of the thought of the person engaged in the fight or confrontation than what people will assume or say with their words. 


It can be said at this point that the Individual of Supreme Worth is the ideal that Modern Warriors can strive towards and even achieve.  My reason for saying this is that in a time and culture where mediocrity and moral apathy are the norm, we need to rise above these vices and be the example for all people to follow.

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 12

In our continuation of the the study of "The Book of Chivalry" by Sir Geoffri de Charney we will discuss here on what a "Man of Worth" is and what are his qualities and its application to the Modern Day Warrior.


The author states the following:

....in which each person of whatever degree should strive to achieve the very highest standard so that they will be of greater worth and will live more happily and honorably.

Yet you my readers will ask the question: "What is the standard to gain honor and happiness?"  The author gives the following answer:

You can and ought to know that the best qualities that anyone can aim for ad achieve is a man of worth, according to what is required to attain this completely.

The author then explains the qualities of a man of worth as the following headings:

1. Simplicity of Heart

2. A Generous/Devout Appearance

3. Acting and Serving with Loyalty

4. The Danger of overt Ingenious & overt Subtlety

5. True Wisdom

6. Thoughtless Courage & Skill

7. Great Achievers but not Leaders

8. True Men of Worth, Courage & Good Counsel



Simplicity of Heart

The author defines "simplicity of heart" with the following:

....one can well hold to be men of worth for their pure simplicity of heart, and they would scarcely know how to do wrong, even if they wanted to do so, for they are themselves innocent.  And because good actions are easier to do and to control than are evil ones, these simple people set out to perform them all; all the same, in doing this they behave wisely, for it is better to hold to the good.  

For the Warrior, this statement means that in one's inner self there must be a simplicity of heart that allows freedom of the desire to do good or to do right so that there is no impulse of wrong blocking the free flowing of one's desire to do good because of the desire to be good.  Thus the Warrior is a free good man because he/she allows goodness to be the main desire of their inner self.



A Generous/Devout Appearance

The author defines a "devout/generous appearance" with the following:

.....those who give alms freely....may be concealed in their hearts greed or envy of others or hatred or ill or many other things that detract from a great part of the good characteristics mentioned above.

For the Warrior, one must give freely one's time, energy and monetary sources that are in dispose to the service of devout, discerning generosity.  However, one must be vigilant against the inner vices of greed, envy, hatred (even causeless hatred), ill towards an individual as these vices will degrade one into an individual no different from the criminal or robber which plague society today.



Acting and Serving with Loyalty


The author defines "acting and serving with loyalty" with the following:

....and who have within them such steadfast qualities that their way of life cannot be criticized for any vile sins nor for any shameful reproach, and thus live loyally and honestly.  

 For the Warrior, acting and serving loyally is action that shows the internalization of the qualities and virtues of the Warrior in his/her actions that their lifestyle and actions will have no foundation for slander or reproach.  Thus the Warrior is one who practices what he/she studies and preaches.



The Danger of being Overt Ingenious or Overt Subtlety


The author defines the "danger of overt ingenious or overt subtlety" as the following:

...there are others whom some consider wise, but they put all their intelligence and concentrated effort into such cunning schemes that their great subtlety sometimes turns them aside from reaching a true, loyal, and sensible conclusion, so that these subtle people are out of step in all undertakings.

For the Warrior, one must never rely on cunning intelligence that subtlety makes one stumble in their enterprise.  For when one schemes and carries out a plan that makes one loose focus on the desired goal or objective, that individual is lost in their madness which is rooted in the scheming process.  Thus a Warrior is not one who schemes with plan or ideas rooted in fanciful wishes; rather he/she is one who plans and acts according to the dictates of Warrior Wisdom.



True Wisdom

"True Wisdom" is defined by the author as the following:

It is those who, from their youth, strive diligently to learn what is best to do, to distinguish good from evil, and to know what is reasonable to do; and because they recognize what course of action would be against reason, they endeavor to behave loyally, confidently, and according to what is right.  And in their dealings with others, such people do not seek to take away the rights of others, but want above all to protect such rights for them and their honor as well. And in addition, these people know well how to advise others honestly and wisely, without any evil malice, not using excessive subtlety, and without incurring shameful reproach.

For the Warrior, the marks of True Wisdom lie in the action or deed that utilizes wisdom that is meant to be applied in the present moment and not within one's mind. Wisdom lies not in the aspect of knowing much, but rather in doing much that all people can see Wisdom in the deed.  The Warrior is an individual of Wisdom and is a doer of good and wise deeds.  The fruit of Wisdom is not just in good deeds alone, rather in the upholding and pursuing of justice and honor for all people who look up to the one who lives by Honor and Wisdom: you.



Thoughtless Courage & Skill


The author states what is considered "thoughtless courage and skill" as the following:

...there are some who are skilled in handling weapons, brave, and adept, but their way of pursuing a career in arms is always such that when they are in action, they do not consider the benefit or advantage for their friends or the harm done to their enemies, but without giving or taking advice, they spur forward in a disorderly way and perform personally many feats of arms.

For the Warrior, one must always take into the mind consideration for both friend and enemy before making a strategic move.  Even before the attempt at a Deed of Arms or a martial deed, the Warrior utilizes his/her most important weapon: the sharpened and disciplined mind.  Both Prowess and Courage are two branches that ought to be rooted into the tree of Wisdom.  For without Wisdom, one's courage or action will be seen as thoughtless and thus will make oneself a fool for not thinking with discernment in advance. 


Great Achievers but not Leaders.

The author defines those individuals who are "great achievers but not leaders" as the following:

....those who have gone in search of military undertakings in many places, in distant lands and foreign parts, and have found them where another is in command, so that they have no responsibilities of leadership, and they have not involved themselves much in leading or in giving advice, but have undertaken whatever fighting has presented itself to them in an honorable way and without reproach.

For the Warrior, there is an appropriate time and place when to act as the servant or to act as a leader.  In the case of being lead by a leader, it is wise to act with humility but not in a degrading or belligerent manner, one must perform the appropriate tasks set before you.  In the case of being the Leader, one must be humble as a gate sealed against the vices of vice and arrogance.  For as people who look up to you who seek guidance and have the desire to be lead by your example, the vital importance of vigilance against vice is greater.   

True Men of Worth, Courage & Good Counsel

Finally, the author defines what is a "true man of worth, courage and good counsel" as the following:

....those who in their youth, in the places and the battles in which they have taken part, have risked their lives gladly and boldly and without any thought or fear of death, or prison, or of the expense which might be incurred in seeking these adventures.....when these young men learn what the practice of arms involves or what it can mean in terms of honor and danger, these good men at arms acquire wisdom and understanding which lead to full knowledge....they begin to act wisely on their own behalf when the need arises in their wars, and all goes well for them because of their good sense and the way they know how to conduct themselves; they also know well how to help and counsel others in their wars....The quality of these good men at arms thus fully proved through their good sense and wise counsel, through their great acts of true valor and their fine words, which are indeed fitting in relation to such deeds.

For the Warrior, one who has worth, courage and good counsel is one whose actions, deeds and knowledge are a reflection of his/her journey into learning, self growth, adventures, deeds of prowess and acquired wisdom built over the years.  These qualities are not in a night, instant characteristics that can be granted through a wish or a fanciful thought, but rather in years of hard work, commitment and humbling that comes from trials and adversity.  

Thus we can see that for a Warrior, much is required but not impossible to achieve in the course of many years.  For the Modern Warrior, the calling for living by the standard of excellence may seem a burden as the demand for pure commitment but with vision, the Warrior has the motivation, alacrity and fire which are seen in his/her actions.  

The calling is high o Warrior, but the Path is there, for the qualities of Wisdom, Courage, Discernment, Alacrity and Commitment to the Way of the Warrior are it's fruits. Strive forward Brave Warrior!