Study on the Book of Chivalry - 6

The study of the Book of Chivalry by Sir Geoffrey de Charney continues with the discussion of the responsibilities of the Warrior.

The author states the following:

And he who bears such a burden should fear lest he let it fall, for with great effort and endurance, in fearful danger and with great diligence, for a long time, stretching over a number of years, he has devoted himself to bearing this responsibility on his shoulders, and in one brief moment he may fall and loose everything,...So it must seem to everyone that such people should strive with the utmost diligence to ensure that they suffer no reproach against themselves nor against the bounties God has bestowed on them.   

The passage mirrors what in today's society calls "honor vs. shame."  What I mean by is that society gives exultation if not near worship to an individual who embodies a certain value or virtue that is celebrated.  However when that one individual does an act of what society considers unlikely or unthinkable from that individual, they hurl shame and disgrace upon that individual even when that individual is penitent.  For the Warrior, this is all the more true.  Therefore the Warrior must be one who is consistent and the same both in public and in private.  The Warrior on that same note, disregard the praise adoration given by the public, the reason being that societal praise can be compared to cheers given at a sport event with no genuine credit given or honor emphasized for the deed or virtue shown by the Warrior.  Humility to the Warrior is what car insurance is to the car driver.

The author then gives a source of where one who draw upon an example to derive how one must conduct themselves with this burden of responsibility/accountability:

We therefore learn from the good knights and men at arms whose great achievements and honorable deeds of prowess and of valor, have been related, described, and told above and which they have accomplished through suffering great hardship, making strenuous efforts, and enduring fearful physical perils and the loss of friends whose deaths they have witnessed in many great battles in which they have taken part; these experiences have often filled their hearts with great distress and strong emotion.

One will ask the question: "Why use the examples of soldiers?"  The answer is this: The Warrior is a soldier who fights the battles within his/her country or outside the country in service of the noble cause of Freedom and Justice (Freedom and Justice defined by both Law and Ideal and not according to current day politics).  The life stories from soldiers instills in the listener the somber reality of life and the renewing of the appreciation for the things taken for granted in regards to life.  For the Warrior, the individual bests learn from the deeds and conduct of soldiers and those who performed deeds of heroism with the intention of applying the lessons he/she has learned.


The author continues with the the value and importance of honor with the following:

....it is to be understood that one should not fail in any way to put great effort into anything which  might improve one's chance of winning an honorable reputation at any moment of the day or night; for the most precious thing there is to loose is time which passes, and cannot be won back nor can it return; and it can happen that such honor is won in an hour which one might fail to find in a year or indeed ever.

In our times when the notion or the concept of honor has come under the microscopic lens of scrutiny or outright attack due to anger stemming from feeling betrayed by a hypocrisy; it is of great importance to the Warrior that his/her Honor is to be guarded as a scared treasure.  True Honor is seen in our times to be synonymous with Integrity (which is true to a degree), however True Honor is Bravery in conduct towards friend and enemy.  True Honor is Self Accountability and Self Introspection which leads the Warrior with the desire for Self Excellence.  Indeed True Honor is in essence, living one's life with Excellence of Self.  Since in today's time, people if not society is quick to judge and even slander with or without cause, the Warrior must take every opportunity, whether it is a simple action or a choice with the positive consequence of making a better impact on people to build and refine his/her Honor.

The author makes this point when he states that:

That means that by your manners, your behavior, and your personal bearing you should so present yourself that your renown may be so good, so noble, and so honorable that you and your great deeds are held in high esteem in your quarters and on the field, especially in feats of arms in peace and in feats of arms in war where great honor wins recognition.

In summation, every action that the Warrior takes; whether it be a simple act of courtesy or a deed of heroism; must be done to maintain and increase True Honor within the Warrior.  The responsibility of the Warrior is the commitment to living by the standard of Excellence of Self, True Honor and Self Accountability. 

Remember this Brave Knight, the Honor that you have today can potentially be lost in a moment.  Guard it well, this is your burden, your mantle for life.

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 5

We continue further into our study of 'The Book of Chivalry" by Sir Geoffrey de Charney.

In this section, we will touch on the author's take on the valiant influence of a Valiant Lord and how does this relate to the modern warrior.

The author Sir Geoffrey explains how a Valiant Lord's influence has a positive effect in the following passages:

Thus you can see that one hundred men skilled in deeds of arms make themselves a name all the sooner through one great and worthy lord than would ten by two poor men of great worth...

for the great lord has them in his company and loves, honors, and values them and rewards them, and they respect him, love, honor and esteem him for the great valor they see in him in addition to the love, honor, reward that he has bestowed on them.

Nor are the valiant poor men as much respected and obeyed in time of action as are the great lords; but this does not mean that the good reputation does not belong to and remain with those who have earned it, whether rich or poor, and he who does most, the more lasting benefit there benefits there remains for him and the more worthy he is. 

The influence of those in command or who take upon the mantle of leader have the ability to influence his followers positively or negatively.  The warrior must be a leader who is aware of his/her ability to influence people to greatness or great deeds of heroism. The warrior is one who uses his position of leadership to the benefit and betterment of his/her followers and by people.


Yet the debate if not the argument is this: power corrupts, so being a leader is a gateway to becoming a tyrant or a wicked individual.  The answer to this argument is this: The warrior that is a leader is an individual who does not allow the temptation of power for self to get to his/her head.  Rather the Warrior Leader is one who uses his/her position to the advancement of heroism and the betterment of all people.  Vision ad Purpose guides the Warrior Leader in his/her thoughts and actions.

People in general always look towards action rather than a charismatic speech.  If this is true in our times, how much more true it is in regards to Warriorhood in our times.  The Warrior is an individual of action guided by Vision, Purpose and the Noble Cause.

The Warrior Leader exhibits the virtue of Humility and credits his/her followers for their actions or participation in a heroic deed.  The credit is shared to the group, and not allotted to the Leader.  While today's society gives praise to the single individual for a heroic deed, the Warrior Leader credits his/her followers along with himself.

Therefore Brave Knight, be humble and guided by Vision, Noble Cause and Purpose when you take upon yourself the mantle of a Leader.  Your followers look up to you, therefore be the example.

The German School of the Knightly Arts

In the study of HEMA, the Italian school is studied as well as the German school of Knightly Arts.

The Rhineland housed many masters of Medieval combat, I will not go through all of them, but I will mention the name of several masters whose names stand out in popularity in study, but also those who have more than one fight book to their name.

The first one I will mention is Johannes Liechtenauer.

Johannes Liechtenauer is the master of the Knightly Arts from whom the German fight books derive their source from.  In fact, most of the fight books are commentaries of the prose verses written by Liechtenauer.  In fact you can read the verses here.

His verses specialize in the utilization of the Longsword, the Sword in Armor or Half Swording, and Mounted Combat.

The second name I will mention is Hans Dobringer.

Hans Dobringer is the earliest German source for Liechtenauer's verse that can be traced and his commentary captures the the Art that Liechtenauer taught during the Mid to Late 1300's which is crucial in recreating the Art of Medieval Knightly Combat.

The third name I will mention is Sigmund ain Ringeck
.
Ringeck is one of the most studied and practiced in the many HEMA communities.  The reason being is that Ringeck's commentary on Liechtenauer's verses is straight forward and easy to understand.

The fourth name I will mention is Peter Von Danzig.

While Von Danzig is credited for his commentary on the verses pertaining to the Sword in Armor, the often mistaken text (Cod.44.A.8) which is another commentary on the Liechtenauer verses provides insights into the verses and techniques not mentioned  by Ringeck.

Other names within the study such as Paulus Kal, Hans Talhoffer, Peter Faulkner etc.

Yet one will ask the question, why bring up this subject?

The answer is this: the study of the German Knightly Arts adds depth and repertoire to the study of HEMA and its focus on verse interpretation adds richness to mental training which is a benefit to the modern warrior.

Now Brave Knight, study and apply, learn all and apply everything.

Warrior Mental Training

The Warrior of today is a well rounded individual. One that can fight the external and internal battles with wisdom and vigilance.  While a fighter can be one who excels in winning physical battles; a Warrior is one who fights the battles with the mind and the weapon of choice.

Yet the question is offered, How does the Warrior think?  Is there such a thing as training of the mind?

The answer to both questions is this:  The Warrior trains not just the physical body for combat, the Warrior trains his/her mind in equal balance.  The body for physical combat, the mind for strategy and mental prowess.

How does one go about training the mind?

The Warrior will train his mind in many aspects of life such as reading, mental strategy training, usage of logic and wisdom, usage of one's vision for life, reminding of one's purpose as a Warrior.  All these things are the components that make up the Warrior Mind.

Yet how does one start the training?  How does one keep motivated?

The answer is this: the training starts by taking control of emotions, thoughts, and will.  Exerting or initiating mental control brings about the mental change that is needed.

Next, the Warrior will begin to read books, not just pieces of literature, books on strategy, warfare, logic, history, martial training, ethics, .  The purpose of the readings is to fill the mind with knowledge and build the foundation for the Warrior Mind to operate.

After the readings, comes the application of said knowledge.  The knowledge can be applied to further one's self education to learn how to live independently and how to sustain and maintain one's self.  Examples of this can range from maintenance/repair of a car, growing a garden for food, cooking, finances, woodwork, living off the land or survival training.

The application of knowledge must lead one to full, committed action.  This action varies from what goals the Warrior sets to accomplish based on his/her environment or living conditions.  What must remain constant is commitment to one's vision and purpose, commitment to the lifestyle and his/her goals, and vigilance.

Yet with all of this, various situations arise which may prevent all this such as illness or days where one cannot do the physical training.  The answer is the training does continue within the realm of the mind.  How one may ask?  The answer is what has been detailed only minus the physical training.

Another will ask, "how does all this tie in with the physical martial training?"

The answer is this: physical action are manifestations of mental thought. Thus when a warrior drills a punch, a kick, a joint lock, evade or throw, the mind is what makes the strategies of the fight or series of battles in the mind of the warrior.  This can also be a mental set up or prep up for a battle/tournament match/street fight/or survival scenario.  Thus when one trains and refines their prowess, it is to be a preparation for the real thing: the fight for life and preservation of life.

Brave Knight, your mind must be equally sharp as your sword, for a sword without a hand guided by the mind, will lead to no action.  Train well Brave Warrior!

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 4

We continue in your study of the Book of Chivalry of Sir Geoffrey de Charney.  The topic is on the author's perspective on the Art of War.

The phrase "the Art of War" in the minds of most people will recall the famous strategy book of Sun Tzu.  In this post, we will delve into the author's take on Warfare and how do we apply the principles of Warfare into out daily lives and in our daily warrior training.

The author Sir Geoffrey de Charney, on the Art of War states the following:

"They want to observe and to find out how to set up an expedition to attack and fight one's enemies, and to observe the deployment of light horsemen, the deployment of men at arms and foot soldiers, and the best way to advance in a fine attack and to make a safe and honorable with withdrawal, when it is time to do so."

"But the reason is that when a great nobleman, lord of extensive lands, is of great worth in the way explained above, as a result he loves and values men of worth all the more for the knowledge he has of great deeds he has seen them performed."

"Nor are the valiant poor men as much respected and obeyed in time of action as are the great lords; but this does not mean that the good reputation does not belong to and remain with those who have earned it, whether rich or poor, and he who does most, the more lasting benefit there remains for him and the worthy he is."

The Art of War as defined by Sir Geoffrey de Charney is not limited to the usage of strategy of armies and siege work; it also includes the actions of conduct in warfare between noblemen and non noblemen.  It also includes according to de Charney the education of learning warfare.

One will automatically ask, "What does this have to do with me?"

The answer is this: As one who studies and applies the Art of War, so does the Warrior apply his education into the Art of War against the negative cultural and societal environment and war against the devaluing of Warriorhood.

One will ask "What?  What do you mean a negative culture and society?"  Reality dictates that the television is filled with dramas and reality shows that show the worse and the most carnal of humans. Another look at reality will show people treating one another with either negative humor or downright abusive mannerisms and the usage of shame to lift oneself while putting others down or to hide anything one would consider scandalous.

Reality is the proof of what has been stated.  However the Warrior does not let his/her environment to get into the mind lest it grows weak.  Rather the Warrior studies the opponent and creates strategies to battle the negativity and achieve victory which results in self growth and empowerment.

What strategies can be used?  The answer varies as no one Warrior lives exactly alike as one's living environment varies.  Therefore there is need for principle that applies to everything.  The quotes above highlight three important things when applying the Art of War.  They are: 1. Observe and plan the best attack, 2. having people of loyalty is valuable as much as self education, and 3. respect all men and achieve the most to win the war.

Let me break each principle to give explanation and context.

1. Observe and plan the best attack: observe the surroundings and community, find where the negativity is and how to best counter it with wisdom and nobility of  character.  This also includes appropriate usage of martial prowess and when to indulge in simple amusement such as movies or music.

2. having people of loyalty more valuable as self education is: self education balanced with having a fellowship of warriors is the achievable goal for any warrior.  Fellowship guarantees things such as accountability, brotherhood and shared vision.

3. respect all men; achieve the most: this follows up on the previous principle, the context is to give respect to all people.  However if the respect is not reciprocated, vigilance and discernment are the filters in which to render wise judgement on the person who is disrespectful.  In the war against society and culture, achievement is based on growth, wisdom, mental and spiritual maturation rather than on physical rewards.

With all this, application and discernment are the tools needed to accomplish the task.  The question to you Brave Warrior is: do you have a plan for victory?  If so, fight wisely and with boldness.

A Story

I want to present to you a story in which it is an adaption from a Japanese fairy tale.  I don't know the name of the original tale so I ask that you pardon me for that discrepancy.  I have adapted the story with dramatic license to highlight the virtue of humility and honor in this story.

Long ago, across many distant lands.  There was a King who sought to have his daughter the Princess married.  For the kingdom which he ruled was in sore need of the royal family to continue after many years of war and devastation.  One day, the Princess came to her father the King and told him of her love for the famous Knight Sir John the Valorous.  The King laughed at the thought of her daughter of ebony complexion falling in love with a soldier.  The King said to the Princess, "Surely you must jest.  A soldier is only a simple man who seeks the glories of war for himself.  What you need is a Prince who has wealth, land and power."  The Princess beset with emotion, responded gently to her father saying, "But even a Prince can be seduced by greed and tyranny. The one who I love fights for the well being of all in the kingdom.  Furthermore, his heart is humble and pure.  It is these things that make love me more no matter his station in life." The King, surprised by the response thought over this.  He allowed his daughter to leave while he contemplated on how to get his daughter married.  He pondered until he decided to make a trip to see the Emperor in the Kingdom of the Red Hills. That night, the Princess prayed with earnest sincerity that her Knight will be her husband.

The following day, the King and the Princess traveled to the Kingdom of the Red Hills where they were greeted with pomp and ceremony.  The King greeted by the Emperor with all courtesy and spoke to him saying, "Emperor of the Red Hills, my friend.  You are by far the most powerful and sovereign ruler of your kingdom.  For this, I wish to offer you my daughter for you to marry."  The Emperor, perplexed by the proposition replied "My friend, I maybe sovereign of my lands and people, but I am not powerful as you think me to be.  For there is one who is more powerful than I."  The King perplexed by the Emperor's response asked, "Who would be more powerful than you?"  The Emperor responded, "The sun is the one who is more powerful than me, for his light keeps me within my castle and I cannot withstand his eternal heart lest I perish from thirst."

The King along with the Princess then walked outside the palace of the Emperor and the sun greeted them both.  The King shouted to the sun, "Powerful and eternal sun, I ask you to marry my daughter the Princess."  The sun laughed and said, "I wish I can but there is another who is powerful than me.   The clouds whom I can never pierce through with my light keep me captive until they pass by."  The King was perplexed all the more. 

The clouds then rolled by to greet the King and the Princess, paying them due honor and respect.  The King shouted to the clouds, "Great ominous clouds, powerful than the mighty sun.  I ask you to marry my daughter." The clouds trying not to laugh said, "I wish that were possible but the winds who are more powerful than me would prevent the wedding.  For when they blow, I am destroyed."

Soon the winds began to blow, greeting the King and the Princess.  However the King trying to shout to the winds was swept off to see and speak with the source of the winds.  The King understanding the intent behind the action asked, "Mighty winds that cannot be conquered, will you marry my daughter?"  The clouds questioned the King by asking "How is that possible?  For we cannot marry her for we are free and desire not to be bound by anything. Also, the walls of the nearby city are more powerful than us.  For no matter how hard we blow, the wall stands as a mountain rooted deep into the earth."

After the winds left, the King and the Princess rode to the nearby city.  The watchman on the wall greeted the King and the Princess.  "I speak for the wall of the city." shouted the watchman.  The King then shouted, "Watchman who speaks for the wall, will you marry my daughter?"  The watchman looked at the King with confused eyes and said, "My King, I cannot usurp and replace the man who loves your daughter the Princess.  For the man who is more fitting to marry your daughter is the protector of the realm.  The wall which I stand on and watch are strong but with time grow weak with decay and the elements beating against it.  This threat is more greater than the raiders or enemies we face.  But the raiders have more to fear from the Knight Protector."  The King realizing that his simple request was denied by all others asked in desperation, "Tell now, who is this Knight Protector?"  The watchman responded, "The Knight Protector is none other than Sir John the Valorous."  The Princess smiled within her heart as she knew her prayers were answered.

At that moment, a dozen raiders began to charge to city upon learning the conditions of the walls.  The watchman seeing them from a far distance sounds the alarm and the King and Princess get inside the city for safety.  Before the raiders were within a mile's distance of the walls a knight in black armor rode out to meet the raiders head on.  The raiders recognizing the black knight turned their charge towards to him and the battle ensued.  The black knight will outnumbered fought with strong strokes and skillful prowess.  In five minutes of the battle, half the raiders laid prostrate on the ground wounded or killed.  The remaining few of the raiders stricken with fear began to flee for their lives.  The black knight emerged victorious and without a single wound.  The inhabitants of the city rejoiced as they were saved.

The King and Princess watched the entire battle in amazement. The Princess was much joyous that her knight was victorious.  While the King amazed by what happened asked the watchman to bring the knight to him.  Sir John rode into the city being welcomed by the people of the city.  However, Sir John did not welcome the praise or even the acclamation of the people but rode to his house where we acted with humble courtesy.  The King sending the watchman to Sir John saw Sir John's actions was moved in his heart.  He said to himself, "His humility and prowess are nothing which I have seen.  I now see why my daughter loves him.  I would rest easy knowing that a man of honor will rule after me."  Soon, the watchman brought Sir John before the King. Sir John, a man of light tan complexion greeted the King with a bow and a salutation.  The King spoke to Sir John saying, "Brave and skilled knight, I have heard of your deeds and have seen them this day.  I also see that you humility and honor has made you a pure man.  A man who I deem worthy of marriage to my daughter the Princess.  I ask you, will you marry my daughter?"  Sir John taken aback by the request but not hiding his joy replied, "It will be great honor your majesty."

Soon afterwards, Sir John was in the arms of the Princess.  They were married within a fortnight and all the kingdoms rejoiced with celebration.  Never has there been a more joyous and festive wedding in all of the kingdom.  For on that day, honor and humility were victorious in the contest of love.  They lived with happiness for the rest of their lives.

The End.          

Transitions of Life

In life, change is the one thing that is always on the horizon.  No matter what it is or how it manifests in one's life, change is either embraced or feared.  Such is the case in life transitions.

One example to draw upon this idea, is changes in one's job, no one wants to think about it without the foreshadowing fear of financial and monetary fears for one's daily provisions.  However, to the warrior, it is only a test of preparedness, will power and determination.  This all sounds good but when applied in real life, the challenges become the burdens.  Yet the warrior is one who accepts this and pushes forward.

Allow me to speak from experience, for the past months I began to hunt a better paying full time job because the job I had was falling below my expectations.  Instead of wishing it into existence as some would do, I knew I had to take action.  I began to work with a job coach in which it leads to three to four months of filling applications online and fruitless results, this would be enough to dishearten anyone with hope.  However I knew that the hopeless searching will not last forever.  Recently I have started a new, full time job in which I found myself qualified in many ways that I didn't see before. 

The question at hand is this: how does one handle a change like this?  This means that the days will have a new change in routine, a change in personal conduct, even time spent writing these posts and making them available on the page.  How does one flow with the change and still do what is desired?

The answer is this: the change must be accepted and the mind must be used to strategic effect to plan and reorganize one's goals and daily routine to accommodate the current change.  There must never be compromise on things such as training, meditation, self education and cleanliness of self and living environment.

While the task seems daunting, it is achievable.  The question is: "Will you fight the battles of life with your wish or with your mind?"