Monday, January 29, 2018

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.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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!  

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Warrior Philosophy

In my discussions on the Book of Chivalry by Sir Geoffri de Charney, I have taken time to reflect on the journey of the discussions and have realized that what I have been talking or indirectly referencing to is Warrior Philosophy.

What is Warrior Philosophy?  It is the mental structure of the Warrior's thoughts, emotions or reactions to life scenarios and how should a Warrior come to a decision regarding a matter.  

What I must clarify that it is not guesswork or a theoretical form of mental gymnastics that will take many steps of thoughts and explanations to arrive to a conclusion.  Rather it is on stating a truth, explaining it in a logical, comprehensible and rational manner and giving that thought many applications.  Further on it is also the explanation of the "why" if not the motive of the thought or reason being discussed.  

For me as a Warrior and Martial Arts practitioner I have come to value Martial Arts Philosophy in my years of training and how it has helped me to cope with the positive and negative aspects of life.  

How does a Warrior use Warrior Philosophy?

The answer is this:


The Warrior utilizes Warrior Philosophy as a form of discussion of the ideal and the practical in regards to his/her training, lifestyle, application of values/morals/ideals and goals.  It works like this; Warrior Philosophy uses a thought as the basis for discussion for reasoning, logical progression of the thought and it's application in real life.  Here is a example of how it work.

Thought: I want to be loved.

Question: How does one become the recipient of love?
Answer: By having a girlfriend.

Logic: How does one go about to acquire a girlfriend?
Answer: Social events or being with a group of people.

Reason: Why do you feel the need to be loved? 
Answer: I am lonely and the emotion of loneliness irritates me.

Logic: If the emotion makes the demand, does that emotion reflect on your actual need or want?
Answer: Emotions should not be the master of my mind, therefore I have to examine this emotion to find out if it stems from a need or a base desire.

Reason: The emotion of loneliness can stem from the base desire of lust which must be conquered, you must see that the need for love leads to lust.  The want of love must stem from the desire for a companion who understand you and your walking the Path of the Warrior, such a woman must be your girlfriend (preferably your wife).

Logic: With thought established with truth, the next step is to live life and let the right woman come to you, her approach ought to be based on her seeing and being drawn to your character/inner man.
Question:How do I such things in this world full of distractions?
Logic: Continue to walk on the Path of the Warrior and follow all the precepts of the Way of the Warrior.
Reason: By following the Way of the Warrior you build up your reputation if not your integrity based on Morality rather on the follies and vices of the current day culture.  This is what the right woman will be drawn to.


As you can see a single thought does start the philosophical process which for the Warrior helps to arrive to a decisive and reasoned conclusion.  This is how a True Warrior ought to think.  

For those who may wonder on what texts does the Warrior feed his/her mind with?  The answer is the texts of the Greek and Roman Stoics, one can add the Book of Chivalry by Sir Geoffri de Charney, and the Bushido texts of Japan (Book of Five Rings, the Hagakure etc).  However what must be understood is that Warrior Philosophy leads the mind of the Warrior to Warrior Wisdom and not to useless spiritual or emotional theories.  

Your thoughts Warrior, must lead you to the truth, the truth is in the Way of the Warrior.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 11

We continue now in the study of Sir Geoffrey de Charney's "Book of Chivalry" on the distinction between a good ruler in contrast to a bad ruler and how this is relative and applicable to the Modern Warrior.

The author states that a bad ruler in contrast to a good ruler is:

....who have less are to that degree inferior; and those who have more bad characteristics than good are not worthy to hold land or govern people; and the same can be said of other lords such as dukes, counts, barons, and other of whatever rank, in relation to ruling great lands and peoples.  And it can also be said of all nobles, be they only of middle rank: he who does best will he not always be the most praised, esteemed and honored? 


While this seems to you my readers a stark reminder of current day politicians or business leaders yet we must keep focus on what is being said here and how it relates to us Warriors or those who seek to be Warriors in our times. 

A Warrior is a leader of men and a leader in his or her family.  For a good leader will set the right example to all whereas a bad leader will bring out chaos, strife and confusion with a family or following. 

Consider this; people seek to look up to an individual for inspiration, guidance and leadership today, yet there is a huge lacking in such individuals and we see more bad examples and rarely the good examples of Warriors or leaders.  The impact that will have is more people will loose the way if not the will to live a life of purpose and vision because of despair and the poison of our times called "complacent, docile morality."  What I mean by is that when an individual chooses to not stand up in the face of injustice or causeless hatred out of a lack of will to stand and fight, rather living through the day "just getting by."  This amoral trap is what has many people enslaved that it would seem impossible to create or build individuals of Honor.  Yet it is not so.

For those that make the daily choice to live life with purpose and following the Way of the Warrior, we are the men and women that fight the amoral traps and set the example so as to help people be restored to the belief of the heroic and life of vision. 

Yet people will say something like "Okay I understand your point, but I still don't get it.  Why do we need to put good people that end up as hypocrites and break the law under our noses?" Or "Why can't we find any real good people to make the change we need because there is no one good?"  The answer is this:

Surely, ill deeds are shameful, fearful, and dangerous to commit and unworthy ways of life bring shame, blame, and an increase of sin, and unworthy acts lead to behaving in a shameful and dishonorable way in relation to worthy men, bringing one to a bad end.  It should, therefore, be recognized firmly and with certainty that deeds of valor, a good way of life, and good undertakings are more pleasant to carry out than are the above mentioned bad ones; for those who perform deeds of valor do so gladly, confidently and without fear of reproach; and those who lead a good life can fittingly go anywhere freely without fear. Those who carry out noble undertakings should take no account of envy or hatred of which they may be the object or of any ill which may be said of them or which people may want to do to them; for their deeds of valor, way of life and noble undertakings will bear them along, direct them, and keep them safe everywhere.


Enough is said to bring the point of this post out, but allow me to clarify what the author is saying.  First, leading an amoral life will lead to a disastrous and empty end to one's life.  Second, a life that is feed with deeds of heroism, courage, healthy & wise lifestyle, and undertakings that fulfill a noble cause is worthy of investment in time and daily choices (this type of lifestyle will benefit one in the short and long run of life).  Third, when setting out on a noble undertaking one should never let envy or hatred (even causeless hatred) enter into their mind so as to loose focus on the undertaking and become mentally distracted by their emotion.  In essence, deeds or actions will speak more than the words of many people. 

How does all this relate to Warriors as leaders?  In this manner, living the Way of the Warrior has more benefits to oneself and to people than a lifestyle that is contrary to the Way of the Warrior.  When a Warrior has a family, and leads to his/her best of their ability by living the Way of the Warrior and teaching it to their children, that family will benefit in the short and long term with a strong moral foundation that will withstand the onslaught of amorality in this world.

Be the strong, wise and good leader Brave Warrior, people are looking up to you and are depending on you. 

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

On Vision, Noble Cause and Purpose

Throughout the study of Sir Geoffrey de Charney's "Book of Chivalry" I have used the words "Vision," "Noble Cause," and "Purpose."  Yet most people would assume or have the thought that I may not know of what I am speaking of.  Or some might comment that I am making up an interpretation based on a historical text with no relevance to the present time.  I want to answer to these objections by defining the three terms I have mentioned.  

Vision

Vision is define by the individual and not necessarily by the community or following (though there are many examples of visions for various communities or groups).  I define the word "Vision" pertaining to the Warrior where he/she is aspiring to an ideal that is within one's reach.  A vision that a Warrior will and ought to have is to live their life by the Way of the Warrior in which they build a legacy of Heroism, Virtue and Honor day by day and passing the mantle of that legacy to one's children or disciples in the Way of the Warrior.  The Warrior's Vision is not a dream in  which fantasy is greater than reality nor is it a spiritual experience which could be mistaken for a state of euphoria.  Vision for the Warrior is the goal within reach such as leaving an impact on his/her family or disciples or living by Honor when all around him are wallowing in vice and hypocrisy.  Vision is attainable insight which can be achieved, understand this.


Noble Cause

In today's times, we have many organizations for Charity or followings to advocate social justice or pushing for political rights for those who are deemed the "unworthies" of society.  Yet the Warrior is an individual who is not embroiled in the mire of politics and slanderous arguments.  The Warrior fights for and seeks the fulfillment of justice done on behalf of those who are unable to fend for themselves or who are suffering as a result of following their convictions or sense of honor.  The Warrior seeks and fulfills the need of Justice not with poster signs, or a signature on a website, or a vote, or even a drop of a couple of dollar bills in a donation box.  Rather the Warrior utilizes his/her resources and connections to help those suffering.  The Noble Cause for the Warrior, is the cause of upholding those suffering from injustice from a community or within one's town or city.  The Noble Cause for the Warrior is standing up for Virtue when it is not convenient or politically correct.  The Noble Cause for the Warrior is advocacy for the concept of Honor to be restored to Society and Culture.  The Noble Cause for the Warrior is fighting against the World by living a life of Honor and Virtue.  


Purpose

This word has been given many definitions over the years and yet for the Warrior it means more than function or objective.  Purpose for the Warrior is goals for self improvement and self education in which the Warrior must be engaged and actively practicing on a daily basis.  Self betterment is defined as activities that help the Warrior to inspect his/her character and look at their flaws and seek solutions to fix those flaws by means meditation, daily self accountability and seeking and applying the wisdom of Warriors or Men who live their lives by Honor.  Self education is the Warrior engaging in activities that better his/her head and practical knowledge.  Such activities range from reading texts on Ancient Wisdom of the Stoics, of Warriors in History or texts on Wisdom written by Warriors such as De Charney, Musashi etc, and martial arts philosophy books which are of benefit to the Warrior.  Both components of self betterment and self education work together in which self education leads to self betterment and vice versa.  


With these terms now defined, I hope that you my readers can understand not only the meaning of my commentary in the study of the Book of Chivalry, but also a better understanding of the relevancy of Warrior Wisdom and why the Way of the Warrior ii vital to live a successful and meaningful life.  


Brave Warrior, know the vision you have for your life, know the Noble Cause to fight for, and know what is your Purpose in your daily life and in your self refinement. 

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 10

The study of the Book of Chivalry by Sir Geoffrey de Charney continues with the discussion of the role of Fortune in the life of the Warrior.

Fortune is defined by the author as "things which are destined to come to an end, whether through illness or force of death, for death spares no one, neither high or low, but levels all."

With this understanding, the Warrior thus sees Fortune as an opportunity for positive or a negative change.  Yet most people think on purpose or subconsciously that when one becomes materially rich or gains social rising within society that individual must have cheated his/her way to the top via illegal or scandalous means.  However, the author De Charney gives a stern point in regards to this saying:


And in relation to this, it could be said that one should not put trust in the benefits of fortune, which are not earned, for fortune is fickle and is destined to come to an end....benefit does not come from fortune: it should last, provided you know how to preserve it honestly, in controlling yourself first, and then others if necessary.  For if you are wise, you will only do good and ought not to excuse yourself from being a man of worth and loyal, as it is the greatest and supreme good there is...

The author makes it very clear, that as one takes advantage of an opportunity whether it be in finances, love or job advancement, one should not be left in a place or zone of comfort/ease, rather one should make good of the opportunity while it lasts to make a better consequence when the opportunity passes by. 

What does this mean though for the Warrior?
The answer is this:

When a Warrior becomes the beneficiary of fortune, it is the responsibility of the Warrior to make good the opportunity to make an honorable gain or investment.  How?  By using financial means or using money to make good on things such as charity, aiding family or friends in need, rebuilding one's life or even pursuing the cause of justice. 

Yet one will ask why? 

In today's times, it is very easy to fall into the illusion of wealth and rising within society at the expense of honor and standing by one's convictions and when one does stand by honor he/she becomes victimized by society as an outcast or vilified by slander.  The Warrior recognizes this and sets out to speak by his/her actions the belief and standing on conviction, noble cause, vision, purpose and Honor. 

By doing so, the Warrior utilizes money for the purpose of justice and honor which is of great benefit to society rather than enlarging on one's ego.  There is no harm in gaining wealth to support one's family or to invest in one's children; these things are good provided that the head of the family leads the family with teaching them vision, noble cause and purpose.

Yet when alone, the Warrior utilizes money to survive in this world maintaining/preserving his/her honor.  One must not look at the means rather at the person who uses the means for an agenda. 

Brave Warrior, choose wisely and lead with wisdom.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Study on the Book of Chivalry - 9

The study on the Book of Chivalry by Sir Geoffrey de Charney continues with the discussion of conduct towards friend and enemy.

The author, on the conduct to be shown towards friends and enemies states the following:


....be humble among their friends, proud and bold against their foes, tender and merciful toward those who need assistance, cruel avengers against their enemies, pleasant and amiable with all others...

...you should not converse at any length nor hold speech with your enemies, for you should bear in mind that they do not speak to you for your own good but to draw out of you what they can use to do you the greatest harm.

You should be generous in giving where the gift will be best used and as careful as you can that you let your enemies have nothing that is yours.

Love and serve your friends, hate and harm your enemies, relax with your friends, exert yourself with all your strength against your foes.

You should plan your enterprises cautiously and you should carry them out boldly.

....no one should fall into despair from cowardice nor be too confident from great daring, for falling into too great despair can make a man lose his position and his honor, and trusting too much in his daring can make a man lose his life foolishly; but when one is engaged on an armed enterprise, one should dread vile cowardice more than death.

....refrain from saying anything unpleasant things and to make sure that what you say is of some profit rather than merely courteous.

....you should treat your friends in such a way that you have no need to fear lest they become your enemies....

....when moving against your enemies to meet them in battle, never admit the idea that you might be defeated nor think how you might be captured or how you might flee, but be strong in heart, firm, and confident, always expecting victory, not defeat, whether or not you are on top, for whatever the situation, you will always do well because of the good hopes that you have.


The quotes give a sense of balance between to different forms of socializing.  The first being on how a warrior is to conduct him or herself towards their friends.  The second being on how warriors are to act towards his or her enemies or the enemies within. 

In regards towards friends, the Warrior treats friends as brothers or sisters in friendship and as allies or confidants in which the Warrior can relax and be his or her gentle self. 

In regards to to this balance of gentle and strong; one must understand this.  The Warrior is a balanced individual who knows the time and occasion to be either gentle or firm.  The Warrior is not an emotionally unstable or mental ill individual.  The Warrior is an amiable friend in times of peace and is also a force of justice in times of war.  Even in war, the Warrior is one who does not hold back on his or her prowess to achieve victory over the enemy or enemies. The Warrior is one that fights the inner enemies of fear, cowardice, doubts and overthinking to triumph over the physical opponent who is betting on an act of terror or intimidation. 

How does one achieve this mental/emotional balance?
The answer is this: by knowing oneself, knowing one's friends and creating the emotional balance by studying the ancient Warrior texts to understand this balance.

Yet one will ask the question: "Why need this balance when one can be aggressive or calm in two different modes of thinking?"
The answer is this: Thinking in two different modes of personalities is nothing short of being double minded, which can translate to moralistic double standards.  What affects one's mind will affect one's morals.  Therefore, a balance of the two extremities in personalities is vital to creating within oneself a complete and balanced human being. 

Therefore, the best lesson from this study is to know yourself and self introspect yourself so you can find the point of balance and build in time from there mentally and emotionally.  A saying of mine is this: "Fight your battles with your head, forget the heart."  Why do I say this?  A Warrior who is balanced is one who is able to fight his or her battles with his mind (which must utilize Logic, Reason, Wisdom, Knowledge) to fight the battle without having the Heart (the emotions) being involved.  This does not mean that a Warrior is a cold, killing, heartless, violent individual; rather the Warrior is balanced internally so as to not be swayed or influenced by emotions or motives that would unbalance the mind.  It is essentially being mentally and emotionally strong to withstand attacks on one's mind or emotions. 

Ask yourself this Brave Warrior: Am I swayed by my emotions or do certain things trigger my emotions?  Do I really know how to act between two extremes?  Can I fight my battles without feeling doubts or uncertainty?  When you ask yourself these questions, you begin your journey to balancing your mind and building a foundation of mental and emotional discipline.  Fight every battle with your mind full of Reasoning, Logic and Wisdom, do not rely on the Heart full of emotions.

Onward Brave Warrior!