Where did the name Kanze Martial Arts come from?
One might say that in Buddhism, as in most faith traditions, compassion is an over-arching feature and the most important thing to develop. Nowhere is this idea more beautifully expressed, perhaps, than in the form of Buddha known as Kannon in Japanese Buddhism. The worship of Kannon Bosatsu began in Japan in the 7th century, soon after Buddhism reached Japan by way of Korea and China. Kannon embodies compassion and is one of the most widely worshiped divinities in Japan and mainland Asia. Kannon -- 観音 , or “Kanze” in Japanese -- literally means "watchful listening," and is often translated as "The Buddha sees in all directions."
There is a persistent nurturing femininity in Kannon imagery in both pre-modern and modern Japan, and makes Kannon a wonderful symbol of our school. We can see Kannon as a person representing infinite compassion, responding to need with an endlessly open heart, and a watchful listening.
33 Forms of Kannon and Koma Inu, the Lion Dog
It is said that Kannon can appear in many different forms to pour forth mercy and insight to people according to the time and place. She could be anyone you meet: your Sensei, your fellow students, the person you think you hate, a philosopher, a merchant, a person of letters, a homeless person, or anything as required by the occasion, while her sole aim is to deliver all beings without exception from ignorance and suffering.
The Kannon is also often shown with a thousand arms (Senju or Senjyu Kannon 千手観音), symbolic of her ability to embrace earth and alleviate the suffering of all people. This can also be a metaphor for martial arts. As we use our bodies, our reach, in a thousand different ways and directions, we complete the actions of life in ways we hope are compassionate, helpful, and instructive; whether through sparring with a partner, defending ourselves or others rightly, reaching out to those in need or holding a baby or an animal, always knowing that within them -- and ourselves-- is Kannon, a special soul.
Koma Inu. or the Lion Dog, guards the temple, always one of a pair. One Koma Inu is on the left of the entrance of the temple and the other is on the right. One has its mouth open, the other shut, as they breath together and form a sacred partnership. Our mascot, Kama Inu, like Kannon, reminds us that we are never complete alone and that others balance us out, teach us, and help us to guard what we hold sacred.
