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The three part film series on Musashi starring Toshiro Mifune is brilliant.

Wonderful. We are venturing into Asia now!

Oh My God!!! I just suggested this when I saw the Art of War by Sun Tzu! And you already posted this???? RBSI you have made my day! Not only is this book fascinating but Musashi's life is legendary! He is known as the Sword-Saint of Japan and when I trained in Kenjitsu (Japanese Fencing, not Kendo), we were required by our Japanese master Takemase Okuyama, to read this book and study Musashi's life. "The Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death" -Miyamoto Musashi. Being a staunch Buddhist he firmly believed in the teachings set down by Daruma Daishi, the Indian Buddhist Saint, known in China as Da Mo and in India as Bodhidharma, the patriarch of Zen Buddhism and Patron Saint of the famous Shaolin Monks. Simply Amazing!

@Arun: You mean the "Samurai Trilogy"! It is amazing! And the music takes yoour breath away! Oh my RBSI, you have made my day!!!

Another little tidbit: About Bodhidharma, he was a Chola prince of Tamil Nadu, the third Prince, born in Kanchipuram. He is one of the biggest influences and inspirations of Musashi Miyamoto and Musashi has painted several portraits and also woodcarvings of Bodhidharma.

Sumer Chauhan : Thats the most incredible fact I've heard in recent times.

Oh RBSI! I have a lot to share, just wait :) On the 1500th anniversary of Shaolin Temple, the Chinese govt built a huge towering statue of Bodhidharma overlooking the temple from the mountain, with his black beard, brown skin and huge eyes. They also gave out gold coins in Bodhidharma's honor (I have one!!!) Also even today the Daruma festival takes place all over Japan and there is a temple where you can buy a Daruma idol and color in the eyes when your prayers are answered and return it to the temple (I have one of these too from the temple!!!) in Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple (Tokyo)!!! The historical Bodhidharma (known as Daruma 達磨 in Japan) was an Indian sage who lived sometime in the fifth or sixth century AD. He is the undisputed founder of Zen Buddhism 禅 (Ch. = Chan), and credited with Zen's introduction to China during his travels to the Middle Kingdom. (Note: Zen Buddhism is the term used in Japan, but Daruma’s philosophy arrived first in China, where it flowered and was called Chan Buddhism. Only centuries later does it bloom in Japan, where it is called Zen). From: http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/daruma.shtml About Musashi: http://samuraiconsulting.ca/5rings/transintro/life.html Can you tell I am excited???

Bodhidharma is also believed to be the father of Karate, Kung Fu and all Asian martial art systems including Hwarang Do among others.

Musashi wrote "When you have attained the Way of strategy there will be not one thing that you cannot understand" and "You will see the Way in everything". He did, in fact, become a master of arts and crafts. He produced masterpieces of ink painting, probably more highly valued by the Japanese than the ink paintings of any other. His works include cormorants, herons, Hotei the Shinto God, dragons, birds with flowers, bird in a dead tree, Daruma (Bodhidharma), and others. He was a fine calligrapher, evidenced by his piece "Senki" (Warspirit). There is a small wood sculpture of the Buddhist diety Fudo Myoo in private hands. A sculpture of Kwannon was lost recently. He made works in metal, and founded the school of sword guard makers who signed "Niten", after him (see below). He is said to have written poems and songs, but none of these survive. It is said also that he was commissioned by the Shogun Iemitsu to paint the sunrise over Edo castle. ---from: http://samuraiconsulting.ca/5rings/transintro/life.html

And since we are on this topic, if anyone ever has the time, please take a moment to read the story: Chushingura, the story of the 47 Ronin.....that story still brings tears to my eyes. Its absolutely beautiful!

Oh RBSI, I have trained with Samurais since the age of 7, in both Karate, Kenjitsu and Kendo, I was immersed in Samurai culture b y my parents as a way of keeping in touch with my Rajput heritage.....their immense love and respect for India, Hinduism, Buddhism, knows no bounds! The Samurais truly represent a window into what India's martial groups must have been like, their philosophy and protocols which have all been lost sadly today at the cost of trying to modernize. The Samurais instead find a balance between modernization and maintaining the ethos, culture, psyche and way of their ancestors. We used to be their teachers but now, we need to learn a few things from them.

SC : Thanks for sharing. Thats simply fascinating....Wow ! ...from the age of 7 !!

And if you knew how old I am now.....thats a long time!!!! I was also trained in different styles of Kung Fu (one of my profile pics is taken in the Kung Fu Kwoon (School)) by Sifu Mo Chow. Again, Bodhidharma was revered as the father of Kung Fu. There is a 16th century mural in Shaolin Temple that shows the Indian monks teachng the Chinese monks how to fight. Here is one site that shows that mural: http://www.shorinjikempo.se/en-US/about/history/Pages/Origin.aspx Who said Ahimsa was the right path? Not the warriors! Amazing isn't it?

Thanks for sharing the most interesting personal journey...Sumer Chauhan. Loved it.

My pleasure RBSI! Thank you for the opportunity.

I think I'm rather jealous of you, Sumer :) A page of Musashi's art: http://www.kampaibudokai.org/MusashiArt.htm I'd really like a copy of the first of the bird paintings. I'd prefer the original, but...

Both versions of the film adaptations of the 47 Ronin are masterpieces. One was made during the second world war and the other in the 1960s. I think there was a tv adaptation too, but I haven't seen that one.

Sumer Chauhan, Amazing! Thank you for the personal story and the information you have shared. I am most attracted to Samurai culture but know it only at a popular level. Looking forward to learning more. Do keep sharing!

Since films have been mentioned, can I add "When the Last Sword is Drawn"? The same historical period as the Last Samurai, but different, different as in better. And of course the Kurosawa movies with Toshiro Mifune, Seven Samurai (Hollywood called it the Magnificent Seven, a good movie but...); Yojimbo (Fistful of Dollars in spaghetti),...

Thanks Allen, going to check out "When the last sword is drawn"....have you seen HariKir (1962), original title Sepuku? One of my favs.i

Wonder whether 'Vajra Mushti' martial arts has anything to do with what is mentioned above. While 'Vajra' is Lord Indra's weapon, Vajra Mushti finds mention in epics and old stories and looks more related to Hindu version, while Karate and other arts mentioned above have Buddhist background. Any comments on this Sumer Chauhan?

This book has been in my library for 20 years and has drawn me to it every few years... and I was reading it last week. Very helpful in unraveling knots.

Dear Gouri, very good comment and question!!!! I am so proud of you honestly! Vajra Mushti is the original martial art which was handed down since ancient times, "the Art of the Thunder Fist". Bodhidharma being a prince was trained in the art and the evidence of this was found in (of all places!!!!) Vietnam! Where Buddhist monks who claim to have been taught the art by Bodhidharma himself, refer to the name that it was given as Vajra Mushti! An article about this was published in the Journal of Asian Marital Arts (my copies are lying in the attic of my parents home). I would have to dig it up when I visit my parents next. I know that if you contact the editors of "Inside Kung Fu" they would also be able to help, since I recall reading their articles that Kali Escrima (Philippines) and Jiu-Jitsu both have their origins in India. Kali Escrima because the Philippines was ruled by the Vasyan Empire on India in the 4th century AD. Thus the central islands of the Philippines still carry the name! Now the most amazing experience I had, in this reference, was that while I was a volunteer medical doctor working with several organizations to bring medical relief to distant villages in the Himalayas back in 2002-2003, I cam across a group of villagers practicing a martial art about 30 km past Chakrata, near the Tibetan border. When I asked them about their art, they referred to it as "Vajra". I was shocked. @Qamar: I know what you mean! This book is not only for swordsmen but is also required reading for Japanese businessmen. It truly can be applied to all walks of life. It is truly a treasure!

'vajra' denotes the lineage of the form. vajrayana was the third path taught by the buddha (apart from hinayana and mahayana) which apparently takes you directly to liberation, without going through cycles of reincarnation or lifetimes of meditation. this form is more occultish/tantric in its practice and is popular in tibet (and sikkim, due to the old tibetan population there). so, the martial arts forms which come from this tradition are referred to as vajra. (there was an old reference i had read once, referring to a legendary form of chinese kung fu called brown body kung fu, which involved making your body hard and invulnerable). the name and its meaning might have something to do with its indian origin and the etymology of vajra - diamondlike hardness.

@Pankaj: I don't entirely agree with you because as Gouri pointed out, Indra's weapon is called the Vajra, and we all know that this predates Buddhism. Vajra Mushti is not necessarily derived from the areas of Tibet, since Tamil history is much older and I am sure if the ancient martial arts of India have roots, we have to look to the South. The interpretations given to us sometimes mislead us from where the actual evidence may lie, thus with an open mind we need to see the fact that although Buddhism is prevalent in Tibet, the Tantric origins predate it as well as the Bonn faith (Shamanism). It would be more likely to find origins in the Southern part of India since Saivaitism originates from there and was the main faith for much of Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan. These aspects were incorporated into Tibetan Budhhism, thus we see Mahakal (Shiva) heavily worshipped in Tibet, yet being a Hindu God......I think we need to look towards the South for an explaination. Not enough research has been promoted about South India in my view, and my few travels there (very few) have left me speechless and in awe. Interesting that you mention the Brown Body Kung Fu. I have come across a strange style called "Elephant" that I read about in one of these journals, supposedly having origins in India.

download pdf link not working...

Thank you very much for your excellent comments Sumer and I am highly thankful to you. Sure, I will try to contact 'Kung Fu' editors. If you happen to trace your copy of the journal, pl mail me a copy of your article. I fully agree with you that 'Vajra Mushti' has South Indian roots and other martial arts were evolved later. In fact, the origin of all these is including 'Vajra Mushti' is 'Malla Yuddha'. I have made some study on 'Vajra Mushti', trying to trace its roots and found it mentioned in epics and Puranas. 'Vajra 'is derived from Indra and later was adopted by Buddhism and in particular the Tibetan Buddhism. I have pictures of Indira's carvings from Belur and Halebid and other old temples, Indra holding 'Vajrayudha' (thunderbolt) in his hand. Mysore has an old tradition in 'Vajra Mushti Kalaga' as it was demonstrated by traditional wrestlers of Mysore before the Maharaja during the Dasara, a tradiition which is conducted symbolically now also. I have met a few Vajra Mushti wrestlers who have inherited from their forefathers. Unfortunately, this mother of martial arts is dying out, none to encourage it! About Shaivism. The origin of Shaivism is the Himalayas (remember Mount Kailas, the abode of Shiva). Several centuries ago Shaivites left Himalayas for some reason and came down to other pilgrim and royal centres. They were known as 'Kalamukhas' or 'Kaalachuryas'. There are historical evidences of their being in prominent positions as early as 9th century if not earlier and about their migration to South India. Anyway, that is an another interesting study!

Dear Gouri, thank you for sharing all that wonderful knowledge! No arguments here! All I can say is "Wow"! Also, when you mentioned Mysore, I suddenly recalled that a long time ago, I came across an old newspaper print in an antique store. It showed wrestlers of Mysore performing in front of the Maharaja and now I recall, there was a sort of hand held weapon (a drawing of it) and it was referred to as a weapon used in Vajra Mushti. Have you seen or heard anything like this? I will try and find the article at my parents home and will then contact you in the future to send you a copy.

@Sumer Chauhan :Greatly enlightened.Thank you !!

Asians share so much! Yet look at the current state of affairs between India and China!

So true Sumedha, so sad and to think of the ancient ties we have. DUNHUANG: In Gansu province, an oasis town at the eastern edge of the Taklamakan desert. Was important along the ancient Silk Route and has many imprints of Buddhism from India, including the Thousand Buddha Cave and the Mogao Grottoes with impressive frescoes reminiscent of Ajanta, from 366 A.D till the 10th century. XINJIANG: Ancient architectural art in Xinjiang was greatly influenced by the Indian Buddhism that are reflected in grottoes built on cliffs, temples and towers found in large numbers across Xinjiang. Some important locations are Bezeklik in Turfan, Kucha, Kizil, Cherchelik and Niya. LUOYANG: Near Luoyang city in Henan province, the Longmen Caves are one of China's four major Buddhist caves. Construction began in the northern Wei dynasty (488 AD) and lasted through the Tang and Song dynasties until the 14th century. Consists of over 100,000 statues, some 40 pagodas and 3600 tablets. DAZU: Dazu Grottoes are cliff-side carvings in Chongqing municipality, of which the Baoding Grotto is the largest and the best preserved. Construction began in the Tang dynasty (650A.D.) and continued through the Ming and Qing. Includes more than 50,000 Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian rock carvings. DATONG: Datong in Shanxi province is famous for the Yungang Grottoes, hewn in a cliff side in a honeycomb pattern, forming grottoes that stretch about a kilometre. Belonging to the Northern Wei period (453-494 A.D.), it consists of about 1,000 grottoes and some 100,000 Buddhist statues. Temples Five Pagoda temple (Wuta Si), Beijing: Built in the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424), the temple is modelled after the Bodhgaya temple. Attracted countless pilgrims each year during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Carvings in Sanskrit and Tibetan. The pagoda was heavily damaged during the Cultural Revolution and the earthquake at Tangshan in 1976. Restored since 1979. White Horse Temple (Baima Si), Luoyang: Northeast of Luoyang in Henan province, the original monastery at this site, constructed in AD 75, was one of the first Buddhist temples in China. Legend has it that two monks from India riding a white horse delivered the Buddhist sutras to Luoyang--hence the temple's name. Dharmaratna and Kasyapa Matanga, the first Indian teachers of Buddhism in China in the first century AD, stayed at this temple. The buildings seen today date from the Ming dynasty. The Baimasi today is an active centre for Zen (Chan) Buddhism and a few monks still live on its grounds. At present, to celebrate the historical role of the Temple in bringing India and China together, Government of India is building an Indian style Buddhist shrine within the original temple complex. Big and Little Goose Pagodas, Xi'an: Originally built in 589 A.D. in the Sui Dynasty in China's ancient capital Chang'an (today's Xi'an in Shaanxi province), the Big Goose Pagoda is more famous as the temple reconstructed by the Tang Emperor for Xuan Zang to stay and translate the original Sanskrit texts which he brought from India. The texts were subsequently stored here. Xuan Zang was also the temple's abbot. The little Goose Pagoda was built in 709 AD and was associated with the Buddhist monk Yijing, who translated some 400 volumes of Sanskrit scriptures brought from India. ArrowTop Famen Si, Fufeng: Near Xi'an, and founded in the Western Wei dynasty, but assuming greater importance during the Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.), the centrepiece of the relics at Famen Si, or the Gate of Dharma, was a set of four finger bones that were believed to be those of Buddha himself. The reliquary objects lay undisturbed for centuries, until the 1980s, when the pagoda collapsed and renovation revealed three stone chambers beneath the foundations. Shaolin Temple: Near Dengfeng in Henan province, the Shaolin Temple was established in the 6th century AD by the Indian Buddhist master, Bodhidharma (Damo, in Chinese) as a great centre of martial arts. Under Bodhidharma, Shaolin flourished as a centre of Zen Buddhism, which became the most influential branch of Chinese Buddhism after the Tang. Kong Xiang Temple, Sanmenxia: Built beside Bodhidharma's grave in Sanmenxia in Henan province, the Kong Xiang temple recently held a large-scale celebration of Bodhidharma's 1500th birth anniversary. Kaiyuan Temple, Quanzhou: Built in 7th century AD in Quanzhou, which was founded by Emperor Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty, Kaiyuan Temple's Mahavira Hall has two carved stone poles bearing carvings of Shiva. The poles were apparently transported to Quanzhou from Indian temple nearby. Other unique stone relics include a carving of a winged Buddha, an elephant offering flowers to a Shivalinga and a standing statue of Vishnu. Over 300 Hindu architectural and sculptural fragments have been identified in Quanzhou since they were first discovered in 1933. Since many fragments were found near the Tonghuai Gate as part of the city wa

@ Gauri Satya In about the 6th century BC there was a scattering of republican tribes in the north of India, some of them tied up in a loose confederacy called the Vajjis, The Malla tribe was part of this. The Bhishmaparva of the Mahbharata, the Arthashastra, the Ashtadyayi, Manu Smriti, the Mahaparinirbbana Suttanta, the Jatakas ( specially the Kusa and Bhaddasala), the Jain Kalpa Sutra all have mentions and descriptions of this tribe. They were famous for their fighting skills and the most famous Malla, Bandhul Malla played a leading role in the fight for supremacy betwen the Vajjis with their capital at Vaishali and the Magadha Empire. Bandhul Malla and his family ( to say nothing of the tribe)were fierce and dreaded fighters. He became the Senapati of the Vaishali army but was embroiled in politics and lost his life. After the wiping out of Vaishali by Magadha the Malla tribe was gradually decimated and they resonate in history mainly as skilled and dangerous fighters, the word came to mean wrestler. Of course, who can forget the Malla Yudh between Krishna and Balarama on one side and Chanoor and Mushtik on the other in Mathura?

BTW Gauri Satya why do you say Shaivism originated some centuries ago? It seems to have unfathomably deep roots in the Sub continent going back to the Indus Valley Civilisation?

True Sumedha, it does have possible roots in the Indus Valley....you refreshed my memory of that tablet they showed every child in school texts from Harappa/Mohenjodaro.

@ SC Specially interested in Dunhuang because the paintings are really reminiscent of Ajanta which is a major inspiration for me! Have based physical descriptions of many characters, places etc in my book on these paintings! Proto Siva Seals (as they are called): No 420. 222 and 235 from the IVC are the famous ones. However there is a plethora of other info and analysis also.

Sumer - About Vajra Mushti in Mysore, I have already mentioned about it in my earlier response. Yes, I have seen the 'Vajrayudha' which is worn on each hand on all the fingers while wrestling. It is still being used during the demonstration fight conducted during Dasara in the Mysore Palace. Dear Sumedha - If historical evidences show that Shaivism has deep roots in Indus Valley Civilisation, our Vedas reveal they are still older. Rig Veda, supposed to be of about 3,000 BC and the oldest Sanskrit text, mentions Shiva as the chief deity. I was only mentioning about its move from the Himalays down South in my earlier comment. ("Several centuries ago Shaivites left Himalayas for some reason and came down to other pilgrim and royal centres....) Thanks for your input on the 'Mallas'. It is very interesting. Similarly, how can we forget the 'Gada Yuddha Parva', the fight between Bheema and Duryodhana, in Mahabharata! One entire chapter is dedicate to that famous epic wrestlers.

@sumer: ok, there is a connection of indra and vajra to the vajrayana tradition. as you might be aware, indra is a recognized demigod in the vajrayana tradition, and the most recognized physical icon in vajrayana tradition is the vajra or the dorje. while martial arts may not have originated in tibet, obviously, there is room for the consideration that in some way the symbolism of vajrayana (some of which transmitted to china via tibet, as can be seen in the divinity of guanyin, a manifestation of the avalokiteshwara, which is a symbolic descendant of the ardhanarinateshwara) influenced the formation of chinese buddhism. as for the south india connection, nagarjuna's influence on tibetan mahayana is also well recognized, though it was tantricized abundantly. in fact, he probably systematized metacognitive techniques in an unparalleled way (which i feel were later engineered into occult archetypes by padmasambhava) about the elephant kungfu that you mention, chances are that this particular form remained extant in thailand, in the form of muay thai - majority of the postures of muay thai are derived from the elephant (as you can realize, if you take a look at tony jaa's cult classics - the ong bak or tom yum goong series). and the ancient influence of south india on thai culture is very well known.

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@ Gouri Satya This not the place for a discussion on the IVC obviously, but I must mention that there seems to be little doubt given the current state of historical evidence that the IVC pre dates the Vedic Civilisation by a at least 2 millenia. Current evidence dates the Vedic Civilisation to about 1700 B. C. ( Of course its all very controversial) The Rig Veda contains hymns to Indra, Agni, the Ashwins, Ushas, Mitra Varun and some other minor deities. There is a tangential mention of Rudra who was later assimilated into the Siva tradition when the Aryan and Indus Valley Civilsations melded and merged. Your point about the move to the South is well taken.

This thread has been amazing. Its always a blessing to be among those with whom you can share your experiences with and they in turn enrich your knowledge. @Pankaj: Yes I know that Indra is recognized, so is Ganesh...etc etc. However, what I think is that since Gouri already addressed this, there is no need to go on, because you and I both know where Buddhism's roots lie and thus Gods and Weapons mentioned will have their origin in India's ancient past regardless. About the "Elephant Kung Fu" yes, perhaps it does stem from Thailand. Howeve, you might know this, Muy Thai is heavily influenced by Hanuman and the heoroes of the Ramayana. Hanuman Thayarn is just one of the techniques used, Hanuman Thayarn means the "Flying Knee". Please see this video showing Hanuman's influence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdKy2lqIHpc Thus, I would say that the stances and techniques are based on Hanuman, since an Elephant stance would be more cemented. Yet, I am not saying that there are no stances based on the Elephant, but I don't agree that the majority of stances are based on the Elephant. It just wouldn't be practical. There are "Elephant" techniques in Muay Thai, and many of them, such as "Thrusting Tusks" and "Break Elephant Trunk". However, stances, nope, I don't think the majority can be elephant. It would make Muay Thai too grounded which it is not. Muy Thai is very much the Martial art of the Vanarjati (Spelling?). Where Hanuman is the most famous of the Vanars. And traces its origins to Ayuthaya, the Thai version of the name Ayodhya, which is in Thailand. From http://www.usmta.com/MYTHS%20&%20LEGENDS.htm "Most students of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) should be familiar with such names as Pra Rama Tam Gwang (Rama follows the deer). Hak Kor Erawan (breaking Erawan's neck), Mon Yan Lek (Mon supports the pillar), Bid Hang Naga (Twisting the Naga's tail), Hanuman Tawai Waen (Hanuman presents the rings). Hanuman does this, Hanuman does that, etc."

It is always a pleasure to share in the waves of joy that emerge from an adoration of the achievement of the great South Asian watersheds and their cultural influence, as the idea of collaboration, love, justice, music, arts, and architecture took hold of the human imagination and flowered in other streams that rose with feast, famine, earthquake, war, and epidemic... and us discussing this in a thread about the "Book of Five Rings." Ultimately it thrusts the imposition of practice on the student - life is to be experienced by Becoming. Action defines life - its measurement defines Being, and is honed by the intellect... or is it the other way around? :-)

@Pankaj : About Indra in Vajrayana - After all, Buddhism is an off-shoot of Hinduism. Apart from Indra, Avalokiteswara is considered as Shiva and Tara, who is worshipped by Buddhists of both Tibet and China, is the Devi. You see Indian deities adopted in Buddhism with slightly different names. Indra is the king of Gods. Vajrayana is the chief faith of its followers. I see some similarities in these.

Love your comment Gouri! Yes Avilokiteswara is the Devi! Besides from taking "Intro to Buddhism" with Dr. Leonard Priestley, where he also said everything you just stated, I saw a performance by Chinese dancers who were deaf, called the Thousand Hand Guan Yin...and all I thought was...this is Devi-Ma. Here it is on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSV-qacnhLY note: From frames 4:33 to 5:00 the dancers show the three main manifestations worshipped of the Tri-Goddess: Laxmi, Durga and Saraswati. They then combine to show the merging of the Tri Goddess into a single form with the three heads, a form depicted in Hindu artwork to show the form the Goddess chooses to appear in when She is most pleased by her devotess Okay I seriously have to get to sleep, you guys are way too addictive!

:) I know what you mean , Sumer Chauhan! Addictive is the word!

Yes Sumer & Sumedha, we become addictive when such discussions arise! I too will hit the bed now!!! It's midnight past here!

Gouri and Sumer, I was at the Shibaozhai temple (the first floor is now under the waters of the Three Gorges Lake). The first room of the temple was dedicated to Duanyu, the Chinese god of war, the main room was in adoration of the Vajrayana Bodhisattva Manjusri. A dialog between Manjusri and the Buddha for entering samadhi - in which the consciousness of the experiencing subject becomes one with the experienced object - naturally through transcendent wisdom goes: Contemplate the five skandhas (aggregates of the Self) as originally empty and quiescent, non-arising, non-perishing, equal, without differentiation. Constantly thus practicing, day or night, whether sitting, walking, standing or lying down, finally one reaches an inconceivable state without any obstruction or form. This is the Samadhi of One Act. I am convinced that South Asia, with over 800,000 square miles of Earth's most fertile land, has contributed much in knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality, and is still doing so, as evidenced from the enthusiastic writings in this thread.

@Qamar : enjoyed your comment on Shibaozhai Temple. True, it is nothing but becoming one with the object in contemplation and reaching zero state, 'Shunya' or state of 'Samadhi', and experiencing the rise of wisdom. That is what our sages did and Buddha achieved sitting under the Bodhi tree.