Ninjutsu - Way of the Mind-Gate

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Way of the Mind Gate Exercise of Stillness The Great Work Three Faces of Self

5 14 26 38

Attention Seeking Behavior Five Feelings and Five Desires Mental Powers Mind Tricks

41 52 64 78

Mind Games Eye Contact Command Voice Body Language

86 90 99 111

Causes of Conflict Stages Methods Crisis Intervention

118

Physical Intervention The Fight Physical Attack The 5th Cut

150 160 164 172

Warriors of the Mind Gate

176

120 128 136

Way of the Mind Gate Ashida Kim © 2003 DOJO Press, Box 209 L.A. FL 33850 USA DojoPress.com AshidaKim.com All rights reserved.

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Way of the MIND GATE 3

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao, The name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of Heaven and Earth, The named is the mother of ten thousand things. Ever desireless one can see the mysteries. Ever desiring one can see the manifestations. These two spring from the same source but differ in name, This appears as darkness, Darkness within darkness, The gate to all mystery.

Lao Tsu

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"The ALL is Mind, the Universe is mental." Hermes Trismegistis According to Three Initiates, authors of the Kybalion a book dating from the time of ancient Egypt more than 4000 years ago, this single statement "explains that all the phenomenal world or universe is simply a Mental Creation of THE ALL, subject to the Laws of Created Things and that the universe, as a whole, and its parts or units, has its existence in the Mind of THE ALL, in which Mind we live and move and have our being." Kind of like the Hindu concept that the "world is merely the dream of Vishnu. When he awakens an age of Man ends, when he sleeps a new age begins." Essentially this is meant to convey the concept that what passes for Reality, is pretty much a matter of how we, as individuals, choose to perceive it through the prism of our memory, emotions, and intellect. Hermes Trismegistis, "thrice great Hermes," was an Egyptian sage, although he is said to have journeyed there from some other far distant land and been several hundred years old upon his arrival to enlighten the tribes of the Nile. Random House Collegiate dictionary says, "a name given by Neoplatonists and others to the Egyptian god Thoth, who was to some extent identified with the Grecian Hermes and to whom were attributed various works embodying mystical, theosophical, astrological and alchemical doctrines." This is his First Law of the Universe. His intent with this and the six other great laws of existence was to explain the mysteries of those ancient times in allegorical and symbolic terms the how and why of life so that knowledge would be shared with everyone and each person would be self empowered to enjoy the beauty and wonder of it all. Thus this, and all really ancient religions before deities, shadows of which can be found in some Native American Indian ceremonies, were ALL based on the principle of Self Knowledge as the Way to Enlightenment and Understanding. There are two characteristics that distinguish the Sage or Superior Man throughout Chinese history- awareness and spontaneity. Awareness comes from understanding and that requires an accurate perception of Reality. If the Mind is clouded, perception is distorted and informed, intelligent decisions cannot be arrived at, regardless of how logical the thought processes may be. Spontaneity is the ability to "think outside the box," and use creativity and imagination to cope with the "slings and arrows of outrageous" Reality and to be able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Universe. Memory and Imagination are the tools. Illusion and Delusion the enemy. The Game begins when an individual initiates behavior that will earn him recognition. This attention can be self generated, gleaned from others, or even received from nature. Who can deny the joy that springs to heart when a beloved pet greets you after some timely absence, or the beauty of a sunrise, or a clap of thunder to punctuate your remarks as if Nature herself agreed with what you have said?

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Who has not, in solitude and stillness, discovered some inner meaning of a song or chant, or thrilled at thought of the beloved, or completed some task and found himself satisfied and pleased with the work? By far, however, the vast majority of recognition is obtained from others through social interaction. Some people are more successful than others. Some are never satisfied. There are those enlightened individuals, however, blessed with spontaneity and awareness who have the "keys" to the Mind Gate, who "understand" how and why the Game works, and who would never use this knowledge for selfish gain or personal profit; but only to help others as they themselves have been helped. So that good deeds will spread out like the ripples on a pond and cover the whole Earth.

THIRD E YE [Mind Gate]

INSIDE HIGH GATE

OUTSIDE HIGH GATE

HORIZONTAL CENTERLINE

INSIDE LOW GATE

OUTSIDE LOW GATE VER TICAL CENTERLINE

Four Gates of Attack and Defense in Wing Chun Kung Fu and the Third Eye, Way of the M ind Gate

Way of the Mind Gate is a basic handbook of psychological warfare that can be applied on a personal level or a battlefield. It teaches a single striking technique as the ONLY means of overcoming even the strongest and most violent aggressor with minimal injury. Everything else is geared to successful crisis intervention and negotiation of the conflict or attack BEFORE it can come to blows. By examining the Causes of Conflict, by using Pre-Emptive techniques, by classifying the Stages of Combat, this text, enables the Reader to "psychologically disarm" any opponent; and to "knock him out with one punch," if necessary.

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Those who have passed through the Mind Gate are known as Warriors because they have gone beyond the mere tactics of technique and have grasped the mental strategy of ritual combat. Yaqui Indian Shaman Don Juan, described in Tales of Power by Carlos Casteneda, defined warriorship, the Art of Being a Warrior, as "taking responsibility for one's actions and living dramatically." To make every act your last act on Earth, so that you might set a good example for all of not living in fear, of doing the right thing, of having loyalty, compassion and personal power. Quite civilized and noble aspirations for a tribal culture over 4000 years old. But shared by the warrior caste in every age and nation throughout recorded history. A cult of professional soldiers, unswayed by changing political climates or even philosophical doctrine who, acting alone or in concert, follow a higher calling and have made themselves responsible for keeping the peace. The Four Virtues of these paladins of peace are human kindness, perfect conduct, justice and wisdom. There are among Buddhist, Taoist, certain Amish and Quaker groups, and others, strong religious admonitions against violence. It may, therefore, be of interest to relate some of their thoughts on the subject. "If a man strikes me with a stick, I have three choices; submit and endure the beating, withdraw and avoid the beating, or convince the man it is not necessary to beat me." To which the warriors of the Mind Gate would include the option of "taking away the stick," or disarming the aggressor by responding to his anger or frustration, thereby giving him the attention he wants; then negotiating a peaceful settlement. And the additional step of modifying the behavior of the aggressor so that such inappropriate activity is not repeated. This may include the surrender of the aggressor and/or methods of subduing and restraining him for his own safety and the welfare of others, until he can be reasoned with. Way of the Mind Gate is the name given to an ancient hypnotic and psychological art that traveled from Tibet, across China, to Japan sometime in the 12th century. It is an ancient and honorable art, long pre-dating Freud or Jung or even Mesmer. Yet filled with techniques of reasoning and logic, hypnosis and psychology, symbolism and philosophy. In Japanese it is called Sai-min-jitsu. Sai, pronounced "sigh," meaning "mind"; Min, pronounced "men," meaning "gate"; and Jitsu meaning "method, way, path, or technique." In Chinese it is sometimes spelled HsiMenJitsu, and, of course in the 21st century one could use the term "psi" also pronounced "sigh," to indicate the "psy"chological intent of the nomenclature. Nor is this, as some might suspect or imply, a mere coincidence. All of these things have a meaning and a pattern that are discernable to the trained eye and anyone can learn the method. In fact, that is the only legitimate purpose to which these techniques can be employed, to open the mind of the individual, to empower, to "actualize" the Self, so that good deeds will spread out like the ripples on a pond and cover the whole Earth with love. Neither the author nor the date of the first scribing of these principles is known, being lost to the sands of time and distance. But, what is clear is that whosoever originally set down these concepts possessed a keen insight into the mentality not only of his own time, but for generations to come as well.

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Most likely these ideas were based on observations of countless shamen and "witch-doctors" through tribal periods and developed much as did the sciences of astrology, numerology, and homeopathic medicine. Or, as some believe, they represent the remnants of a science and civilization that vanished eons ago when the planet was young. Egyptian physicians were know to have drilled holes in the skulls of some insane patients in their care to "let out the evil spirits," more than four thousand years ago. Many survived and did well. Nor was the Frontal Lobotomy unknown to ancient psychiatrists, not to mention a wide variety of hallucinogenic herbal drugs with which to alter the state of consciousness for the purpose of initiation, enlightenment or psycho-therapy. Many of the initiation rituals into manhood and warriorship of the Native American Indian tribes involved extreme tests of endurance, pain, and severe disassociation from reality. All meant to alter the initiate's chemical and psychological state. Some did not survive, some went mad, some became legends. If you would step upon this Path of Self Knowledge, do so without fear, regret, or hesitation. For, once done, 'tis done, and there is no going back once you have looked in the book and found the answer to all life's questions.

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The EXERCISE of STILLNESS The first step is to Calm the Mind and Heal the Body. To accomplish this, the Old Ones have provided the Exercise of Stillness. One may use a variety of simple or exotic poses. The sarvasana, or “dead man pose” simply lying on the back with arms at sides, palms upward and eyes closed, of Hatha Yoga; or sitting in a comfortable recliner/lounge chair, is fine. Meditation can also be practiced standing or sitting, even dancing is a type of moving meditation. The Exercise of Stillness is not difficult. The goal is relaxation. Select a dimly lit, quiet, comfortable place and assume the selected posture. Close your eyes. You are now ready to regulate the breath. Breathe in slowly and deeply, filling the lungs from bottom to top like water filling a glass without effort or strain. Breathe out through the mouth and imagine the number three, three times. Breathe in as before. Breathe out, and imagine the number two, three times. Breathe in. Breathe out and imagine the number one, three times. Swallow and lightly touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Continue to breathe slowly and deeply without sound or effort. That’s it. You’re flying! The purpose of the Exercise of Stillness, is to calm the surface of the Pool of the Subconscious, in which is reflected the perception of Reality. This requires solitude. Some Ch’an schools refer to it as “tying up the racing horse of your thoughts,” or “locking up the monkey of your mind.” The I Ching, ancient book of prophecy and change, calls it Kuan, or "looking down" in contemplation. At first you will concentrate on your breathing, which is good. Breathing slowly and deeply promotes good health and longevity. After a while that will become automatic and your mind will begin to wander. You may find yourself thinking about the stresses of the day or things you must do when you finish the exercise. Don’t stop. Just let your mind get tired of that and realize that this moment you “steal” for your Self is an escape from the stress of the day. A sanctuary that can be accessed at any time. Your Fortress of Solitude, the Castle of your Mind, where you are always safe and welcome.

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If you fall into a light sleep, that is good, it means you have succeeded at selfhypnosis. You will awaken completely relaxed, refreshed, and alert, ready to begin a new day. And every time you practice this technique it will be easier and work better. At first you will find it difficult to breathe without hearing the rasps and rales associated with modern smog and congestion. Then, the sound of the air in your throat will seem loud for a while, almost like snoring. When you can no longer hear yourself breathe, you are Regulating the Breath. This is only one of many Qi Gong breathing exercises, but the only one needed to begin the quest of self-knowledge and the work of self-improvement. For, just like all the Sages who sat in their lonely caves with nothing to do for entertainment except listen to their breath, soon found, as will you, that the “roar of the tiger” and the “hiss of the dragon” are, while highly significant signs of progress in calming the mind, mere shadows of the “music of the spheres” to come. And this song is always the same, different for everyone. That is why it is transcendental. Those who have heard it can recognize others who have heard their own Inner Song. But neither could describe it adequately to the other or anyone else. That is why it is transcendental, as soon as you start to describe it, mere words become inadequate. It can only be experienced. Those who have experienced it can establish sufficient rapport with other self-initiates and share the Celestial Dance. And, it is this rapport with the Universe that enables each of them to have compassion and understanding for all of mankind, even those who are less enlightened. Self-Knowledge enables one to deal with each according to his own level, rather than expect to reshape the universe in your own image. In this altered state of consciousness one can not only see the true meaning of events that produce stress and disarm or defuse them before they manifest as illness or disease. But, eventually, transmute such things into minor annoyances, so that what was once infuriating or capable of producing depression, becomes a fond memory or a source of wonder why it ever upset you in the first place. Patience is the first weapon of the Mind Gate Warrior. The Path to Happiness and enjoying the deep and profound experience of your life is equally simple. Joseph Campbell, noted anthropologist provides us with the key to that from all of mythology, “Follow your Bliss.” Do that which pleases you and makes you the most happy. Of course, some interpreted this and his admonition to be “true to your nature,” as license to practice what society would consider “evil.” They, of course, had missed the point and suffered the consequences. They had not “found themselves.” They were merely acting out their frustration at not having enough patience to do a simple exercise as a means of “getting attention.” True understanding of Self inevitably leads one to respect for all life. Even so humble as a mosquito that is allowed to bite the Dalai Lama and so continue his existence another day. Of course, that is an extreme example, and even the Dalai Lame admitted more than a bite or two would be rude on the mosquito’s part and sufficient arrogance to bring on his demise. So even the Tibetan High Priest has a limit to his tolerance for balance.

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But, a better example is given in City Slickers, a movie with Jack Palance and Billy Crystal. The latter has come to a “dude ranch” for a mock adventure. He sees Jack as a weathered cowboy with tremendous intuitive wisdom and no small amount of manly, rough and ready gruffness; somewhat envied by Billy. At one point while they are riding alone, he asks Jack how he came to be so confident and well adjusted? How he came to have that “inner peace” everyone longed for? “You gotta have one thing,” said the grizzled cowpoke beneath his worn out Stetson, his bright eyes shining in the weathered crevices of his face. “One thing…?” asked his companion. “One thing that means more to you than anything else in the world.” “What is it…?” asked the tourist. “What!” grunted Jack in response. “The one thing…? What is it…? “Hell if I know, different for everybody,” laughed his mentor. “But, it’s gotta be just that one thing, that you’d give up everything for, do anything for, can’t live without, and is more important TO YOU than anything else you might ever do. Keep looking, that’s why you came out here, lookin’. You’ll find it.” The “one thing” was what Campbell referred to as your “bliss.” In the movie, it turned out to be Billy Crystal’s family; for others, music, nursing, entertainment and such like may also suffice. To love what you do, and believe it makes a difference, There is no greater joy. But, NEVER is true Bliss detrimental to the welfare of yourself or others because you have recognized that they are one and the same. The Golden Rule says it all. "Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself." The corollary theorem that supports this concept is the, “everything else (that does not contribute to the Bliss experience) can be considered small stuff.” And everyone knows you don’t have to “sweat the small stuff,” thus a great deal of stress in automatically relieved, once the source of Bliss has been found. Try not to choose something materialistic or futile, like money; because you “can’t take it with you.” Besides being a miser, the inevitable result of such a course, isn’t really pleasant. It is just a lot of fear, knowing that if some robber doesn't steal it, some thief doesn’t con you out of it, you don’t bury it and forget the map and lose it, you will still have to give it up when you die. For the greedy there is never enough, because no matter how much you accumulate, you know it must sacrificed in the end. Seek therefore to store up good deeds and happy memories, these you can enjoy again and again. These are the true treasures, and these become part of your being that you can "take with you" when you die. Thus, they are never lost. That is the kind of revelation you get in meditation, extreme stress or near death experience. You find out what is important, what is worth dying for, and what is worth living to enjoy. Therefore, the Way of the Mind Gate, self actualization, empowerment of the individual, cannot be perverted because these revelations are genetically imprinted on every human and are the same for everyone.

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Enlightenment is the name given to a profound understanding of Self that enables the Sage to be amused at the world; in it but not of it. “The eye can be deceived; the ear misunderstand,” is an old adage meant to convey a complex anatomical fact. Namely, that the eye does not “see” nor the ear “hear.” Each receives certain sensory input that is transmitted to an appropriate area of the brain and interpreted. Thus, the mind, the seat of consciousness, must necessarily reside in that organ, if for no other reason than that this anatomical structure is capable and compatible with the electrical processes of thought associated with consciousness. It takes time to develop this faculty, however, and exercise. The most difficult of which is relaxation. If we accept for the moment the theory that it is interpretation in the brain that constitutes sentience or consciousness on this, the temporal plane or level. It follows then, that accurate perception is essential to clear thinking; which is necessary for logical reasoning and appropriate decision making. The ancients poetically described this phenomenon by saying that, “Reality is perceived as the reflected image on the surface of the Pool of the Subconscious. If the surface is troubled by worry, doubt, fear, then Reality is imperfectly perceived and faulty thinking arises.” Somerset Maugham in his classic tale of 1930s American elitism The Razor’s Edge, relates the story of a young man who decides not to go into the family accounting business, but rather to Spain and drive an ambulance in the Spanish Civil War, in order to “find himself.” From there he travels to Paris, Madrid, and eventually India in search of self knowledge and enlightenment. He hears of a Tibetan monastery where great teachers live and seeks out a guide who has been there. The guide tells him that living at the temple is a wonderful experience, but not necessary. That he need only free himself from the troubles of the world and everything, even washing dishes in the river, becomes a spiritual experience. Then life is filled with joy, harmony and contentment. But, he still wants to go, so they make the trek, hauling with them a huge trunk full of books on philosophy and religion collected by the hero in his previous travels. He is put to work in the kitchen and barely tolerated by the monks who seem to regard him as an interloper, while seeing themselves as on a “true” spiritual journey. In time he comes to know them and finds that they are just like himself, not arrogant or offended by his presence, merely curious and concerned for their own salvation; which he reasoned, accounted for their lack of familiarity and conversation. One night, in the midst of a howling blizzard, a monk comes to the pilgrim and tells him that the Head Abbot has ordered him to go to a nearby alcove of rock outcropping some miles from the temple and meditate. He is to take with him his trunk full of books. Off he goes, dragging the trunk through the snow. Finally reaching the barest of shelter against the storm at the alcove, he settles in and regulates his breath to stave off the cold. He begins to wonder how long he is supposed to endure this uncomfortable and dangerous meditation. The cold creeps into his bones, he shivers, he rouses himself from the slumber that could result in freezing to death. Finally, he realizes he is too cold and frozen to even make it back to the temple if he wanted to, and surely he would have to leave his treasured books behind. At last he sees a way. He must burn the books to survive.

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“How cruel,” he thinks. “For the Abbot to force this loss on me.” He tries to read the pages one last time before he sets them in the fire. But, as the flames flicker and he is warmed, he begins to laugh at his own folly and at the wisdom of the Abbot. It’s not the books, he finally understands, it is the knowledge in them that is important. And he has that already for having read them and for having lived by the codes of compassion and empathy they all spoke of as the proper Path. The books themselves were just his Ego, showing "tangible proof" of how much he had studied and should therefore know and be respected for. Not really important. Just unnecessary “baggage” that was holding him back and slowing him down. Just like the emotional baggage carried by most human beings, it had to be “let go” or “set free,” for the Seeker to move on. He grasped the concept that the Abbot could have told him this openly, but he would never have fully appreciated it until he had “discovered” it and made the decision for himself. The blizzard passed, the sun came out like a confirmation of his rebirth and he now knew how long he had been expected to remain in the alcove. Until he found his answer. So he joyfully made his way back to the temple. A few days later, he was ready to depart. He spoke with the Abbot and thanked him for his kindness and patience. The old man smiled. “We are sorry to see you go,” he told the student. “You were the best cook we ever had.” They both smiled at that and he walked away. These were men parting in good fellowship. In the world but not of it, who knew that all the answers were simple and didn’t take themselves too seriously, just because they were far superior to ordinary mortals. The same thing happens the first time you truly relax and "slip the surly bonds of Earth and touch the face of God." A door, a Mind Gate, unseen, unnoticed, but there all along, opens for you. Then you must choose whether to cross that psychological threshold. Doors and gates are not for looking through, after all. Dare you try it? The twilight state between sleep and waking provided by the quiet relaxation of meditation enables the individual to unite the faculties of Memory and Imagination. This activates certain hormones and produces a euphoric state, known as "lucid dreaming," where anything is possible. These psychosomatic triggers permit access to areas of the brain hitherto undreamt of. That is the nature of enlightenment, one small step at a time, working your way through the maze, knowing the researcher has removed the cheese, trying to remember why you left the infinite moment of eternity to experience the temporal plane in the first place. The lesson to be drawn from this is the Lesson of Hunger. It can be told to you a thousand times, you can fast to try and simulate it, but, until you are truly hungry and don’t know where your next meal is coming from, you will not truly know. And when you have been, you will recognize others who have had this lesson as worthy and equal to yourself on an intuitive level. It is the same with sitting quietly on the floor, listening to yourself breathe. Can’t be adequately grasped intellectually. Can’t be tried and forgotten. You MUST do the exercise to get the result. And, after all, how hard is it to sit down and relax for ten minutes a day?

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Just because sitting quietly, listening to yourself breathe is also a part of Yoga, does not mean you must twist yourself into any of the elaborate postures. Just because someone tells you this great secret does not mean you owe them any allegiance or loyalty. Embrace neither credo nor dogma, simply do the exercise. Expect nothing and you will find everything. It will be subtle at first, but every time you perform this Great Work, it will be easier and work better. That is the nature of practice. Waiting for something wonderful to happen, knowing that the beauty of every sunrise is the magic, and every breath is an eternity, that the wonder of the universe is in its infinite diversity and the way those differences interact to create meaning and beauty. Some schools teach that one should “count up” from one to three to awaken oneself from this dream-like, light trance, in which you can “remember” to give yourself positive thoughts, affirmations and post hypnotic suggestions that will help you when you return to the waking world. Memorizing poems, chants or prayers serve this purpose very well. But, one should take care regarding what is memorized, since repetition over a long period "ingrains" the concept in the subconscious and it takes on a momentum of its own. Therefore, affirmations of good health and positive well being are preferable. By these means, you can “catch the reins of the racing horse of your thoughts” and direct it toward a solution, instead of letting it fret you with anxiety and worry. Likewise, remind yourself when leaving this state that it is beneficial and that any imbalances, illnesses, negative thoughts, energies or emotions that may do you harm are “breathed out” with every breath, enabling you to become healthy, wealthy, and wise, healing the body with the mind by allowing them to work in harmony. A second method of rousing oneself from this bridge between slumber and waking where imagination and memory are united and anything is possible, is simply to sigh. This will return your focus to your breathing, since, by now, it has become so slow and deep you no longer need concentrate on it. And, sighing is a natural human reflex used to relieve stress all by itself. You may find deep emotions here. A memory may surface in your quiet reverie, you may find yourself crying or smiling at the thought of a forgotten friend or a fond recollection. And all of these are merely stages in your own self-purification. There is no “great enlightenment” merely a series of small steps, until one day you look back and marvel at how far you have come. For that is what this has been. The reading of this short pamphlet, a meditation, a dream within a dream, a step upon the Path. Not so hard after all, eh? Every time you pick up a handful of sand and look at it with the wonder of a child and see a mystery, you are part of the Circus of Life. And then, you will be able to recognize Players who have also had this transcendental experience with whom you may walk the Path, for a while. “All is temporal, all is imperfect,” is the chant of the Amida Buddha Sect. Only the Eternity beyond the physical shell is unknown, because it is forgotten at birth, just as what is learned and remembered is all that “survives” the transition to return to the Source at death, and can only be experienced after the shell of the physical body is left behind. The Exercise of Stillness is a way to touch that Eternity and remember that you are part of it and will return to it, in time.

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The GREAT WORK "The only real service we can provide our fellow human beings is to remind them of the experience of Eternity, the memory of which is lost at birth." Plato There is an endless well of souls in the universe; a place where time and space have no meaning, where absolutes like immortality exist and all paradoxes are resolved. When a mind elects to leave this eternity to experience the temporal plane it becomes part of the physical realm, forgets the eternal and accepts the limitations of the temporal so that it can "play the game" of life. Many early religions considered "life" to be a temporary escape from an eternity of bliss. The Source, the Infinite from which all things tangible and intangible flow equally is left behind, scattered into countless fragments, all seeking to rejoin the great Oneness, which occurs at the moment of physical death. The Game then, is to explore and discover this reality anew each time, to find new companions with which to share the journey, to use the mental tools of memory, reason, logic, imagination and understanding to solve the puzzle of existence; to experience the sensual pleasures of the physical plane and make new memories to fill the void of infinity. It is too difficult for most people. They soon tire of trying to comprehend the nature of existence and accept one of the many philosophies that purport to know and understand, but only speak in symbols, the meaning of which is long forgotten. Which is why they are taught as symbols, so that the meaning reaches the intellect on a subconscious level where it still enables the faithful to empower themselves and have some modicum of direction in their destiny. Most others merely recite the rituals by rote, and, as Thoreau said, "lead lives of quiet desperation."

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But, there are those lucky Few, blessed with awareness and spontaneity, that are able to enjoy their lives and even help others among the Many. Anyone can become a Sage. Just takes a little effort. Might be harder for some than for others, but all humans have the innate ability to comprehend the meaning of their own existence. The Chinese learned long ago that anyone can learn anything by rote repetition given enough time. That is why so many martial arts drills begin with basic movements and advance to the more difficult. So too, with meditation, the basic exercise of the Mind Gate School. What then, is to be learned by sitting on the floor listening to yourself breathe? EVERYTHING, of course. That is why the Mind Gate is associated with enlightenment. There are Zen Buddhist, Ch’an (the Chinese name for this same system) masters, and a plethora of related and variant methods, ALL arising from this simple practice. Each professing some doctrine, theology, or philosophy. None of which are necessary for the Individual, and all of which eventually converge to the same simple and fundamental principles which become self evident to the Student during the practice, thereby advancing himself to the level of Initiate. Thus, even these “ranks” or levels of distinction are meaningless. Remember that the legends of all of the Sages from which these schools derive, be they Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, African, even Judeo-Christian, are essentially the same. This was the great revelation of Joseph Campbell, noted anthropologist, in his book Hero With A Thousand Faces, where he compared the major mythologies and religions known to man throughout recorded history pointing out their similarities to show that they were all symbolically telling the same story. And yet, Man is plagued with self doubt and anxiety. Impaled upon the horns of even the simplest of psychological dilemma. The angst generated by the fact that "life feeds on life" has led to all manner of ritual and ceremony to absolve oneself of the guilt of consuming what was once alive, and explaining to the initiate that one day he too would be eaten and provide nourishment for the next generation of living things, so that the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth were explained as best they could be in symbolic terms to primitive peoples barely, if literate at all, by modern standards. The native American Indians who worshiped the buffalo who fed and clothed them; and prayed to them before harvesting what then needed to survive are an example of this sort of nature worship philosophy. That was husbandry and marshalling of the resources and living in harmony with nature, and their religion. Others, like the Jain, refused to eat even a fruit until it fell from the tree of its own accord and limited the number of footsteps they took each day so as not to injure the earth or trample any insects that might be underfoot. Fortunately, those hyperbolic practices were soon discontinued in favor of a more pragmatic perspective. But, they do illustrate the extremes to which the mind of Man can misconstrue and misinterpret the intent of Nature, often to his own detriment. The important point, however, is that ritual and ceremony are useful because they help people regard their duties with solemnity and help to maintain good order and remember on a symbolic, subconscious level, the meaning and purpose for their part in this cycle.

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Noted psychologist Carl Jung said, “Religion is a defense against a religious experience.” Because, by telling you what to expect, you miss the experience by anticipating it. In the movie Caddyshack, Bill Murray relates a ridiculous story of how he caddied for the Dalai Lama on a course in the Himalayas. When he offered to retrieve a particularly difficult lie for his Eminence, the Holy Man declined but, thanking him for the offer to risk his life for a mere game of golf, gave him the “secret of enlightenment.” “The Dalai Lama told me I would achieve complete enlightenment at the moment of my death.” Of course this is true, for everyone, whether you practice any religion or not. It is just more of a profound secret to some than to others, and living your life with this knowledge is an expression of this great truth. That’s why the followers of the Way always seem so calm and kind and all knowing, because they know the important thing is to enjoy your life, not worry about death. If you would understand this, practice meditation. But remember, just because the technique has been assimilated into a variety of structured religious doctrines, and also finds expression as prayer, does not mean that any of them are correct. Only what you find in solitude is real, for you at this time. It may be like others. It may be inspired by others, but it is yours because you have chosen it. "Arguing about religion is just fighting over who has the best imaginary friend…" No one can "prove satisfactorily" to any one else that his or her god exists. No matter how forceful or sincere the discussion. If they could there would be no need for faith. Because it is not the deity or icon to which one prays that is important. It is the religiosity of having one. In the movie Castaway about a man marooned on a desert island much like Robinson Crusoe, the central figure finds the loneliness of his imposed solitude unbearable and begins to have short mocking conversations with a coconut to vent his bitterness. As time passes the conversations become longer as he uses it as a sounding board for ideas. He begins to decorate the head-like orb and treat it as a personality, knowing deep inside himself that it is merely a projection of some aspect of himself. Which ever one was needed at any given moment to spur him on, because this is part of the human survival mechanism. If he was depressed, looking at the silly coconut would make him laugh. If he were glad, he shared his joy with his companion as if it were real. He went through all the stages of any religious convert, doubt, belief, faith, desire, abandonment, and finally loss, when the icon was washed away from the makeshift raft that finally set him free. You see, that was his religion of the island. He could not bring it back to the real world. He was psychologically and in this case, physically, compelled to let it go before he could return to the civilized man he was before his tribal experience. Surely one could reason that primitive man might have made such a mental journey and created gods and goddesses to fill the void of his solitude and explain the abstract world around him as well. And, this is the important point this story illustrates, that the need for companionship is so great that if no companion can be found, the human imagination will create one. And, this then becomes the source of positive reinforcement and "strokes," when no other is available. 17

Children still perform this ritual in pre-pubescence while discovering their own personalities by having imaginary friends that represent different aspects of themselves and allowing them to role-play and interact, the better to evaluate the outcome and decide on an appropriate course of action. Rehearsing social etiquette at a little girl's imaginary tea party is an example. In puberty, they begin to seek this reflection of themselves in others as the initiation of the mating ritual. Mating, of course, is the primal drive of all living things and is therefore the ultimate source of strokes. As far as we know, humans are the only species that is capable of or has demonstrated this mental ability. Romantics may depict an elephant god for elephants or a cat goddess for felines, or a sun god for birds drying their wings in the morning sun. As far as we are aware, the bird is not "praying" to the sun, although it might appear that way to one on his own religious quest. Once again, a reflection of himself, symbolically showing him the way. And, once again, there is no "evidence" that any species but man has or needs such devices. The main point to be made from all this is not which religion is better, nor even whether there is a God, but rather that, when deprived of a customary source of companionship/strokes, the human mind will fabricate one. And, that this entity may become quite elaborate, depending on how much of the individual's personality it is necessary to project into the world to fill the internal void. The French philosopher Descartes summed it up by saying "I think, therefore, I am." The very act of recognizing that you exist proves your existence. Likewise the existence of God, your God as well as everyone else's definition of the same concept, no matter how disparate it might be from your own. And, this principle is echoed by the First Law of the Universe, "The ALL is Mind." If you were not here to perceive it, then it would not exist- for YOU. It might exist somewhere else, for someone else, but that doesn't matter. This is why the Sage's answer to and the meaning of the question, "If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?" The answer is, "NO, a tree falling in the forest with no one to hear, makes NO sound. But, it falls nonetheless." What we get when we chose to come to the temporal plane is Ego. A feeling of separateness from the All, of loneliness. This then, is Hell. Hell being denied the face of the beloved. The Shi'ite Muslims tell a story that Satan was not cast out of Heaven from for opposing God, nor for hating Him. The legend goes that after God created Man, he commanded all the angels to bow before his creation so that they too might serve in the development of the species. Lucifer refused. But, it was not defiance that made him disobey, but rather the greatest of Love. Satan, it is said, told God that he would bow before only one other being, the High Lord himself. That to bow to any lesser being would be an insult to His greatness. This was pride and ego asserting itself. So God cast him out. And Satan, being immortal, dwells in Hell, forever denied the presence, the voice, the face, the touch of the Beloved Most High. Who among you has not lost a lover? Would any who have suffered this pain deny that it is the very essence of ultimate suffering? So, the symbolism is clear. It is not Lucifer, not Satan, who is cast out and alone for a temporal eternity. It is Everyman.

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All consciousness is a part of the universal whole. When a consciousness elects to have a temporal experience it is born and forgets the infinite and becomes the "I" the Ego, the Self, separate and individual from the All. This is necessary to bind oneself to the laws of physical reality. What good, or fun, would it be to play a game where you knew the rules didn't matter? And the outcome was pre-ordained? That it didn't matter how long you lived, because "you" would always exist and have always been as part of the All. You just wouldn't feel alone or separate any more. That is why people are afraid to die, because what is lost is the Ego. But, it is not lost, it merely returns to the Source; where it is reunited with all those who have gone before or will come after; where it can remain or from which it can return at any time. It merely loses the illusion of individuality that defines a temporal existence. The symbolism therefore indicates that it is not only possible for "Lucifer to be redeemed and return to Heaven," but in fact it occurs regardless of any Free Will on the part of the Ego whatsoever. The very thing we fight against our whole lives, trapped inside what are essentially "bags of water," microcosms of the universe, temporarily contained while seeking to return to the oneness of the Universal Mind or Cosmic Consciousness. This is the "I" that exists to hear the falling tree and read this book. Humor, novelty, cleverness, play a large part in making things unique and memorable. Memory and imagination, it will be recalled, are about the only tools man has to cope with temporal reality, after all. Joseph Campbell proclaimed in one of his lectures that, “Any religion that does not empower the individual is useless.” Certainly meditation qualifies on that account. Even when “mixed” with other philosophies and doctrines like Buddhism, the essential exercise teaches the student far more than he could ever learn in a lifetime of academic study. Remember that reciting the same commands or poetry over and over is a way of "programming" the mental computer that is your brain. Therefore, one must be very selective in choosing what to memorize. Meditation, however, does not lend itself well to violent or anarchistic credo, it is therefore “self-regulating” as well. To illustrate Campbell told an ancient Hindu myth. “Once upon a time there was a she-tiger chasing some goats in pursuit of her dinner. During this adventure she was injured and as she lay dying, gave birth to a tiger cub. The goats, no longer fearful, returned and found the newborn. Not having ever seen a baby tiger before they just figured he was a baby goat and adopted him into the herd. Time passed and the tiger cub grew. He wasn’t a very good goat. He liked to climb up and sleep in the trees, which the others couldn’t do, so they were jealous. And his teeth weren’t right for eating grass, so he was malnourished. One day a male tiger came by and began chasing the goats in pursuit of his own dinner. Dashing about in the tall grass, he suddenly came upon the young tiger hiding. “What are you doing there?” Demanded the old tiger. “Hiding..” was the weak reply. “Why?” asked the elder. “Because I’m afraid you will eat me.” Said the young one. “Nonsense! I wouldn’t eat you, you are a tiger, like me.” “No,” protested the junior. “I’m a goat, have been all my life.”

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The old tiger just laughed. “Come with me,” he commanded, dragging the younger back to his cave. There he ripped off a piece of raw meat and offered it to his new friend. “Eat, it will make you strong.” “No thanks, I’m a vegetarian, have been all my life,” said the young tiger. The old tiger just laughed and stuffed the meat down his gullet. It didn’t taste so bad after all and pretty soon the young tiger began to get his strength back. The next day, the old tiger took him to the waterhole for a drink. “Look into the still water first,” he advised. “Look at the reflection of your face. Then look at my face. They are the same. We are tigers, You must not act like a goat, you must act according to your true nature. Otherwise, you will never know peace or contentment This then, is the proper teaching for any true religion. And, it utilizes many of the principles of mythology and symbolism of which Campbell was so fond. The “young tiger” is the “hero” of the story. Just like every hero myth down through the ages, his birth is special, he feels ostracized from the tribe, he goes to the forbidden land, and learns the great secret. The raw meat in this instance is the symbol of any religious “sacrament." The Holy Word of Truth, that may seem distasteful at first and sometimes must be pressed upon the disciple, but, once accepted, it nourishes and restores him. The waterhole is the Pool of the Subconscious, upon whose surface Reality is reflected to become the perceptions of the mind. If the surface is troubled, by mental illness for example, Reality is distorted, resulting in unrealistic expectations and errors in judgment. Thus this, and all really ancient religions before deities, shadows of which can be found in some Native American Indian ceremonies, were ALL based on the principle of Self Knowledge as the Way to Enlightenment and Understanding. The Way of the Mind Gate, like Shinto or Tai Chi, subscribes to neither theology, dogma, nor philosophy, they merely do their exercise. It is the "religiosity" of performing the ritual of the exercise that enlightens the Seeker. Life is a matter of choices and perceptions, but not all of then are made by us. Environmental factors also have an influence. That is because the universe requires balance. If it were all up to us, there would be no conflict and no learning. Obstacles ARE "opportunities." Doesn't mean they are pleasant, necessary, or useful. You can't go through life in Denial, blissfully ignoring the Truth all around you like a sheep or the goat in Campbell's story until a tiger gets you. Man was meant for better things than merely being part of the food chain. Even if he does hold a high place there, being omnivorous. People only have a certain amount of control over their destiny. That why St. Frances of Assisi was so profound with his, "Grant me the Strength to change the things I can, Patience to endure the things I can't, and Wisdom to know the difference." The same sort of trilogy as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; or Yin Yang and Tao, is it not? Understanding that all these things are the same is part of perceiving clearly. And that is one of the things that makes it possible to guide the ship of your soul without battling against the current all the time or being just swept along helplessly.

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Nature has provided us with a variety of intellectual tools for this purpose. Humans tend to reason in one of three ways. Induction, being able to extrapolate a theory or hypothesis from empirical or even anecdotal evidence. Deduction, being able to draw a conclusion from a body of evidence. The deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes is considered n example of this method. And, abduction, being able to recognize a pattern. Logic and mathematics are derived from this ability. All of these are used in the "identification" process of growing and learning and interacting with the temporal environment. We choose to make things as they are for ourselves to a large degree by viewing things through the prism of our internal self image. Some just choose to see more clearly than others.

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The

THREE FACES of

SELF

Of course, the first thing one discovers in meditation and the contemplation of solitude is that he is not alone at all. There is the "I" the Adult part of the Self that maintains the balance between the other two facets. And the "me," Child-like part of the Self, in whom resides intuition and curiosity. And the "You" part of the personality. The part that becomes the surrogate companion for the marooned man, the part that tells you what to do for self discipline, that tells you the difference between right and wrong, the Internalized Authority Figure, or Parent.

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This is the part that "speaks" to you, and that you project onto others, which is shaped by your peer group and tells you how silly it is to lie on your back and count to three, how it will never work, how useless it is to try and better yourself. The Child part marvels at the wonder of listening to the breath, the colors generated by closing the eyes, the comfort of relaxation and play. The Adult keeps the balance between them and is responsible for social conduct and appropriate behavior. The "you" part of the Self is essentially objective and deals with how behavior relates to the world at large. The "me" part is purely subjective. Nothing exists except as how it relates to the Child part of the ego. Again a trilogy, and this same symbolism is demonstrated graphically by the Great Tai Chi Symbol. This simple principle can be applied with equal efficacy to virtually any paradigm one may desire. It is the basis of all traditional Chinese medicine, of which the Mind Gate is the equivalent of Western psychology. The Tai Chi Symbol represents the integrated personality of the individual, composed of the masculine and feminine polarities, Yang and Yin. Which represent the Child (Id), Adult (Ego), and Parent (Internalized Authority Figure) parts of the personality. Just as in the Symbol, there is a constant striving or "contest," not really a "struggle," for balance between these three facets. All children are born princes or princesses, full of wonder and joy. But, as they mature they are shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. Significant among these are the parents, who figuratively and unknowingly turn their children into "frogs" by telling them what they must and cannot do within the conventions of their culture and society. Each of these restrictions or demands limits the creativity of the individual, channeling it along previously described and defined lines. This lesson is taught symbolically in "fairy tales," and inevitably concludes with the "frog" or "ugly duckling" discovering its own self worth and becoming a self empowered individual. This is the source of adolescent rebellion, a common phase of development. And, the "rules" become the "internalized authority figure" or Parent, that prevent us from breaking the law by giving us a memory of the punishment. Religion is notably an extrapolation of this trilogy, symbolically representing the psychological triad on a philosophical and mythical level. Religion establishes the moral code of the tribe using a pattern recognized on both the conscious and subconscious levels. Two MORE facets of the personality for a total of five. The number of symbolic alchemical elements. Equally important as solitude and self knowledge is stroking, the garnering of positive recognition from others. Each sentient being requires a few moments for him or her "self." To reflect, to contemplate, to relax, to escape the bustle of every day life. Most people do this instinctively. The husband or wife who rises before the rest of the family and has a private cup of coffee to start the day; the monk who gazes at the stars at night before retiring to his cell. Both are performing the same function. And, it is noteworthy in the scheme of things that one discovers how to obtain strokes by experiencing solitude and one understands the need for solitude by competing for strokes. A typical psychological paradox.

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Attention Seeking Behavior STROKES "All bad behavior, no matter how extreme, is merely attention seeking. Same for all good behavior…" Ko Hung Lo 4th century B.C. Man is so concerned with earning strokes for himself that he will forego food, shelter, and even sex, for a single unit of acceptable reinforcement, be it positive or negative, that he has chosen from among all those available. This determines the nature of his character. Noted newspaper columnist Jack Anderson once said that when he was a boy he saw a bridge that needed repair and wrote to the local newspaper about it. They were so impressed with his erudition and civic pride that they not only had the bridge repaired but presented him with an award as well. An event that set in motion the forces that made him a world famous correspondent and social crusader. It was never the same as that first time when the crowd roared his name and his parents beamed with pride and he felt the physical thrill of such recognition at so young an age. In spite of all the awards he has won since, he is still trying, albeit subconsciously, to recreate that single moment of pride, joy, and feeling of self worth.

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For most people this sort of watershed epiphany usually occurs with their first sexual experience, the nature of which often sets in motion a life script that can be wonderful or tragic, depending on how the individual deals with it psychologically. And the only real, transcendental, spiritual, religious way of integrating all life experiences into a healthy, whole, well balanced personality is understanding of one's Self. Knowing this is the key to the Way of the Mind Gate. This is the essential premise of the primitive Japanese psychological system known as Sai-Min-Jitsu, or Way of the Mind Gate. So, if we are all playing for strokes, then by extrapolation, the primary motivating factor of all living species is sex. Sex is why we gamble, sex is why we make war, make love, create art and confound ourselves with social etiquette. Because reproduction and propagation of the species is not only the most powerful instinctive drive of every living thing, it is also to most powerful unit of positive recognition ever devised by Nature. Followers of the Jungian school of psychology recognize that there are three primary methods of behavior modification: 1) Reinforce positive behavior through reward. 2) Punish unacceptable behavior through negative or uncomfortable outcome. 3) Eliminate negative behavior by not reinforcing it. Of these, the latter is the most time consuming. And, it has been found that the second method often becomes an unintended type of "negative reinforcement." An example of this is a child who continues to behave badly in order to obtain the attention denied or forgotten if he behaves well and is ignored. That is to say the child will gladly endure verbal reprimands or even corporal punishment, so long as he is getting attention. This is one of the keys to this system, so learn it well. Every human on the planet requires a certain amount of positive reinforcement in the form of "strokes." A Stroke is defined psychologically as a unit of recognition." It may be a wave, a smile, a kind word; or a slap, kick or reprimand. Both ends of the spectrum can be clinically defined as fulfilling the necessary criteria. A Stroke is a stroke, no matter what its form or motivation, given freely or elicited, so long as it can be considered a unit of recognition. Some claim that attention-seeking behavior may occur in order to obtain the "negative strokes," i.e. the various punishments mentioned, when all forms of positive reinforcement are withheld. And, that the catatonic "rocking" gesture seen in animals confined for long periods and institutionalized mental patients, is a manifestation of this lack of an available source of strokes. As people age they begin to select particular types of attention that become preferred. The love of a mate, adoration of the crowd, or quiet pride in a job well done, for example. All animals, even humans are bound by this need for recognition and companionship. The classic psychological experiment is the study in which a Rhesus monkey was separated from its mother and provided with a surrogate shortly after birth. Being denied the "birth mother," the infant was provided with two substitutes. One was a wire frame with a milk bottle fixed to simulate the mother's breast for nursing. The other frame was covered with a piece of carpet, to simulate the furry torso of the mother. It was theorized that the baby would cling to the bare wire frame with the bottle since this represented nourishment, a basic, instinctive need. Instead, it was found that the infant monkey clung to the wooly blanket surrogate most of the time and only moved to

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the other frame to feed. Clearly demonstrating that it preferred the imitation affection of the "carpet mother" to nourishment. So too with man. It is an instinctive genetically imprinted behavior, almost impossible to modify. This can be easily proven in the training of any household pet. Psychologists will tell you that the best way to train your pet is to wait until the desired behavior manifests itself, then reward it with attention, praise, and food, if available. This combination tells the animal what is expected. When the animal does something of which you disapprove, withhold the food reinforcement and verbally admonish the pet by changing the tone of your voice. You don't have to scream, that would be overkill. Nor must you learn any special words or commands. The animal, and people, can feel the change in your mood when you are disappointed in him, or angry. So both should be used sparingly. Love and affection are much better. They soon learn what behaviors are desired and quickly discard those activities for which they are punished by the withholding of the reward, discomfort, or being ignored. But, you can see the "playing for negative strokes" in pets and children denied any other sort of attention. This is used by manipulators like child and spouse abusers to fix a very real but malicious grip upon their victims, whose self esteem is so diminished by the constant fear of being unexpectedly punished for unspecified bad behavior it makes them accept otherwise rude and rough treatment as normal and even desirable. This is the essence of Jungian psychology, punishment and reward, the "carrotand-stick" method of behavior modification. Camel drivers and animal trainers have known it for centuries. Scientists wishing to study the effect of perspective on mental outlook selected two boys and put each into separate rooms. In the first room the little boy was given a pony; in the second, there was only a pile of manure and a shovel. After twenty minutes the scientists went to check on their subjects. The first little boy was quietly crying in the corner. When asked why he wasn't playing with the pony and having fun, he replied that, "Well, the pony isn't mine, so if I start playing with him and having fun and get attached to him, when you take him away I'll be lonely again." He was labeled a pessimist. In the second room, the other little boy was gleefully shoveling pile after pile of horse manure around the room, laughing and having a great time. When asked why he was so happy, he replied, "I figure with all this horse manure, there's got to be a pony in here somewhere!" This example is often used to illustrate that one should have a "positive attitude," in order to be cheerful and have a good life. But, in fact the pessimistic child was correct in his assessment of reality. While the optimistic child denied the obvious evidence and was living in a fantasy world of his own unrealistic expectations. This is not to suggest that we must all be pessimists, merely that real satisfaction is not found by delusional thinking. The traditional method of instruction among philosophers and those following the Way of the Mind Gate is the telling of parables, the posing of questions, debate, discussion and exercises that stimulate rational thinking. So that is what we have done here, told tales of others who walked this path and learned these lessons.

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One method used by teachers of Zen, for example, and one more well known than parables, is the koan. This is a paradox upon which one meditates in order to achieve enlightenment. These are simple, poetic statements or questions intended to provoke thought and discussion. The most famous of which is: “If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear, does it make a sound?” The Zen master might let his students argue over this point, because invariably there are differences of opinion. The scientific mind would contend that sound waves occur from such an incident regardless of whether there is a receptor (ear) to hear them or not, so the answer is yes, it “makes a sound.” The sage would say that there is no sound if no one hears it. Eventually the master would resolve the issue for them. “A tree, falling in the forest with no one to hear it, makes no sound; BUT, it falls nonetheless.” The symbolic meaning has been explained earlier. The lesson, however, is that very few questions have a single or even a pair of answers. Another famous koan, that illustrates the principle that “perspective is important in attitude,” is the question, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” If the person answering says, “half full” he is considered an “optimist” because he sees the potential in what remains. If he says, “half-empty” he is labeled a “pessimist” because he only sees what is lost. Thus, his behavior may be “predicted” with some degree of accuracy, based on his positive or negative outlook on life in general as evidenced by his answer to this simple test. The Sage, however, having decided at that moment not to participate in this interrogation because he knows that a lifetime cannot be intuited from a single answer, might reply that the “glass is too large for the volume of water contained, and is therefore neither half empty nor half full.” Thus, avoiding the “either/or” trap and refusing to reveal anything about his state of mind. This then should be the modus operadi of the Reader. To look deep within these stories. Read “between the lines” and “within the words.” Ponder them in meditation. Seek not to know all the answers, but to understand the questions. In Way of the Mind Gate you learn to think and become your own teacher. That is the nature of all true teaching, discovery and recognition of the obvious fundamental principles and forces of Life as a Human in the act of Being. Each of them is content with their respective role primarily due to their individual perspective. The analogy applies equally well to our study of general psychology. There is an old story that illustrates the application of this principle to conflict resolution. There was an old adventure movie staring the Barbarian Brothers that illustrates the principle of competing for strokes. The twins had fallen into cache of weapons and eagerly sought to arm themselves. One, the normally dominant or leader twin, picked up a sword and began admiring its weight and shine. His brother, seeing the game was to find a weapon, not wanting to merely mimic his brother, picked up a battle ax and began swinging it around. The other 27

twin saw how much fun his brother was having and became disenchanted with the sword, thinking the ax would be more fun. "I want the ax," he demanding of his sibling. The passive twin, not wanting to compete for dominance and even eager to please his brother, gladly handed it over and picked up the sword. His delight in this weapon surpassed even what he had shown with the ax. His brother tried it a few times and realized that it was not the weapon that was fun, it was how his brother was enjoying it totally and without reservation. "I want the sword," he said to his brother, who gladly handed it over and returned to the ax as if it were an old friend. They were back were they had intuitively begun and both were satisfied. This example of sibling rivalry illustrates several important examples of how humans interact. First, each twin receives a "stroke" in the form of an unexpected reward; finding the weapons cache and being able to select from among the toys without supervision. The "leader" quickly chooses the customary phallic symbol, a sword. His brother, the "follower," asserting his individuality in the twin paradigm, is more cautious in his selection, perhaps intentionally letting his brother choose first so he can deliberately select something different and "better." He picks up a double bladed battleaxe, partly because he "thinks in pairs," unlike his brother who pleases himself first and his constant companion second, if at all. While the leader holds the sword and admires it, a narcissistic trait since his choice is a "reflection of his self image," the follower twin is swinging his ax with glee, eagerly anticipating beheading their many enemies. The leader twin sees how much fun his brother is having and becomes jealous. He looks at the sword and thinks he might have picked too soon and not made the best choice. This is due to quite natural and inherent self doubt, not severe or disabling, just a part of normal psychological checks and balances. He COULD make another selection from the pile. But, if he does that it implies that he made a bad choice in the first place, a threat to his leadership position; if he chooses an ax he would be imitating his brother; his ego would not allow that. So, being "dominant," he stops his brother's playing and says, "I want the ax." His brother, having "played this game" many times, does not protest this unreasonable demand, nor does he give the ax fond farewell. To him it is just a tool, with no psychological significance and not worth fighting about when he knows beforehand that he cannot or will not defeat his brother on such an issue because he never has before. They have a "sibling relationship" in which each has defined and accepted his role. He hands over the ax. Before his brother can put down the sword he "accepts" it from him. It is a fine sword, a good choice, he would have chosen it himself had his brother not picked it up first. He begins to swing the blade and enjoy it as much as he did the ax. This is because he doesn't care about winning or losing or dominating his twin. He is able to "play" and enjoy whatever new toy is presented to amuse himself. The dominant twin swings the ax a few times. It is not as balanced as the sword was. He sees how much fun his brother is having with the sword and decides that he was right the first time, thus validating his character and giving himself a personal stroke to offset his self doubt. He then "acts out" this internal monolog by asking for the sword to be returned. He knows he cannot have both sword and ax, for then he couldn't wield

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either effectively. He trusts his brother to use the ax well, since he knows exactly how much training each of them has had because they are always together. The follower twin immediately complies and swaps the sword for the ax, which is what he wanted all along, and the leader twin goes back to admiring the sword. The "follower twin" gets his "strokes" from "playing the game." He knows the outcome is assured because of he established pattern of behavior through his whole life. Thus, he "wins by yielding," through patience, passive resistance and non-violence. When his brother demands the ax, he gives it willingly, out of love, knowing it will make his brother happy. Thus, nothing can be "taken" from him because it is freely given. When his brother wants the sword back he gives it freely again, because he doesn't feel the need to "possess" or claim the toy as his own. Thus, because the prize has no value to him, the contest is a "test of strength," and he has already agreed to his brother's dominance, so he surrenders. In this way he demonstrates what the Japanese call "shibumi," superiority without domination. The dominant twin is operating from a position of negotiated power. For all his curiosity and leadership he requires confirmation because he is at least partially responsible for the safety and welfare of his brother as well as his own. This "acceptance of responsibility" is one of the characteristics of being the leader. He does not brutalize his less dominant brother, but merely calls upon him from time to time to reaffirm that he agrees they are on the right path. The "acceptance of his leadership" provides the reinforcement he requires. Thus, each benefits from the exchange. Anecdotal examples like this are not intended to replace or serve as clinical statistical proof, only as illustrative scenarios. Power, it will be recalled, is doing something that because it pleases your Self. Love is doing something because it will please the significant Other. Wisdom, is knowing the difference. The follower or passive twin, being physically equal to the dominant one, could probably defeat him in physical or psychological warfare if he was willing to "cheat." And he chooses not to do this on some subconscious level out of love for his more aggressive and reckless twin, of whom he feels protective. The leader twin, on the other hand, sees his brother as a friend to be entertained, a sounding board for his ideas, a companion who has granted him his trust, whose safety must also be considered when plotting an adventure. By considering events in the light of this knowledge, it is possible to eliminate many stress producing value judgments. Good and evil, for example, are usually defined in terms of selfishness and unselfishness. The Child part of the brain WANTS WHAT IT WANTS AND IT WANTS IT RIGHT NOW. The Parent part of the brain, always cautious, hesitates to give or take anything. The Adult, theoretically the balanced part of the personality satisfies both of the other parts by saying, "Later." The Child is slightly disappointed because it is not now. The Parent is disappointed because it is not denied. Neither is completely satisfied. But, the compromise maintains balance and is a way of coping with the stress of Reality. Another "internal" conflict peacefully resolved.

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The

FIVE FEELINGS and

FIVE DESIRES

The Five Elements, arising from the Tai Chi Symbol, may also be used to classify common human emotional states, each of which is but an extension or manifestation of these five facets of the personality, the better to understand, predict, and regulate his own behavior.

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The application of this organizational tree to mental manipulation is as follows: Earth, for example, is the designation used to describe those who are timid or fearful and easily intimidated. The derivation of this analogy may be that Earth, as an element, is slow and resistant to change. Anything that alters their delicate balance so precariously maintained is perceived as a dire threat from which one must cower and hide. Change is always disruptive, but it is also inevitable, thus, to these, the world is a dark and sinister place where kindness and virtue are helpless in the grip of anxiety, anticipating some dread outcome. Such persons, however, are also capable of great loyalty and self sacrifice. In Japanese this is called Kyosha. Aisha represents the Water element, love. It symbolizes those who are passionate, whether in lovemaking or war. They are often sympathetic or "soft hearted" and easily tricked by a long tale of woe and misfortune. Their desire to help others is so great that they often lose their own sense of self-worth and are totally consumed. The positive aspects of this element are love, compassion, mercy, kindness, charity, and so on. The Fire Element is referred to as Dosha. People of this type are short tempered and easily angered. Thus they can often be manipulated by threats or challenges into making a rash or unconsidered action that will cause themselves injury. Such people are also capable of bold action and great leadership. Understanding Ego is essential to comprehending anger. The Ego is "That which identifies itself" and by extension everything else. (Descartes) Human Beings grow through a series of such successive identifications. The fetus is a water-breather. A newborn child suddenly finds itself a separate entity upon taking the first breath independent of its' mother's womb. It then begins to identify with the mother as the primary care-giver, and the other members of the nuclear family by adopting their behavior patterns and belief systems as his own. In puberty he may "test" these and break away to establish his own structure. A child identifies with members of it's own sex to understand himself and seeks a mate to identify himself in the opposite sex and fulfill the primal drive of all living things, to perpetuate the species. This journey of self knowledge concludes by identification with the Absolute, the Source, when it merges with the Source at the moment of death. Merely a transition, like birth, to a different vibrational frequency. The Character of the individual is determined by the value judgments assimilated and stored in the intellect, discounting and discarding those behaviors and aspects considered to be selfish or evil for the sake of the common good. Anger then, is the emotional and chemical reaction that occurs when the ego is confronted with an aspect of itself that has been rejected. This is perceived as a threat to the existence of the somewhat fragile ego-construct that is subconsciously as terrifying as the threat of actual physical death. The Ego projects this negative aspect onto others in whom it is manifested and seeks to remove them to restore his harmony and balance. Anger is a manifestation of weakness and insecurity. It "brings down" the higher powers of intellect and can be used, in the Mind Clouding technique for example, to "blind and confuse the enemy" with rage. The positive aspect of this element is tremendous zeal and enthusiasm which can be directed toward virtually any goal without pause to completion. Air types, Rakusha in Japanese, are fond of entertainment. Their appetites are tremendous and promises to satisfy them can be used to "lead them down the garden path" even to their own destruction. Conversely, this type is frequently intellectual and

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intelligent. The feeling of separateness brought about by birth creates a craving for a return to oneness and fulfillment. To deal adequately with reality one must meet certain physical requirements of food, water, shelter, companionship, and so on. Greed comes from mistaking the need for material survival with this sense of aloneness. Having obtained his basic requirements, one still feels "empty." So, he applies his survival skills to acquiring more and more material possession in the hope of filling the Void. This is an excellent example of a "self fulfilling prophecy." No matter how much he may acquire, he always wants "more." If he would share, there would be plenty for all, but because he hoards, there is "never enough." Thus, the miser ultimately isolates himself and inflicts his own suffering. Envy, avarice, jealousy, class hatred, all of these arise from greed. Wood, or Kisha, represents the balanced individual, but even these can be confused and misguided by pride, vanity, or sensual pleasure, because the desire to reproduce is the strongest motivation in any living organism and while the other four elements are either circular or linear, this one is circular action about a linear axis in nature and can therefore easily "compound on itself" and "spiral out of control." When the center of all activities becomes the "I" (adult) part of the self the Child part that enables one to enjoy the relaxation of play is diminished or lost and the ever restraining Internalized Parent can be safely ignored or brushed aside. When one becomes "selfcentered" there is no "good or evil," fair or foul, any means are justified in fulfilling his immediate desires. He has fallen into delusion, thinking that the reality of this moment is the reality of all moments. Returning to the Source, losing the so carefully constructed and fragile Ego, seems terrifying instead of normal. He has lost the love, humility, respect, patience, and consideration for others than make him human and remind him that the desires of a single individual, however important or noble they might be, never justify causing pain to another. Conceit can override this internal injunction. A person becomes envious of others, so obsessed with his aloneness that any means of fulfilling his desire seems justifiable. He thinks he is so much better than others that he deserves what they have. He may become spiteful and mistrustful because he himself is no longer trustworthy, and let his greed combine with envy to become avarice. The Warrior of the Mind Gate is therefore humble as the dust, accepting neither credit nor blame, merely doing what needs be done. These Five Feelings that affect self-esteem, the judgment or feeling a person has about themselves, play a significant role in a person's life. The perception a person has of themselves affects personal health and well being, selection of a peer group, ability to cope with real life obstacles and trauma, educational achievement, career choice, and social behavior. As a person grows and matures their internal self portrait, defined by the labels, attachments, and descriptions one selects for one's Self, also expands. The Five Feelings are: Security, Selfhood, Affiliation, Mission, and Competence. In the Way of the Mind Gate these are symbolized by the Five Pillars of the Temple of Self Knowledge that are designed to govern the actions of the "spirit-warrior." They are: Strive for the Perfection of Character; Foster the Spirit of Effort, Honor the Principles of Etiquette; Defend the Paths of Truth; and Guard against Impetuous Courage. The clever Reader will observe that these correspond precisely to the Five Feelings and the Five Elements.

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When this symbolism is applied to psychology, they can be used to differentiate emotional states of the individual or personality types. The Five Elements of the Personality are: Mind Fortress- the first feeling one learns as a child and the one that sustains him throughout his life is the "secret place," where he is always safe and welcome. This provides a sense of personal security that instills a strong sense of internal strength that enables the individual to cope with changes in the environment spontaneously and without anxiety. With the fragile ego structure thus protected, the individual feels safe and begins to seek out others who have been supportive and who can be trusted. Awareness of Self- once the Mind Fortress is established the individual begins to fill it with knowledge or Self acquired by interaction with the environment and socially with other humans beings. Armed with an accurate and realistic assessment and definition of his skills, abilities, and role, the individual develops a sense of self worth and is willing to accept praise as validation of his character. Tribal Identity- having manifested these attributes on the temporal plane, the individual seeks to identify himself in others and seeks out new companions with which to share the journey of life. Very often this involves mating, a highly structured and ritualized activity that sets the pattern for all the rituals and ceremonies of a society. Likewise, the tribal range defines and presents a sense of territorial imperative, both of which are genetically inherited in each generation and are essential and common to all living things. Physical characteristics and geographical limitations play a significant part in this stage of development. But, all follow the same basic pattern. For the individual, this membership in the group provides a sense of belonging, confirmation of appropriate behavior, moral rectitude and legal precedent. In any interaction there is potential for positive reinforcement and character building. An individual who feels good about himself, helps others to do so. And, receives in return acceptance and respect. Thus, he is able to seek out new friends, cooperate constructively, work and play well with others. In meditation, this is the level of the heart, where compassion and empathy blossom because the "lower chakra energies" have been satisfied. Purpose- in every society there are a certain percentage of "pioneers," those who go beyond the self imposed borders and limitations of the majority and find new places to eat and live and grow. But, each person goes on a personal inner quest to find the "one thing" that motivates them beyond all else. It may be one's dedication to family, patriotism, even greed or lust. But each person, at some point, makes a conscious, and simultaneously a more binding subconscious, decision to select the ultimate source of his personal positive reinforcement. Such people are leaders. They are able to set realistic goals and enlist others to assist them. They seize the opportunity to better themselves and others and accept responsibility for their actions, and as the sages say, "subjects himself to frequent self examination," to insure that his goals are lofty and his methods just. Confidence- any obstacle can be overcome with skill and confidence. A well balanced and integrated personality is aware of its own strengths and weaknesses, both of which are accepted, rather than judged. Being willing to take chances and explore options

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usually results from previous experiences where the outcome was successful. Using Memory and Imagination as the tools of self esteem enables the individual to calculate the relative value or importance of the issues of his reality in order to make clear and accurate decisions. Thus protected by the Armor of Righteousness and the Sword of Justice, the wisdom of Reasoning prevails to maintain peace and good order. Not all human beings, however, have, or even know of these elements. That is why not all are enlightened. Nor do all wish to be. Each of these elements serves to paint an individual's internal self-portrait, his "character." The stronger they are, the greater the self confidence. They provide symbolic and mental "armor" against the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and the perils of daily life, be it Neanderthal or modern. One can achieve a positive self image without strength in all these areas, but the higher the self esteem, within reason, without narcissism or megalomania, the greater good that can be accomplished for all. When a crisis occurs, each person present makes a conscious or subconscious decision about how to react and whether or not to intervene. No one is required to be a leader or stand up for what is right and fair. It is a choice. Bear in mind the injunction that Force may only be used in self defense or to restore, establish, and maintain order; as well as the sanction of authority. Police officers have the legal warrant of the people in their district. They are chosen by elected officials and therefore have the power of law. Medical technicians have the sanction of the hospital or institution of which they are employed, just as do security guards. Even the ordinary citizen has a certain moral and legal responsibility to defend the helpless from unwarranted aggression, to act in self defense, or defend the nation, as in military service. A true warrior can act invisibly, so that he alone knows the reason or the course of action taken. If supported by others, the senior warrior should take the lead. If not, the Warrior nearest the Aggressor. To this end, it should be remembered that no more force is justified that an amount required to restore order; that no amount of verbal abuse is considered sufficient cause to initiate force from a legal point of view; and that only on the point of physical threat to life and limb may force be truly justified in self defense or defense of the helpless and innocent. Thus, it is clearly a matter of personal choice on the part of the Mind Gate Warrior to place oneself in harm's way. Only because he has diminished his Ego is he not concerned with "winning." Therefore, it is possible to "play" with confidence, spontaneity, and even abandon, because the goal is to prevent the crisis from escalating to the point where it is necessary to "fight back," and prevail "without throwing a punch." The principles of self-defense, never take a hit you don't have to, never strike until there is an opening, and when there is an opening strike fast, strike hard, no mercy; apply equally to the psychological confrontation as to the physical. First, do no harm. Do not make the situation worse with well intentioned ineptitude. Medics and First Responders know, for example, that it is sometimes better to let a knife or penetrating object remain in place to seal a wound and transport an injured party to a hospital facility. While a well meaning comrade might pull the knife out and cause his friend to bleed to death. If you decide to intervene, the next step is to determine the specific goal to be achieved. It may be simply to calm the aggressor, or ignore the acting out behavior until it is resolved internally. Or, it may be to disarm the aggressor to prevent harm to others or

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injury to himself. Or, it may mean to restrain him and seclude from others until his internal conflict can be resolved. Whichever of these, or many other options, may be selected, the goal should be clear in the mind of the warrior and all of his actions should be directed toward that end. Foremost among these should be the safety of all those concerned. Consider the root cause of the conflict; what can be done to alleviate or rectify it? If anything. Consider the emotional state of the aggressor. Is he thinking clearly enough to engage in a negotiated settlement? Is he rational enough to know what is going on around him? Is he likely to lose even more control when challenged or confronted? Will he accept the limits about to be imposed upon him? Or, will he test them and himself until it is necessary to subdue him by force? Second, do not over-react. You must understand the situation and perceive it clearly before any course of action can be determined. Don't be like the "good Samaritan" who saw a man slapping at his wife and rushed over to save her. Only to find that there had been a bee on her lapel and the couple were quite happily married. There is a story told by veterans of the 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army, of a soldier during WWII who participated in the liberation of Auschwitz. Having witnessed the horror of the Nazi death camp and its emaciated survivors, he came upon a German soldier hiding in one of the massive ovens used to burn the corpses to destroy the evidence of these atrocities, and calmly shot him to death, continuing to fire long after the magazine of his weapon was empty. Observing this incident, and understanding it as a reaction to the shock of the inhumanity witnessed by this soldier, his platoon sergeant quietly approached him and whispered in his ear, "I think you got him." That "broke the spell" of the soldier's fixation, he returned and continued to be a useful and productive member of the unit. Now, this is not quite the same as a bully pounding the pulp out of some innocent civilian for his wallet. But, the principle is the same. Namely letting him know he has "made his point" and if necessary that everyone is sufficiently intimidated, so it is time to stop. Such a ploy would be considered an appeal to the pride or ego of the aggressor by providing the attention he is actually seeking. This is a means of placating him and modifying his inappropriate behavior long enough to draw his attention to yourself, so that the next phase of the intervention can be initiated, thereby "taking command" of the situation. An appeal to wealth and power might take two of more forms. First, that funds or some other reward might be forthcoming if the inappropriate activity is discontinued. Or, two, that the inordinate expense of reparations, bail bond, court costs, and lost income during jail time, once the incident is turned over to the authorities. In the former incidence, the appeal is quite obvious, and is the motivation for advice by law enforcement officers to just "hand over your wallet" to a mugger and "let the Wookie win" rather than risk life and limb defending it. After all money can be replaced. In the latter case, the appeal is more subtle. It implies a threat to possessions or funds already accumulated. This is the obverse of the "reward" incentive, and could be well considered to be an appeal to avoid the inevitable consequences of bad behavior.

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Either or both, depending on which one he seems to respond to, may be used to give the aggressor pause and attract his attention so that negotiations can begin. "Enlightened self interest," is another appeal that can be used to forestall a crisis. If sex is the motivating factor for the precipitating crisis incident, such as a break-in and rape, the victim might claim to be infected and use the threat of venereal disease or AIDS to dissuade the aggressor, an example of citing negative consequences. After all, if he is so selfish that he cares nothing for the fate of his victim, he must necessarily be greatly concerned with his own well being. Threats of retaliation only serve to inflame most aggressors. But, the subtle suggestion that he remember what happened the last time he did this and got caught, since this is probably not his first time, and the implied threat of incarceration and consequent denial of sex, may be a deterrent that will give him pause. An appeal to pleasure might be as simple as offering to buy the aggressor a beer. This tactic has been used successfully by barroom bouncers for centuries to break up fights and restore order. Likewise, if it is cold, appeal for a negotiation somewhere warm. If it is raining, suggest you get out of the storm. Warmth and security are powerful incentives and suggesting them for yourself and the aggressor is a way of establishing a "rapport" with him by sharing common interests, goals and solutions. If the aggressor is like most, what he really wants is "more." More than he has, more than other people he thinks less worthy have, mostly more attention. Bear in mind that many acts of aggression are caused by feelings of helplessness and low self esteem, albeit not consciously recognized. Therefore an appeal that suggests a rise in status or goods can often be useful. Once again, the mere acknowledgement that the aggressor has made his point and everyone is listening to him now, may be enough to satisfy, at least temporarily, this need for attention. In any eventuation of circumstance, it follows philosophically that one must ask as did the Biblical Job, "Why is it the wicked prosper?" Or, "Why do bullies get away with so much bad behavior?" The answer is quite simple, because no one stops them. Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." That is where this method comes in. You have chosen to be one of the Peace-Keepers by entering the Mind Gate. To accomplish this, you must have an understanding of yourself and others; the courage to act on your convictions; and the patience to deal with the consequences

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MENTAL POWERS 37

Development of the Mind Map of the Face IMAGINATION

MEMORY THIRD EYE

VISUAL

VERBAL

TACTILE

The Mind Gate Warrior develops his mental acuity to a fine art. His psionic powers include mind reading, hypnosis, suggestion, impressment, and many other techniques of controlling the outcome of any situation. MIND READING Every human being has the power to intuit the thoughts of others. Some have developed the skill of mind and muscle reading to a fine art, while others continue to deny its existence. It is not that those so trained "hear voices," although this is possible; nor that they can transmit and receive symbols visually, the most common ESP test. It means that when we find a beloved family member deeply saddened by a loss, and we seek to comfort that person by touching him or her, at that point we feel a physical

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sensation of change: we have established a rapport. We can now experience in some small way, the grief or joy of another soul. This feeling of oneness is characteristic of telepathy, or thought transference, and is heightened by emotional stimulation or patient practice. The goal of mind reading, then, is the establishment of mental rapport with the subject so that they can share a transcendental experience. First, we must determine which type of person we are dealing with. How are they thinking and processing information, visual, verbal, or tactile? Because that is the "key" to establishing the initial rapport. First, match your rate and depth of breathing with the subject, when you are breathing in harmony with him, he is also breathing in harmony with you. At this stage, you can begin to alter and affect the rate and depth of this shared, essential act, by slowing it down and breathing more deeply, to calm the subject and deepen the rapport until you are communicating on a tactile level, even if not in physical contact or proximity. This is a deeper level of contact than empathy, in which you retain a certain amount of objectivity. This is more of a sympathetic vibration, like two tuning forks placed near each other that begin to resonate in harmony. Once at this level, there is no longer any doubt, only trust. In this way, because you are centered, you can lead those who are lost back to the Way of peace, and they will follow you. Artists are essentially visual, dealing with color, shape, and visual images; musicians exemplify the verbal category, concerning themselves with tone, range, and sound; while sculptors might best express the tactile group, working with texture and form. It is interesting to note that touch is the customary test of reality for most people. Seeing an unusual object, they approach cautiously, then reach out to feel if it is there. Likewise an eerie note or whistle emanating from behind a grate will eventually lead the curious to feel for the vibrations to locate the source of the sound. The way to determine what type of person we are dealing with is to observe his or her eyes. "The eyes are the windows to the soul." Visual thinkers look up and left when trying to remember; up and to the right when trying to figure things out; listeners look from side to side (toward the ears); and touchers look down when thinking. These four directions are illustrated on the Map of the Face. Observe to which quadrant the subject glances when thinking. Those who look above the level of the eyes, or appear unfocused, think and remember in pictures. Those who look side to side are listening. Those who glance down and left remember by rote or chant; those who glance down and right are touchers. Looking to the left indicates memory; to the right, reasoning. Holding the forehead (the third eye), rubbing the ears, and stroking the chin are all gestures used to stimulate or encourage mental processes. Having determined in which category the subject should be placed, we must then adjust ourselves to his or her mode of operation and move in harmony with it just as in the breathing method. This is necessary because most people have no idea how they process information, think. They only know that they do better in some areas than others. When speaking to one who is visually oriented, use words like "see," "get the picture," or “it looks like." This will make it easier for the subject to understand what you are saying and apply it to his own constructs or thought forms. Likewise for listeners, phrases such as "it sounds like," "it has been said," and "I hear what you are saying," are appropriate.

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For touchers, physical contact is best, but terms like "sensation......feeling," or "impression" can be used just as well. We have now altered ourselves to conform to the framework of the subject, since we cannot hope to alter him. The Mind Gate Warrior knows that to influence the affairs of men, one must be outside the circle that presses them; we cannot hope to change others until we have control of ourselves. That is one of the purposes of meditation. Another method whereby this may be accomplished, and one that is the most basic form of group or class meditation, is to adjust one's rate of respiration to that of the subject as previously described. Responsive readings, prayers, hymns and songs are a good example of "getting everyone in the same mood" in a church or temple setting by subtly encouraging them to breathe together. When experimenting with associates, or practicing techniques together, always begin with this exercise. When the breathing of the parties is synchronized, rapport is achieved. This method may also be used on the unaware subject, since it is so subtle that it goes unnoticed. Nonetheless it is extremely powerful and effective. Also, synchronizing your body language with that of the subject can increase the level of your rapport. For example, you can feel how closely united soldiers on parade are, or church members with their heads bowed in prayer. This must be done carefully, or the subject may accuse you of mocking him or being derisive. Once sufficient rapport has been achieved, it then becomes possible to direct the activities of the subject by "leading" him. This is a subtle form of hypnosis, not suitable for stage performance, but adequate for sharing a burden or giving advice. It is impossible to make another person do your bidding by sheer force of will; but if you can get him to follow you, he may accomplish great things for himself, far beyond any imagined limitations, and you may be permitted to watch, hear, or feel the experience with the him. The following is a good test of rapport: When you think you and the subject resonate like tuning forks placed near each other, intentionally begin changing the breathing rate, then the posture, then the tone of the conversation, to a topic of your choosing. If the subject is sad, remind him, in terms he can use, of happier experiences. If he has won a great or even modest victory, rejoice in it with him. Feel the electricity of each moment. Experience the magnetism of charismatic individuals, relive fond memories through the eyes of the elderly, marvel at the wonder of an infant's curiosity. This is as close as one may come to telepathy, or mind reading. It may be applied with equal facility to negotiation, investigation, or conversation. If one knows how, one can make the impossible seem commonplace. Although these methods are not readily reproducible in the laboratory, they exist nonetheless. Those who practice soon find how well they work and how powerful they are. One thing should be noted with regard to reading body language. Whenever an individual makes one of the gestures indicated as a Kuji-in position, he or she is unconsciously indicating which state or mood and which chakra or "energy center," is predominant at that moment. The hands need not be folded together in the elaborate ritual of the Kuji Kiri exercise, which involves knitting the fingers together to form mnemonic keys and triggers, but anytime one hand covers the other, it indicates hidden knowledge.

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Whenever the arms, legs, or fingers are crossed, it is a gesture of defense. There are many such mudras," the study of which may consume a lifetime. Likewise, if one wishes to set the mood, it is possible to do so subtly by discreetly forming these finger positions and not calling attention to them. In this way, they are perceived on a subconscious level. The exercise of Kuji Kiri is explained in Ninja Mind Control, DOJO Press, 1984. It is a particularly elaborate meditation practice that operates on a tactile level. For instance, yawning is a semiconscious gesture, and one easily suggested to a group. Next time you are at a meeting which is exceptionally boring, sit in a comfortable position and yawn. You need not yawn widely; in fact, make it appear that every effort is being made to conceal the yawn out of respect for the speaker. By this or other subtle cues, the rest of the audience can soon be made to doze off. This works well in classrooms, and may be of some value in hostage situations. The more relaxed or even sleepy you appear, the greater the chance that others, even a kidnapper, may either be calmed or made to feel greater stress by having to stay alert. Also, if you, as the hostage, are asleep, you are non-threatening and that inhibits feelings of hostility on his part. Further, he may pay less attention to guarding you, perhaps providing an opportunity to escape. HYPNOSIS The ability to hypnotize others is largely dependent upon their belief that you possess some type of supernatural power. In fact, the Warrior does: he possesses the power to control himself. Stage hypnotism, which is quite different, is a performance in which both the performer and the volunteer subconsciously agree to participate. In this way, the member of the audience becomes a part of the show, fulfilling his hidden desire to share the stage. Only those who are natural leaders and have a good self-image volunteer and come forward. Nor should the reticent be unduly called or encouraged to take part, since they will become too easily embarrassed and self-conscious. Basically, the collusion between the players implies that the hypnotist will not injure or insult his assistants while they are onstage with him. If more than one volunteer is employed, most will go along with the gag, since they have their eyes closed, but can still hear the movements of the others as they comply with the simple directions of the performer. He, of course, acts as the director. By having his "actors" follow his "commands," and by informing the audience what they are witnessing, he allows the imagination of each to do most of the work. For the most part, this is the secret of extracorporeal mind control. The imagined power of the hypnotist has its dark side, as well. After all, if one spends day after day repeatedly manipulating the will of those who step forward at one's beck and call, albeit for simple tasks only, one might come to believe in one's powers, oneself. Likewise, therapeutic hypnosis is a relaxation exercise in which the hypnotist gives the subject "permission" to relax and deal with his internal conflict from a place of safety, his imagination. Auto-hypnosis is much the same. SUGGESTION

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Suggestion is the ability to plant a seed in the mind of someone else and let it grow into a motivating force. If the beholder has an active imagination and sufficient motivation, that seed may grow and flourish. This is the basis for many legends of witch doctors "praying a man to death." Or, the literary Hannibal Lector's ability to verbally make the inmate in the next cell commit suicide. Conversely, if the listener has sufficient self-confidence and a strong moral code, such seeds of destruction fall on deaf ears, only to wither and die. A hypochondriac can be made physically ill by repeatedly asking him if he feels well. The supposedly objective feedback requires his participation, since he must answer the question, either aloud or internally. Eventually his mind will fix on some minor ache and magnify its importance until it consumes all his waking thoughts. The imaginary injury will then begin to manifest itself upon the body. This is sometimes known as psychosomatic, mind-over-body illness. In Catholicism, there is a history of people manifesting spontaneous bleeding from certain parts of the body. This is known as stigmata. Of course, good seeds may also be planted and watered with sincerity. If, every day, one is told that he or she is looking fit and trim, whether or not it is true, sooner or later it will begin to sink in and manifest itself in real time. The object of the remarks will actually begin to look and feel better in an unconscious effort to live up to the positive feedback. Suggestion is a simple and only partially effective technique. To be truly effective, it requires a long period of repetition. That way, the likelihood that the seed will be discredited or cut down before it blossoms is lessened, and it is more likely for the subject will accept the suggestion on his own volition and act on it independently. IMPRESSMENT Impressment is a mental technique for securing the cooperation of someone sympathetic to one's cause. Take, for example, the case of the stage hypnotist who calls for volunteers. Those who volunteer are predisposed to being on stage with the mentalist. Either they would like to catch a glimpse of the hypnotist's power in action, or else they would like to challenge him to overcome them. Even the latter can be induced to comply, however, by a simple mechanism. Suppose the mentalist has written a prediction on a card and sealed it inside an envelope. He asks for a member of the audience to come up and choose one of several cards from a tray upon which stand several pasteboards, facing the crowd. As the assistant comes behind the table, he sees a note on the back of one of the cards. It reads, "Choose this card for a reward after the show." Or there might be a dollar bill taped to the back to induce him to choose that particular one. In either event, when he has made his choice, miraculously it is the same as the prediction! Impressment is also used in military basic training. An individual is chosen from the ranks, either for his exceptional skills or lack of same, and directed to perform for the rest of the platoon. If he has any sense of self-pride, he is obliged to do his best, both by his own self-discipline and by the pressure of his peers, those with whom he must continue to interact. From time to time this method reveals natural leaders. Also, impressment is a form of discipline used in prison camps, where inmates are obliged to follow orders for fear of punishment or reprisals. In either event, it differs from 42

suggestion in that the former is subliminal, while the latter is a question of imaginary choice. In Colonial times, British "press gangs" shanghaied men and sent them off to serve on Her Majesty's ships as sailors Once aboard, there was little choice but to obey. CONTROLLING OPTIONS This technique involves having the subject appear to make a free decision while actually being "forced" to select the item that is desired. It is an "either/or" trap. For instance, hold a piece of candy in one hand and nothing in the other. Extend both toward a child and say, "Pick one." If the child selects the fist with the sweet, you may congratulate him or her and present the prize. If, however, the subject chooses the empty hand, then say, "Very well, we eliminate that one, leaving you with the prize!" Again the child "wins," strictly at the whim of the magician. A similar example can be seen at the breakfast table, when asked, "What do you want for breakfast, oatmeal or cereal?" This question implies that the child will eat something, regardless of whether or not he wanted any breakfast in the first place. If the child resists and wants neither cereal nor oatmeal, the option becomes eggs or pancakes, and so on until he complies. As in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, one can prevail by declaring that, "This is the finest breakfast in all the world and the child shall have it and no other." If he resists, he gets nothing. Another example is the loaded question, to which no answer is appropriate. When asked, "Have you stopped beating your wife yet?" If one answers no, it may be understood that one is continuing with the practice. If the answer is yes, then one has confessed to having done the violence in the past. If no response is made, the persecutor can claim that the subject is afraid to respond out of guilt; and if the subject claims a trick question, he can be accused of being overly sensitive or paranoid. Essentially, this method relies on controlling the options of the subject, so that only one decision, the one desired, is possible, while at the same time, creating the illusion that the subject is free to choose as he pleases. HYPNOSIS IN COMBAT In combat, Hsi-men-jitsu ("Way of the Mind Gate"), means the ability to make the enemy do what you want in spite of his own best interests. As previously described, we can make it appear that his self-interest will be served by impressment and so on, but it is also possible to manipulate his behavior by means of trickery, using instinctive and programmed responses. The late Bruce Lee often spoke of what he called "motor-setting" the opponent in battle. Advance, making a simple attack, and let the enemy parry it. Do this twice. On the third repetition, advance as before, but attack to a different quarter. The enemy, having been programmed by the simple pattern of strike and parry, will observe the advance cue and begin his block a third time. This time, however, the strike is to a different target. According to the creator of Jeet Kune Do, this tactic for "creating an opening," works almost every time. A simpler version is the classical feint. Another effective tactic is to use psychological ploys, such as making the enemy angry by taunting him, thus encouraging him to attack wildly. Feigning injury or helplessness to draw the enemy into range for a strike may be placed in this category, as well. A third, very effective tactic for the nonviolent Warrior is target denial. By using his evasive abilities, or simply staying out of 43

range, the Warrior avoids the enemy's thrusts and strikes. This, of course, frustrates him. General Sun Tze has said, "The art of war is based on deception"; it is also based on reflex and misdirection. EXPERIENCING QI IN BATTLE We have spoken before of how energy circulates in the body. Most students have found the following an adequate description of the sensations of the Life-Force in combat. First, the Hara feels warm. The Chi/Qi ascends the spine, making it feel as if covered with armor. The feet are rooted to the ground, no matter what the surface, and one feels solidly planted, i.e., balanced and poised, rooted like a tree, yet not tense. If there is any tension in the front of the body, it is felt mildly in the Hara and along the insides of the legs. In most instances, the hands are raised defensively in front of the chest. In Tai Chi Chuan, one feels the Chi/Qi being directed forward as a sphere of energy, capable of absorbing and reflecting any attack from whatever quarter. Head and eyes seem detached, seeing everything at once, as if not part of the conflict at all. The mind is calm, expecting nothing and reacting instantly. This is the state known as "nomind" in the writing of Miyamoto Musashi, the famous Zen swordsman, who survived over sixty duels in feudal Japan and died peacefully in his bed. All martial arts teach meditation on the Hara, but few know why. It is because, for proper movement, the waist must move first. One could learn any style or system and miss this most important lesson. Having learned this, however, a warrior returns to his practice forms or dance or exercise with renewed interest and enthusiasm. Thus there is nothing new to learn, only further understanding.

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Manipulative Behavior "The Mind is the most creative and vulnerable part of the anatomy." Frank Dux, founder Dux Ryu Ninjitsu Some Mind Gate Schools have "gone bad" over the centuries, and not a few of the techniques have been perverted and misused by some unscrupulous individuals or employed for military purposes. Ancient techniques with poetic names like Mind Whip, Swamp of Despair, and Sympathetic Magic are merely the same techniques that can be used to heal, instead directed to cause injury. If, for example, you have an enemy, setting aside for a moment the unlikelihood that any behavior of the true Warrior should or would attract or create such a condition. Someone against whom you cannot strike openly but with whom you are compelled to associate every day, like a pompous boss. If every day you "give him a stroke" by saying "Good Morning," which can hardly be refused (that is the "opening") then ask after his health, each time suggesting that he does not look well. Pretty soon he will begin to manifest some somatic complaint or illness, which he will be glad to share with you because of your kind concern, upon which you can "build" with "helpful" diagnosis and dire predictions. Within a year you can "talk him into the hospital" and be rid of him. This is a form of sabotage. Covert action against a larger and more powerful adversary to make him waste time and/or resources so that he can be weakened over a long period and even toppled from power. Many unhappy wives use the same type of technique when they "stall" by not being ready to go to a party they do not wish to attend, by taking longer than necessary to prepare for the event. It is a subtle signal they don't want to go. By recognizing this, the wise husband can treat the cause instead of becoming angry. Of course, husbands are also capable of employing psychological techniques to dominate their wives, as well. In a back and white movie entitled Gaslight, Ingrid Bergman is the victim of such a plot. Her aunt, an entertainer who traveled widely, had recently died and she had inherited her estate. She met and was wooed by Charles Boyer, who claimed to have known her father and done business with him. After a whirlwind courtship they married and retired to her estate in London. Things soon began to go bad for the couple. Paula (Bergman) became mildly ill and isolated within the house, hardly ever going our for fear

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she might have a fainting spell. She became absent minded, often losing or forgetting where she put treasured items like her mother's broach. Her "long suffering and patient" husband constantly told the young maid that "Madam, is not feeling well," and flirted with her openly in front of his wife, accusing her of being jealous and possessive if she dared suggest that he were being too familiar. One time he had offered to take Paula to the ballet. For days he let her enthusiasm swell at the thought of going out with him in public again after so long. Insisting she wear her best dress, praising her as he had not for months. The crowning touch was the broach, she would look so beautiful wearing it. On the night of the event the item could not be found. Obviously, it was HER fault, SHE had lost it, it was SO important and such a disappointment that now they would not go, even though she had spent all day getting ready. The disappointment crushed her. After that, and before as well, Boyer had taken to going out at night for long walks. Leaving her alone with the sadistic upstairs maid, who only reinforced the master's demeaning behavior. This tale being set in Victorian England the mansion was lit by gaslight, the name of the movie. Paula had noticed several times that shortly after her husband went out at night the lights in her room seemed to dim slightly, as if the gas pressure that fed them was being lost, a very real danger of fire in those times. When she asked the maid about it, she was met with a sarcastic sneer and a denial that such things happened. Merely to make her doubt her perception of reality and continue to beat her down further. One night an old friend (Joseph Cotton) dropped by, shocked and horrified at the change that had been forced on the young woman by her brutal husband. While they talked, he tried to convince her to come with him to safety, which she did not dare do for fear her husband would drag her back and send her to the insane asylum as he had been threatening. The lights in the room dimmed slightly. "What caused that?" the guest asked. "Oh," she cried. "Did you see it too? I thought I was going mad, that it didn't happen." Reassured by this revelation, she agreed to let her friend break into her husband's desk looking for clues to why he had done this to her. There she found the lost broach. She realized he had hidden it from her, to torture her, to make her feel useless and worthless, to blame her for not being able to go out in public and enjoy her life. It was all a horrible dream from which she could not escape. Nor could she fathom any reason why her husband, who once had been so kind, was doing this to her. Joseph Cotton went for help, leaving the older and more trustworthy downstairs maid with instructions not to let the master back into the house until he had returned with the police. But, Charles was already in the house. Each night he left by the front door, circled the block, climbed the fire escape and entered the attic of the mansion by a loft window. It was boarded up at the top of the stair inside the house. Sealed off, storing only old possessions of the dead aunt or no use to anyone. Ah, but she and Charles had known each other. Boyer had stolen several expensive jewels and Paula's aunt had smuggled them out of France for him. They had quarreled and Boyer had killed his partner before learning the hiding place of the gems.

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Thus, he was compelled to marry her niece to gain control of the estate so he could search for the jewels among the old woman's belongings undisturbed. Each night he searched in vain. Each night when he lit the lamps in the attic, the gaslights in Paula's room dimmed and she never knew why. This night he had found the stolen stones. Hidden in plain view as costume jewelry on a dress used in the traveling show, he had overlooked them hundreds of times before. Having accomplished his purpose, Boyer no longer needed to go in and out by the loft. Now he could force his way into the house through the lightly sealed door and end this charade by shipping his wife off to the asylum. Back inside, he found Paula in his private room. He confronted her. He challenged her to know what she was doing. She told him about her friend who had come and would soon return to save her from his evil. He called the downstairs maid and asked who had come by. The maid, realizing the very real threat of him escaping or killing them both, lied and denied that anyone had visited. Paula was crushed. It must be true she thought, she must be insane to have imagined all that had happened that night. Boyer began to assure her that such was the case, but soon he would have her committed and all would be well. She was on the verge of a complete psychological collapse, a "nervous breakdown." He had almost pushed her "over the edge" her perception of reality had been totally shattered. Until Joseph Cotton returned with the police and put a stop to his psychological torture. Such an involved and complicated brainwashing procedure can only be effective over long period of time and in situations where the victim is powerless to fight back or escape, as in this example or a prisoner of war sort of situation. It is, however, a most fascinating psychological case history to study. By the same token, positive strokes, telling an ill patient that he is looking better, or yourself, works exactly the same way. If you rise every day, drag yourself to the mirror, and tell yourself that you hate getting up, hate going to work, hate having to shave, pretty soon you will have a miserable life. But, if you rise at dawn and celebrate every sunrise like those who are terminally ill do, and appreciate the beauty and wonder of being alive, and recognize that no matter how good or bad things are right now, they are bound by the inevitability of Change and just enjoy each segment as it passes. THEN, you have religiosity. NOT religion, but rather discipline of the Self to regulate your life and make it fun by helping others. And you are no longer vulnerable to such Mind Tricks from the Dark Schools like: Mind Whip this is a psionic attack to the ego that attacks self-esteem by making the victim self-conscious. Calling them fat, or ugly, or stupid; making fun of how they are dressed or talk; questioning their masculinity or lineage; all to break down the spirit of one who cannot escape or fight back by progressively demeaning them to the point of utter servitude. Mind Flail is only slightly more sadistic and insidious because it adds the element of self-doubt by minimizing the importance of anything the victim might suggest. Minimizing every issue diminishes self-worth. This makes the victim "beat himself for being so stupid," and so has an extra internal aspect beyond that of a simple insult. Guilt Trip is making the victim "responsible" for things beyond his control, it is possible to induce a deep seated feeling of helplessness and unworthiness bordering on

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depression. In ancient times this was called the Swamp of Despair because once the victim was mired in the utter futility of even trying, he would "give up," stop and be lost. Mind Trap the opposite of the Mind Swamp is the "trap" of living for some imaginary "better" future. This was used by the Soviet Union to keep its people enslaved for fifty years following the end of World War II. The population, already exhausted from the sacrifices of four years of war, were promised that "prosperity is just around the corner" if they just endured a little longer. Many Muslims still submit themselves to brutality and repression holding on the same fanciful illusion that motivated the ancient brainwashed Thuggee cult to throw themselves upon their victims of political assassination, willing, even eager to die in the service of the Imams and Mullahs so they might be "rewarded with seventy virgins" upon their arrival in Heaven for their loyal and faithful sacrifice. Clouding the Mind is the name of a technique made famous in the 1930s by a radio adventure serial known as the Shadow. A mysterious crime fighter in old New York who could make himself invisible, the better to spy on criminal activities, by using the "power to cloud men's minds." The actual technique, still taught in some schools of Ninjitsu even today, is to imagine "casting a net" or blanket over the head of the victim and create enough confusion that he becomes disoriented so he can be struck from an unexpected angle. Listening to the Echo is the name given to "telling the lie to others" like Boyer did in the Gaslight example of telling the maid his wife was ill. The wife hears it, the maid believes it and repeats it, the authority figure has said it, so it "must" be true. Listening to the Whisper is essentially subliminal programming. It can take two main forms. Simply saying the same word, like "relax," at the end of every sentence in ordinary conversation has a subtle influence through rote repetition. Softly saying a "command" like "sleep" to put the aggressor to rest, works the same way. But, has the added aspect of instilling self-doubt. If or when the aggressor asks or demands why you are softly saying "sleep" at the end of every sentence, deny it. He wasn't sure he heard it the first three times anyway. And what sort of an idiot would even try such a blatant trick? So, he is already doubtful. When you confirm (by lying) that you are doing no such thing and perhaps he is "hearing things," he will doubt himself even more. Should and Must are two subtle words that can "animate the lifeless." Telling someone they "should" do thus and so implies that you know more and better how to proceed than they do about how to run their affairs, "for their own good." Likewise, one must be careful not to "should" on oneself by constantly recriminating and criticizing his own actions. "Must" is an imperative direction that is almost as strong as a command from the Internalized Authority Figure or Parent. These, like the Tell Him He Is Ill method given earlier and countless others, rely on a single principle, self-doubt. And all maybe defended against by the simple expedient of imagining a mirror. If assimilated, however, they will be used by the victim to demean new victims, thus perpetrating the cycle of abuse and violence. Any of these can be used to "get the aggressor's attention," since all are insults to his personality that should not be accepted by anyone.

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Mind Games Disarming 49

Psychologically Aggressive Behavior There are two basic weapons in the arsenal of Psychological Warfare: Imagination and Disbelief The first springs from the Child part of the Self, The second from the Parent of Internalized Authority Figure of the Personality. The third aspect of the psychological Self is the Adult, who holds the middle ground between the "me" part of the Three Faces and the "you." The Adult character is based on the Role Model, who may or may not be a parental figure, mentor, or combination thereof. This is the conscious level. The Child seeks immediate gratification of wants and needs; much like an infant will cry for milk of if it is cold, or desires attention. This is the subconscious. The Parent, internalized authority figure, or super-ego as it is sometimes called, is the keeper of the law, or discipline, and self control; who counsels patience and enlightened self interest. It represents the super-conscious. The Adult is the rational component of this trilogy, but is heavily influenced and motivated by each of the other two. So much so that the Ego is considered quite fragile in most people, being a hypothetical definition of the character based on perception and experience. For example, one of the basic human needs is for food. An individual could steal food, which could be construed as a Child-like behavior, instant gratification without regard for consequences. But, the Parent figure knows that stealing is socially inappropriate. And that unpleasant consequences follow such acts; so the basic impulse is blocked, creating an internal conflict. The Adult compromises by performed acceptable behavior, such as work, for which he is compensated in cash, which is used to purchase food. Other basic needs, such as water, shelter, sex, warmth, strokes and so on, must also be obtained in a manner consistent with culturally acceptable norms. But, many are not skilled at these unwritten and constantly evolving social procedures, most of which are far more complicated that working to buy food, and so are unable to obtain that which they want, which may be something as frivolous as the whims of fashion, largely dictated by the peer group; as opposed to what they actually need. This is particularly relevant to the area of stroke recognition, the basis for most, if not all, attention seeking behavior, of which aggression is only a small part. Take the example of a rapist. For one reason or another, he has low self esteem. Therefore, he may turn to such activities as peeping in windows from the darkness to learn the secret mysteries of sex, denied him (by himself) for lack of courage to have a

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personal relationship. This may attract the attention of others, if he is caught, and reveal his inner dilemma in time for therapeutic counseling to restore his confidence and modify his behavior. The "payoff" for this elaborate game of Hide-and-Seek. Or, he may progress to the point where he uses his skill at creeping about to actually penetrate the secret chamber and take what he wants by force. It is of some significance that most rapists demonstrate a period in which the victim is bound, tortured, or otherwise made completely helpless. This is a phenomenon known in psychological circles as "projection." The rapist is projecting his own feeling of impotence, helplessness, and insecurity onto the victim and brutalizing her to illustrate and draw attention to his own torment. He would gladly endure, and most likely has, such a brutal attack himself in a desperate attempt to obtain a single unit of positive recognition- a Stroke. Most child abusers and rapists begin their careers as victims and are merely trying to recover the self esteem that was taken from them by inflicting the same injury on someone else, thereby psychologically "reversing the roles" of abuser and abused in their own tormented minds, so that they can feel as "powerful" as whoever it was that abused them. Never realizing that whoever that might have been, was merely acting out his own inability to defend himself and guilt at having survived. You don't get power by abusing others. You can impose your will on others by force, but not for long. Power is doing it because you want to; love is doing it because someone else wants it that way; wisdom is knowing the difference. The only way lasting change can occur is through love. Thus, love, like water, although gentle and yielding, cannot be overcome and is the only real "power." Of course, this explanation is somewhat simplistic. Many factors come into play, such as the intense positive reinforcement provided by the sex act even for such abnormal activity. The sense of power that comes from absolute control over a helpless victim. The fear of capture that often motivates the rapist to kill the only witness to his crime. The guilt between such psychotic episodes. The insatiable desire to repeat them, the paranoia of inevitable pursuit, capture and punishment. Not to mention the cause of low self esteem in the first place. But, it illustrates the principles upon which the Way of the Mind Gate operates. Namely, that most, if not all, aggression is based on attention seeking behavior. That this operates on an infantile mental level, and that there are instinctive triggers and cues that can be applied by an Adult or Parent mentality for the purpose of behavior modification; and that this control can be generated internally or by an outside influence. To this end are the Mind Gate techniques directed. Imagination enables the Warrior to place himself in the mind of the Aggressor and determine his motives. Disbelief enables him to ignore or discount what the aggressor may say or do and deal with the underlying cause of the conflict.

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EYE CONTACT

This is the glyph for the Eye of Ra, Sun God of ancient Egypt. It has many hidden meanings, not the least of which is that the "lower stanchion" which may represent the line of the nose and the shadow of the eye socket in the drawing, when "detached" forms the mathematical symbol for "pi" (3.14) the great secret of how to find the circumference area or radius or a circle and the means whereby the Pharaohs were able to construct the mighty pyramids.

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It is said among the natives of Polynesia that the high priests of the Hune religion, known as Kahuna, equivalent to the Shaman or Medicine Man in other tribal cultures, could impose his will on others by the power of his eyes. That they would glow red, like fiery embers, when this power was manifested. And, it is held in certain Caribbean traditions that a user of Voodoo can kill his victim with a look. Additionally, many cultures consider the eyes the "windows of the soul," and the "evil eye" to be a very real threat and curse. Small wonder then, that Eye Contact is one of the most effective techniques used in the Mind Gate method. In Western culture, the normal amount of eye contact is about five seconds. More than this is considered rude. Passersby in the street seldom make eye contact, but, if they do, they usually "dim their lights" by blinking or looking away after five seconds or when they approach the peripheral limit of each other's personal space. Yet, among Arabic cultures, strong eye contact is required. If you do no "look a man in the eye," you cannot be trusted. And, this tradition is also seen in the interrogation of prisoners and convicts. Failure to maintain eye contact is considered a form of deceit; "shifty eyes" are considered guilty; "defiance" is demonstrated by returning strong eye contact. There is an entire 20th century neo-science called neurolinguistics based on the direction in which the subject moves his eyes when questioned as an indication of whether he is "remembering" or "fabricating," as well as whether he thinks in visual, audible or tactile terms. All useful in establishing rapport and explained in the section on Mind Reading. But, centuries of such patron/peasant programming in Spanish countries, like Mexico, has taught the "lower class" to keep their eyes averted when speaking to a figure of authority. And, this is regarded as a sign of respect, while it is actually a gesture of servile submission. In Oriental cultures, bowing is used to "break eye contact" and demonstrate who is considered to be the superior in each encounter. So, there are no "absolute laws" regarding the application of Eye Contact from nation to nation. There are, however, certain instinctive eye movements that may be used to great advantage when dealing with aggression or when negotiating. Remember, Diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggy" until you can pick up a big enough stick." The first of these is steady eye contact. The average human blinks every 5-7 seconds. So long as the gaze is held on the object of conversation, this is considered a sign of interest, confidence and normal behavior. The second is intense eye contact. This occurs when the object is fixed in the direct line of sight without blinking for more than five seconds. It may be accompanied by a slight narrowing of the eyelids and a setting of the brow; this implies resolution. Some Guru of the meditation arts practice staring at a candle for long periods to overcome the instinctive blink reflex. This makes their gaze intent and imbues them with an air of spiritual power. The third is the hypnotic eye. This is accomplished by looking NOT into the eye of the subject, but rather at his forehead. It places a hypnotist in a psychologically superior posture by subtly "looking down" on the subject, much like a padrone glaring down at his peon from horseback. This "cue" is picked up subconsciously by the victim, causing him to grant or accept the premise of magical power by the hypnotist or superiority of the Warrior who uses it.

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Although these differences may seem too subtle to be of any value at first glance, they are nonetheless, quite valid and powerful. Consider the description which elicits the mood for a novel or theatrical scene: "He looked nervously about…"; "His steely eyes locked on the enemy…"; "He seemed to tower over his subjects, who were humbled by his gaze.." So powerful is this reflex in the human being that a simple experiment can easily prove how effective it is. Have two subjects stand about ten feet apart facing a wall and step back about ten paces. Look at the base of the skull of one of the subjects after instructing them to turn and face you if or when either feels he is being watched. Within a few seconds, the chosen subject will turn; and will inevitably report a feeling of warmth or a tingling of the hairs on the back of his neck as the signal that initiated his movement. This is neither a “psychic” power nor a staged trick. Eye Contact can be discerned over great distances, or “felt” on the nape of the neck, even though the muscles and size of the eye itself are tiny. Stare at someone in a crowd. Eventually, normal movement will bring their eyes into contact with yours, however briefly it may be, as the subject scans and looks about for interesting objects; a common practice. The eyes need only meet for an instant, but the contact is subconsciously sensed and they will inevitably return to verify that someone is indeed staring at them. It then becomes a matter of etiquette to acknowledge the look with a smile or nod and break it off. Continuing to fix the gaze for longer than the five second limit is considered a challenge, invitation, or attempt to dominate or impress the subject with strong eye contact. Eye Contact is one of the most subtle aspects of body language, which often communicates far more than the spoken word. Therefore, it must be used carefully and with great discretion. One might fear that once the “secret” of dominating Eye Contact is known, it might fall into the wrong hands or lose its effectiveness. Not so at all. First, most people never hear about it and the few who would use it for selfish purposes think it is a great secret and don't share it with many others. Second, since the effect is based on an instinctive response of the body, it is almost impossible to overcome without extensive practice and training. Try it. Select a partner and have him look at your forehead, then in your eye, then back to the forehead and so on. You can tell when he shifts his gaze from one to the other and can feel a tangible difference when he changes position. Have him stare at your forehead and see if you do not feel a distinct sensation of discomfort when his eyes dominate yours. The defense against this, is to think of a mirror. This "reflects his energy," and keeps you psychologically equal. The ancients say , "There are nine pathways to the mysterious chamber (the skull) from the Third Eye." The first seven of these are actual anatomical nerve pathways from the retina to various parts of the brain. First is the superoptic nucleus, which controls daily rhythms such as sleep patterns and eating cycles in response to day and night cycles. At night, when light no longer stimulates the hypothalamus, the pineal gland, which all day has inhibited the production of melatonin, a neurotransmitter/neurohormone derived metabolically from

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serotonin, whose only known role is to keep a person's circadian (daily) rhythms in sync with the outside world, ceases that function and the hormone is released into the body. The protectum, which produces changes in pupil size in response to light intensity. The superior cailiculux, that orients the head, especially to objects in the peripheral fields of vision. The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain, above and behind the pituitary gland, which lies directly behind the root of the nose, in a tiny cavern of bone within the skull. Often large in children, it begins to shrink at puberty and is usually ossified by age thirty. It is the “master gland of the endocrine system,” responsible for sexual development, metabolism, and regulation of long term Circadian rhythms and seasonal behavior patterns. In lower vertebrates the pineal gland may be a well developed eye-like structure that serves as a light sensitive organ. This evolutionary precursor to the pineal gland is known as the epiphysis cerebri. The accessory optic nerves, these move the eyes to compensate for movements of the head. The visual cortex, this is responsible for pattern and depth perception, color vision, and tracking moving objects. The frontal eye fields that are responsible for voluntary eye movements. The last two “pathways” are mental and deal with whether you want to engage him or make him blink by engaging the Third Eye Mind Gate and “projecting” a thought or simple command to “telepathically” subdue the aggressor. Bear in mind that the human eye “sees” images through its lens “upside down.” But, the nerve impulses generated by the reaction of light falling on the retina wash first from front to back over the brain, then from ear to ear, before being interpreted neurologically and perceived as “right side up.” The Third Eye symbolically represents the pineal gland because, when relaxed or when Imagination is used to elicit a Memory, it secretes melanin. Likewise, because the human body is essentially a physiological magnet and can be affected by internally generated electromagnetic energy, so too can the pineal gland. By activating the pineal gland, the entire endocrine system, and by extension the physical body, can be brought under conscious mental control. This empowers the Warrior with almost superhuman powers to withstand extremes of heat, cold, or pain, simply by "withdrawing his consciousness" into the "mysterious chamber" and "turning off" the switches or nerves that are causing his discomfort. This is accomplished through the Mind Fortress Meditation. The ancients, having no apparent knowledge of the true function of the pineal gland, considered it to be the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. With no modern equipment whatsoever, they nonetheless correctly concluded that this gland was activated by light and was, in conjunction with the hypothalamus, responsible for hunger, thirst, sexual desire and the biological clock that controls aging. The first meditation technique, the Exercise of Stillness, opens the Gate of Life between the kidneys and stimulates sexual energy from the prostate gland to rise up the spine, activating the other endocrine glands along the way, until it reaches and stimulates the pineal gland. Most schools of meditation spend years accomplishing this practice. But all that needs be done to "draw the energy" through the Gate of Life to the Third Eye is

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close your eyes and let them roll upward to look at your own Third Eye internally. This "eyes rolling upward" also occurs when one passes out or is knocked unconscious. It "uncrosses" the normal upside down effect of the optic nerve and overcomes the synaptic effect of having the left side of the brain control the right side of the body and vice versa. This is the same heliotrophism exhibited by every living thing in the universe. Except this light is internally generated and exists not only as a function of the physio-electricomagna-chemical process of thought, but also independently as a magnetic entity that permeates, flows through, within, around and manifests as the "ten thousand things." This is the "eternity of Bliss" and universal consciousness from which the "soul" escapes into the temporal plane. Long considered the highest and most powerful source of this etheric energy, known in Chinese medicine as Qi, the pineal gland has historically been associated with the development of psychic powers. In fact, the symbol of the "all seeing eye," has been a part of the creational mythologies and spiritual mysteries. When the pineal gland is activated, the Initiate usually feels a subtle pressure on the base of the brain. This is simulated and enhanced by the mnemonic device of placing the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth in the Exercise of Stillness. This device also connects the Jen Mo, Tu Mo, and Ch'ueng Mo trilogy of the Eight Psychic Channels which represent the flow of magnetic energy up the center of the body then down and around to create the magnetic field of the body or "aura." Imagination is the key to directing internal energy. Letting the eyes roll upward creates an electromagnetic field around the pineal gland by mechanically "crossing the nerves" to focus the mind between the pituitary gland and the pineal. In this way, the creative energy of the mind can be used to actively visualize and interact with Memory to produce a state known as "lucid dreaming," where the subject feels as if he is present in the dream rather than seeing it as a passive observer being acted upon by its elements. This simple psychological control confers upon the Initiate quiet confidence and internal strength. Making the development of intuition and other psychic powers possible with a modicum of practice. The Third Eye becomes unified with the Cosmic Consciousness after being stimulated by the vibrating energy from the abdomen produced by the Exercise of Stillness. This stage is called satori or "seeing with the eyes of God," in Japanese. Recall that this "light" or physio-magnetic field is "drawn" to the Third Eye point "crossing the eyes to look at the center of the forehead." This enables the Initiate to establish a line of communication with the "universal mind" the memory of which is not fully perceived on the waking, conscious level. Once the pineal gland begins to vibrate at higher frequencies, perception is altered and imaginary psychological constructs like the Ego, fall away as insignificant; one is capable of resting deeply and developing even greater powers of observation and insight; telepathy, remote viewing, and astral travel become possible. Therefore, the first principle of the Mind Gate is to look at the enemy's forehead. Specifically at the Third Eye, located between and slightly above the eyebrows. Once this link is established, you can begin to "send" one to three word messages or "commands" directly to the brain of the aggressor to "get his attention" and begin to negotiate by establishing a rapport. It might be the stern look of an Authority Figure, mentally yelling "STOP!" Or, a look of kindness and solidarity quietly transmitting, "No…"; perhaps a

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motherly look of disappointment while sending "please…" Even simple commands like, "Sleep.." or "relax…" can be projected or transmitted, depending on the situation. The trick is to send short, easy to understand messages that will fix the Aggressor's attention away from whatever bizarre behavior made it necessary to confront him, and direct it toward yourself. Suffice to say, that since Eye Contact works well at long range, it is can best be used as the first step in an intervention from a safe distance, i.e. beyond the physical grasp or reach of the Aggressor.

COMMAND VOICE

"The first and most important monosyllabic thought form is the sound OM, generally considered to be the sound-symbol of the Supreme One. Even the conception of the sound OM, with is the combination of the three mantras, a, u, and m, presupposes geometrical patterns corresponding to a straight line, a semi-circle, and a point. Every divine form possesses a bija mantra or nuclear syllable. Even in its form as the smallest sound unit, the bija remains a microcosm and thus may represent the essential nature of a divinity. And this is the sound we must take to Earth." Police officers, drill sergeants, and some self defense experts are taught that their most effective weapon is their Command Voice.

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Commands should be short, no longer than three words, and be reinforced with Body language and visual cues. They should be used, like force, only to establish, maintain, or restore order. They are, in fact, the verbal equivalent of Force and may be just as traumatic and damaging as physical violence. The old saw that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." is hardly true at all. Just an excuse not to be provoked into throwing the first punch by mere verbal abuse. This shows restraint on the part of the Warrior, which psychologically gives him "control" of the situation. The Aggressor is now compelled to choose between initiating combat himself, which marks him as the villain and "begins the pattern of his own destruction;" escalating the verbal abuse; or surrender. He is reacting to the Warrior, instead of acting as the center of attention. The Ego is a fragile structure at best, composed of mythology, internalized role models, and perceptions of the world that may or may not be accurate. Attacking the Ego is an invitation to conflict since it is a threat to the very identity and mental well being of the individual as serious as any physical threat and, as such, elicits the same FearThreat/Flight or Fight Reaction as does real danger. Abusers often use their Command Voice to "shout down" any opposition to their directives. Likewise, if you demean a child every day for years by telling them they are useless, it eventually breaks their spirit and they become so. To develop the Command Voice, one must learn to speak from the diaphragm, just as any singer or actor might, so that the sound will be of sufficient volume and timbre to "carry" over a goodly distance and be clearly heard, and project the command with direction rather than mere volume. In many martial arts the technique of "Kiai!" or Haraki is taught. This is a guttural spirit-shout drawn from the belly and uttered at the moment of launching a committed attack. It tenses the body for impact and startles the adversary with it suddenness and sharpness, allowing the critical second needed to bridge the gap between combatants and strike the decisive blow. It can also be used to halt an attack in mid-flight by shouting "STOP! At the crucial moment. This breaks the concentration of the Aggressor and makes him hesitate, since it is not the customary or anticipated response to an attack. He expects a block or an evasive movement, instead he meets a wall of sound strong enough to deflect his intended punch or kick. The most basic sound is OM, the glyph of which appears at the head of this chapter. This sound is composed of four parts: the "ahh" which comes from the back of the throat and initiates the vibration; the "O" as the sound leaves the lips; the "mmm" as the head vibrates with the sound; and the silence in which another breath is drawn. This is the sound of the universe, a sixty cycle "hum" that is the frequency of this temporal level. Whenever you may feel alone or afraid or in need of guidance, sit quietly and sing this sound. It will calm the mind, heal the body, and improve digestion, hearing and eyesight. A Warrior might whisper this sound to himself before beginning an intervention to center himself. Or, he might hum loudly enough to attract the Aggressor's attention and lay a blanket of sound over the scene to calm everyone at once and take command. Many other sounds can be employed in this Way. A low, mocking sinister laugh was used by the Shadow to cloud the minds of his enemies and render himself invisible to

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them through unreasoning fear. Baring the teeth and making an animalistic growling noise is a challenge recognized by every species, even man. But, there are also six specific sounds that may be used for healing or mind control. These are: shu, hah, who, ssh, chway, and she, in that order for men with the sequence for women being shu, chway, ssh, who, hah, and she. The reason for this discrepancy is that in Chinese medicine male energy is considered to be Yang, or linear, which follows a specific pattern of circulation within the body. Feminine energy is held to be Yin, or circular in nature, and follows a slightly different route. Theoretically, if a man did the female pattern there would be in an increase in his estrogen level. While a woman doing the male pattern would stimulate the production of more testosterone. But, these are not effects which occur instantly. The Exercise of the Six Healing Breaths follows for the good health, selfknowledge, and longevity of the individual. Some old injuries or long standing conditions may take years to heal But, moderate improvement will be felt almost instantly. The principle at work is that "good" fresh, clean air, from which the electromagnetic life-force can be extracted and circulated within the body for good health and longevity is inhaled and that "bad" air, that contaminated with impurities of the body produced by the various metabolic functions in exchange for Qi, is exhaled using one of these six frequencies to be organ specific. The Six Sounds Exercise from traditional Chinese medicine can be performed in any posture for therapeutic or preventive maintenance. Standing with feet slightly apart is the traditional method, but seated meditation or sarvasana (supine) may also be used. Hsu (Chinese) or Shu (phonetically) is associated with the liver, gall bladder, eyes and thumbs; its represents the wood element and the color green. The positive aspects of this element are kindness, mercy and unselfishness; the Yin nature manifests as rudeness, stubbornness and unfilial behavior. Close you eyes. Breathe in through the nose, the "door," drawing the air to the liver on the right side of the lower ribcage. Breathe out through the mouth, the "window," whispering the sound "shu" and imagining a green mist being expelled with the breath, taking with it all impurities from the liver. Repeat three times for maintenance, six times for tonic effect, and nine times for therapeutic effect if ill. Then massage the left thumb by wrapping the left fingers around it and rotating gently until warm. Gently pull on the thumb. If the knuckle "pops" a small blockage in the flow of energy of the liver meridian of acupuncture has been removed. Repeat on the right thumb. This exercise improves vision and expels phlegm. He (Chinese) Hah (Japanese) pronounced with a long "ahh" sound, is related to the heart and small intestine; the tongue, middle fingers; element fire; and manifest as illnesses with fever and/or halitosis. The positive traits are trust, open-mindedness, and complacency; the negative emotions are doubt, greed and confusion. Inhale through the nose, lifting the hands upward from the belly and pushing overhead as if "holding up the sky." The name of this movement in Ba Gua Chin, or Eight Pieces of Brocade exercise of Chinese medicine. Let your eyes follow the movement of the hands. Breathe out through the mouth while silently saying the "Ha" sound, tightening the back of the throat to produce a "snoring" sound, while lowering the hands, reaching out to both sides, returning them to the lap, letting the eyes follow the movement of the hands once again while imagining a red mist being exhaled. Three, six, or nine repetitions, depending on

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desired effect, then massage the middle fingers, left first, by twisting inside the opposite fist and gently pulling. This exercise can be done alone, because all of the others organs are connected to it by the circulatory system. It can be used to expel impure gases created in digestion or respiration, improve ill health, dispel fevers, and improve circulation. If you can only do one of the Healing Breaths, practice this one, since all the other organs are connected to it. Hu, or Who, is the sound of the stomach and spleen; the little finger is the associated digit; it represents the earth element and its color is yellow; typical diseases involve slow metabolism and indigestion. The positive aspects of this element are sincerity, compromise and forgiveness. The negative attributes are being self-centered and suspicious. There is no movement with this breath. Simply, close your eyes, relax and breathe using the "door and window" method to expel a yellow mist three, six, or nine times, while whispering the "sound of the owl," with the lips forming a circle. Then massage the little fingers, left first, as before. Sz, the sound "Ssh," is the breath of the lungs, large intestine, the skin and the index fingers; it represents the air (metal in some schools) element and the color white; and can be used for treating skin disorders, tuberculosis and similar congestive illnesses. The positive personality traits of this element are justice, cleverness, and generosity. The negative are jealousy and cunning. Close your eyes. Raise the hands, palm down, elbows bent, to shoulder level, and hold them there while performing this breath. This posture improves the functioning of the lungs. Inhale through the nose and exhale from the mouth three, six, or nine times as before; making the long "ssshhh" sound by touching the teeth together and slightly parting the lips while imagining a white mist being breathed out. Then massage and apply traction to the index fingers, left first, as previously described. Chiu, pronounced "ch-way," is the sound of the kidneys, a water element associated with the bladder, ear and ring fingers. Its color is black (blue in some schools) and illnesses of this element usually manifest as chills or earache. The positive attributes are tenderness, peaceful nature and wisdom, the negative characteristics are arrogance and ignorance. This breath is used to maintain the internal heat of the abdomen and waist. If standing, bend the knees to a half-squat, embrace the knees and interlock the fingers in front, look downward at a forty-five degree angle. If sitting interlock the fingers and lean forward slightly and look downward as indicated. If supine, interlock the fingers and look at the tip of the nose. Inhale, drawing the breath to the kidneys and exhale with slight force between the teeth with the lips almost closed while whispering the sound and visualizing a blue mist being expelled, time three, six or nine for effect. Then rub, twist and gently pull on the left ring finger then the right. Hsi, pronounced "she," is the sixth sound. It is associated with an organ unique in Chinese medicine known as the Triple-Warmer, or "three burning spaces," represented by a ruby in the lower belly or Hara, a sapphire at solar plexus level, and a diamond at the Third Eye. Its corresponding organ is the Heart Governor meridian of acupuncture. Anatomically it is represented by the esophagus, lining of the stomach, and urethra. Imbalances of this energy manifests as illnesses involving poor circulation. The eyes are closed. Using the door and window method, breathe in through the nose, then out through the mouth with lips slightly parted and the breath passing between the upper teeth and tongue whispering the syllable, "sheeee," three, six, or nine times. This technique can be used to cure rheumatism, urinary tract infections, and acid reflux disease. The associated

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element is Fire, the color of the mist exhaled is orange. Rub you hands together in a circular motion to warm them and bring energy to the Dragon Cavity in the left palm and the Tiger Cavity in the right palm. With fingers straight but not stiffened and extended upward in the Praying Hands Mudra press the palms together three, six, or nine times as before. There are only five elements, but twelve major organs and six healing sounds. That is because in Chinese medicine the twelve organs are "paired" to make six sets of two and Fire appears twice, representing the heart and small intestine as well as the triple warmer and heart governor meridians, which are anatomically the circulatory system and pericardial cavity; which are essentially extensions of the heart throughout the body. Anyone can learn these sounds and heal themselves if they have faith in themselves and remember the Source from which all things flow. By connecting to the Source which is found in mediation, everyone has the ability to call upon the higher level frequencies of vibration to heal themselves and others in this manner, within reason of course. Whispering "sssshhhh…" will not mend a broken arm. There are other techniques for that. But, it is possible to cure many ailments and relieve a considerable amount of emotional distress by this method because it operates on both the physical (sound/vibration) level and the unseen (transcendental). These vibrations are the "bridge" between the two states, just like memory and imagination are the bridge to the infinite. In connecting to the Source, the following method has been found useful. First, determine the polarity of your hands by extending them in front as shoulder level with the palms upward. Relax and concentrate on your left hand. Then relax and concentrate on your right hand. This simple experiment will reveal that one hand is more sensitive than the other. Either left of right will feel warmer, tingle more, or some similar subtle sensation than the other. This is your "leading hand." It will form the "bridge" when dealing tactilely with a patient in healing, an opponent in combat, or a lover in mating; all are the same. Second, place your palms about three inches apart as if holding a ball of energy at solar plexus level and move your hands slowly back and forth. Feel the energy between your hands. You can shape this energy for any purpose you desire. The only purpose it can be used for, however, is to calm the mind by giving you personal power to connect to the Source and heal the body by giving you love with which to share it. Wisdom then, lies in knowing "when" to employ this Force. The I Ching says that timeliness is of great importance. A small action at the right time very often has a much more profound and lasting effect than a large action at the wrong time. Third, slowly move your hands farther apart until you can feel the energy between them begin to diminish, and come back just a bit such that you are embracing a larger sphere of energy. This is called Tree Hugging Exercise because the posture resembles wrapping the arms around a large tree. Slowly move your hands up and down, back and forth, around and around in opposite directions while maintaining the sensation of holding the ball. This is called Two Dragons Seek the Pearl or Tai Chi Chuan. Think of your Source. No matter how you conceive of it, as god, a white light, a spirit helper, as a prophet or religious guide, your higher more noble self, a healing entity in another dimension, the universal mind or cosmic consciousness, or just the inexorable ebb and flow of Qi, the life-force which we have proven exists by this simple practice

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and of which you are a part, or any other psychological construct that you use to explain and define your reality, and become one with it. Let it flow into and through and around you with each breath, filling you with health and vitality, balancing your energy, bringing you into harmony with the flow of the universe. This is the unification of mind, body, and spirit, and a powerful confirmation of your being. You may feel a subtle tingling, a gentle wave of warmth and relaxation, a rush of heat, dizziness, exhilaration, or a variety of other physical manifestations, depending on the degree of correction required to balance your energy and your resistance to it. But, that is the Test of Reality. If you "feel" it, you "know" that it is "real" on THIS temporal plane. This awareness fills the individual with quiet confidence. Neither you nor anyone else is ever truly "alone." Simply knowing that dispels all feelings of insecurity and low self esteem. Knowing this, it is possible to apply these same principles to coping with reality and in dealing with aggressors. These sounds can also be used to affect the behavior of others. Ssshh, for example, the sound of the lungs, a wind element, the wind symbolizes the mind, if the mind is frantic, faulty thinking arises. Calm the mind by saying the sound, "Ssshh…" like a mother quieting a crying baby. Add reassuring phrases like, "It's okay...everything is going to be alright...take it easy…" as much for your Self as to calm the Aggressor. The sound will be heard. It is used universally by mothers the world over, every baby has heard it. For this reason alone, it would calm him; because it is a psychologically programmed behavioral response. But, it also works because this sound makes you subconsciously regulate your breathing by acting on the frequency of the lungs. "HAH!" or "Hey!" Are "plosive" syllables, short and sharp, used to attract attention. If you startle someone enough with such a sudden shout it can make their heart skip a beat, and they might die. There are legends of Kung Fu masters of this sonic martial art who could knock a bird out of the sky or kill a man with a shout. But, it is unlikely and unnecessary that we mere mortals develop this skill to such a level. The ability to speak sharply and make the Aggressor "flinch" or "jump" from a startle response, is more than sufficient to break his concentration and bring it upon yourself. Although the battle is actually over if or when he flinches, it may be necessary to negotiate a surrender that allows the Aggressor to "save face" in order to prevent further violence. Shu is the sound of the liver. Obviously you cannot recite that to an Aggressor with any real hope of success. But, you can use the sound to appeal to his Ego. Focus your conversation on him, on his wants, desires, needs, fears. Keep saying "you," a homonym for "shu," and lead him into talking about himself. Dale Carnegie in his book How To Win Friends and Influence People, states in Chapter Three, "people love to talk about themselves." This not only narrows and limits his aggression, placing it on the person he is really angry with, himself, but also enables the Warrior to find common ground and establish a rapport through which a peaceful resolution can be negotiated. Whoo, is a Yin sound or emptiness, related to the stomach and spleen. It can be used to elicit guilt or shame when spoken as an admonishment. Or, from a strategic perspective, can be seen as the opposite of Shu. Namely, to get the Aggressor to name his real enemy and direct his anger outward in that direction. Very often this person or institution is "beyond reach" and the Aggressor is "acting out" his frustration. Again,

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giving him the attention he is desperately screaming for is the first step in establishing a rapport so you can negotiate. Remember, the Command Voice is as much about listening as about talking. Chiu, pronounced "Chway," represents the water element, therefore appeals or negotiations of this type are usually related to emotions. You can make them feel "selfconscious," for example, by pointing out a flaw, no matter how tiny. Debaters often use this ploy to disconcert their opponents by making a disparaging remark about their attire or personal appearance. "Your fly is open, spinach in your teeth, your mouthwash ain't cutting it," are all comments that force the Aggressor to question or doubt himself, however briefly. It can be, and often is, used by abusers to demean their victims with constant criticism to instill self doubt so there is less chance of resistance. There are, of course, some schools of "black magic" that teach other "words of power." But, these are mostly corruptions of the "infernal names of Satan or demons" or coded words, the meaning of which has long since been forgotten. "Abracadabera," for example, is a mnemonic for remembering an ancient and complex alchemical formula, but, without knowing what the letters symbolize, having the sequence in which they are combined is pretty much useless. Still, the very difficulty of pronouncing this multisyllable word and its antiquity have enabled it to survive as a "magic word" that makes the magician's rabbit vanish or his pitcher of milk turn to water. Remember, you can negotiate anything, given enough time. So, patience is one of your main weapons. Second, remember that all warfare is a matter of breath control. By that we mean stamina. So, once again, patience is the key. The Command Voice is therefore the second principle of Mind Gate self defense.

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BODY LANGUAGE

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Just as Eye Contact is the visual component of this system of unarmed combat and the Command Voice is the verbal component, the stance, carriage, and posture of the body is the tactile. Body Language is often known as kinesiology among those of the scientific community. It is the study of human movement and includes to some degree the effect of posturing and display in courtship and mating rituals. Quite often these rituals include mock or real combat between suitors; thus, insuring that the fittest of the species be chosen by natural selection to survive. Among humans this conflict is more psychological than physical but can escalate to that level if the prize is sufficiently valuable. In all of Nature, ritual combat begins with display. Each combatant puffs up, stamps the ground, shakes his horns, in an effort to appear large and intimidating to the opponent. This is also seen in Judo, where the stance is wide, the arms spread, and the torso exposed in a half crouch, to present the widest display possible. It is, of course, a

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combat stance and should not be used during the initial stages of Mind Gate Intervention, since it is large and threatening. Such a tactic would elicit a reaction of compelling the enemy to assume a defensive posture and impede negotiations. This principle remains valid for all other martial arts and all other stances. The "arms akimbo" stance of the drill sergeant is exactly this type of display. Fists balled up and jammed on hips, feet slightly wider than normal stance, head pushed forward to intimidate a new recruit. Unacceptable for a Mind Gate Warrior. What is required is a non-threatening stance. This may take many forms, palms open and upward at hip level, a gesture of openness and sharing; palms facing forward at shoulder level, a calming and defensive retreating gesture; but either of these might also be misinterpreted. Nor, however, does one wish to appear small to an Aggressor, as this invites further provocation on a new victim. One must appear relaxed and confident. For this purpose there is no better posture than the At Ease stance of the U.S. military. The feet are shoulder width apart and the legs straight without locking the knees, the hands are clasped, left holding right, behind the back; the head is erect and the back is straight. One can stand in this position for hours, which may be required to negotiate a peaceful conflict resolution. Furthermore, the At Ease stance hides your hands from the Aggressor. First, this demonstrates to him at first glance in subconscious body language that you are not trying to "take" anything from him, and gives him pause to reflect on why you have gone to the trouble of attracting his attention by intervening. Secondly, and in very short order, the Aggressor will begin to wonder if you are concealing something behind your back and are therefore so confident because you are secretly armed. That is what he would do, and that will give him pause. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to "earn his trust" by bringing your hands out and showing them empty; either on demand or as a gesture of openness. Third, if he makes an advance immediately or later in the negotiation, all you need do is take a short step forward to meet him halfway, having already worked your way into range during the negotiation, and clap him on both ears by swinging your palms out and up. The previous psychological distraction, however brief, at wondering if one or both hands hold a weapon will force him to try and see both hands at once as they arc toward his head at the limits of his peripheral vision. Or, he will be confused by your advancing toward his attack instead of the more common and expected retreat. Allowing you to "box his ears" in a stunning yet simple self defense technique found in most martial arts. The Double Ear Slap is a devastating blow that requires very little practice to rupture the eardrum of the Aggressor inducing vertigo and deafness. Cup the palms slightly with fingers together to create a small pocket of air that will be driven into the ear canal to burst the eardrum with pneumatic pressure. The intent, however, is to disrupt the stream of inappropriate behavior by compelling the Aggressor to deal with a new threat from an unexpected quarter, rather than being forced to resort to this type of Force technique. Namely, attract his attention

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from out of range. Once this has been accomplished, the crisis intervention phase has begun and the Mind Game is afoot. All three of these Mind Gate Keys, the visual, verbal, and tactile, are based on Pavlovian principles of stimulus-response behavior demonstrated on every level of animal and human conduct. Man, being a more sophisticated organism, is nonetheless as bound by these reflexes as any beast. Even though these principles were set down thousands of years before his birth by ancient scientists who used observation as their primary tool. Just try and see how long you can go without blinking and consider how often this instinctive reaction has saved your eye from injury. So quick is this response that the eyeball may be protected for an entire lifetime from incidental trauma. Suppression of the blink response requires years of practice. It will be recalled that Pavlov set out to prove that a manipulated stimulus could be used to elicit an instinctive response. To prove this theory, he began to feed a dog, preceding each delivery of food by the ringing of a bell, and noting the amount of saliva produced by the dog in anticipation of eating. A sufficiently involuntary reflex not likely to be under conscious control of the subject. After a time period long enough to establish a cognitive link between the bell and the delivery of food, he began to ring the bell and NOT feed the dog. Sure enough, the animal salivated anyway, and the pioneer psychologist saw the validation of his hypothesis. To further confirm this finding, he rang the bell at different times of the day than the customary feeding time, and the dog still associated the sound of the bell with the delivery of food and drooled every time. More lengthy research found that the dog would continue to demonstrate this specific programmed stimulus-response until it became apparent that no food was coming. Then it progressively diminished until gone. But, it could be resurrected by only a few repetitions of the basic procedure, i.e. ring the bell and deliver the food to reinitiate the programmed response even after considerable time had passed. Therefore, even if the Aggressor has lost his ancestral memory and does not consciously understand these elements of ritual combat and the threat they apply to life and limb as well as status in the herd, when confronted with them, he will respond in the prescribed manner; because it is psychologically impossible for him to do otherwise. Body Language it the third principle of psychological self defense. Of course, it may not be necessary to knock the aggressor down to prevail and maintain the peace. Even if it is necessary the true Warrior is also prepared to deal with the aftermath. Just as the hands can be charged to strike, they can be electrified to heal using the methods of connecting to the Source given previously. Be assured that whether you strike the aggressor or heal him with a touch, you are acting in accord with the flow of the universe, because you have balanced your own energies and will now assist the other to balance his. You will be the channel through which he connects to his own Source. In Chinese medicine, doctors do not transmit their energy to the patient, they stimulate the patient's energy and help him circulate it to restore balance. If a physician were to use his own energy to heal the patient, he would soon be drained and exhausted. Besides, that is not the Way.

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Illness and disease (dis-ease) arise from many levels and often manifest themselves as psychological, physical or somatic complaints. Most ailments are related to some emotional imbalance. That is why they can be treated with both physical (touch) and transcendental (psychological) cures. These same techniques can be used for self healing. Some soldiers pray before going into battle. Some warriors chant or recite a prayer before fighting or healing. It is a way of connecting to the Source and often has a calming effect. Usually they ask for protection against any negative energy that might be absorbed from the patient or aggressor as they attempt to balance his energy, or help in directing and channeling the energies so that no harm will be done. Just as in a crisis intervention, healing begins by establishing a rapport with the subject. Once you have captured his attention, put him at ease and relax him by assuring that you seek only to be of service, are capable and will be able to help resolve the conflict or discomfort. Change the venue, if feasible, to a quiet location and have the person sit or lay down in a comfortable position. Ask them about the problem. Let them share anything they think is relevant to the issue. It is not necessary to analyze all this information or argue the validity of any of the points. One need only listen. Very often this alone will solve the problem as the subject will reveal the root cause of his difficulty and thereby cure himself. Remember, letting a person rant and rave for a few minutes may be temporarily unpleasant. But, it is one of the best ways of "ventilating" and/or releasing the pent up frustration and anger that caused the outburst. Sometimes better to let the patient wear himself out than insist that he calm down. And, it is certainly better than having to knock him out. Put the subject at ease and assure him that you will do nothing to harm him or aggravate the situation. Ask him to relax and breathe slowly and deeply. Warm your hands by rubbing them together in a circular motion. This gesture has a calming effect on both parties and is often used by vendors in Middle Eastern bazaars. It is also used in massage so the client doesn't flinch at the initial touch of cold hands on his skin. Sometimes, usually in cases of painful trauma, the hands a clapped together loudly once before being warmed. This has a mild startling effect on the patient and elicits his adrenal reflex to aid in the process. Place your hands on or about three inches from the subject, depending on the level of rapport thusfar established or which method works best for you. Close your eyes and visualize the silhouette of the subject, or look into his eyes. Have the subject breathe slowly and deeply in harmony with you. This deepens the rapport and increases the level of empathy, making it easier to diagnose and treat the ailment or emotional imbalance. If you wish, use OM or any of the Six Healing Breaths, or any word, key, or symbol that will assist you in communicating with the subject on a kinesthetic level. Begin to move your hands slowly over the subject, starting at the head. You are "feeling" for changes in temperature or other subtle signals discovered in the first palm up exercise that indicate an imbalance or improper circulation of energy. Indicate these areas to the subject for confirmation if you have any doubt of your ability in this regard. But, it doesn't take long to develop skill and confidence. Place your "following hand," the opposite from the stronger "leading hand" of the first exercise, on

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any one, the strongest, or the nearest "energy wheel" within the body and drawing energy from that Source of personal power for that individual with the "passive hand" channel and direct it to the source of the discomfort with the "leading hand." The three main chakras, or energy wheels, are the head (cranial pump), solar plexus (heart pump), and lower abdomen (sacral pump). Two sets of lesser centers are the Dragon and Tiger Cavity Palmer Pumps, and the Bubbling Wheel acupuncture points on the soles of the feet that form the Pedal Pump. All are used to circulate life-force through the Eight Psychic Channels and the Twelve Meridians of Acupuncture. Just like blood flows to every cell of the human body, so too Qi. There are many methods of channeling energy in this manner. Do not be limited to just these methods. Discover what works best for you. Music, incense, soft lighting, quiet surroundings, all contribute to the process. The subject may report a feeling of warmth or tingling or similar tactile sensation as the discomfort is relieved. Continue the treatment until both are satisfied with the result. There is no time limit for healing. The amount of time required is agreed upon by mutual consent. If you receive any mental images during this process, be discerning in what you say. Do not embarrass or demean your partner with any sudden revelations, nor frighten them with undue fears. It is usually best to keep your own counsel about such matters unless the subject wishes to discuss them. A Warrior of the Mind Gate, like a physician or a priest, knows many secrets. Not all are his own.

Causes of 69

Conflict

All those truly dedicated to prevailing through non-violence must have at least a rudimentary understanding of the causes of violence and conflict. There are five basic desires that contribute to aggression: pride, wealth, sex, pleasure, and appetite. It will be noted that all of these are centered in the Child portion of the personality, and therefore are often the subject of immediate gratification. The fundamental principle of the Mind Gate is to appeal to the fulfillment of these desires in order to manipulate the Aggressor toward a peaceful resolution to his internal conflict and the restoration of good order and safety for all. Often, inappropriate behavior is sparked by frustration, anxiety, confusion, or miscommunication. Any one of which can lead to an acting out of internal conflict or insecurity. Feelings of helplessness can also cause aggressive behavior, as can fear. Both often lead to violent acts in a futile attempt to regain lost power or control. Paradoxically, they are seen by a rational mind as a total lack of self control. As a Warrior, you must always acknowledge such anger, both in the Aggressor and yourself; you must acknowledge the Aggressor's importance, while asserting your own self respect; you must convince the Aggressor that you are sympathetic to his needs

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and willing to negotiate fairly and in good faith to arrive at a mutually agreeable nonviolent resolution to the conflict. Most importantly, you must understand that this method of problem solving/crisis intervention takes time and be willing to invest it wisely. The reward of patience is patience. It may save your life. Small price to pay for a few attempts to talk your way out of an argument rather than be forced into battle and be forced to kill someone or render them unconscious.

STAGES OF CONFLICT Let us consider for a moment the progressively escalating stages or steps leading up to physical combat. Certainly there are those times when a mugger will jump out of his place of concealment and attack without warning. Those will be discussed in the sections regarding awareness of danger and target denial. But, most fights begin and escalate through a progressive series of steps to the physical level. Once these are known and can be recognized, there appears to be an abundance of opportunity to defuse a potential incident before it reaches a dangerous level. Psychological studies have shown that anger is created by fear. This fear may be real or imagined. It maybe the fear of embarrassment, or the loss of ego, or real danger. Consider the last time a rude driver cut you off in traffic. What was your reaction? Anger? But why? Many answers may be given, there is only one that is correct. When you had to swerve or slam on the brakes, there was a moment or very real danger in which physical injury or damage to your vehicle (an extension of your ego) was imminent. This triggered a surge of adrenal hormones, a natural physiological reaction built into the human body for centuries. The Fight-or-Flight, Fear-Threat instinct is a genetic survival mechanism. In contrast, most women demonstrate a Yield-and-Shield fear-threat reaction when startled into an adrenaline state. So now you are operating in a chemically altered state of consciousness, inbred into every living thing since life first appeared on the planet, be it protozoa or fully erect biped. What happens is that when the adrenaline races through your bloodstream, the peripheral blood vessels constrict, the breath becomes short and rapid, the pupils dilate, the body prepares for combat. But, here we are in an industrialized culture, not some primitive swamp trail where the fight for life was a daily occurrence. Furthermore, violence among civilians is frowned on by most civil authorities. And, in this instance, you are not in close enough proximity to the offender, both of you being encased in your armored vehicles. So, what do you do? Yell at the discourteous driver?

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Ah! Now you have advanced into the verbal stage of combat. He may hear and accept your challenge, or disregard it by making believe it was not heard. His windows may be rolled up and his radio blasting. If you pull alongside him and "give him the finger," you have advanced to the physical stage of combat. Again, he may disregard your challenge, knowing that most incidents of adrenaline induced aggression last only three minutes or so due to the nature of the chemical reaction and absorption of the hormones by the body. If you both drive on, the incident is soon more or less forgotten. In fact, years later, many of the most horrific battles become great tales of hilarious adventure. This is because, with time, the adrenaline hormones associated with the incident are converted by the brain into as pleasant a memory as possible. For this reason alone, humor can be quite disarming. You, having "ventilated" your anger by this gesture, are technically relieved of any further civic responsibility to modify his behavior and make the roadways safe for others. Be advised, however, that such gestures are considered as insulting as a slap in the face and may well elicit a fight-or-flight reaction from even a passive driver who just made a mistake. If, however, the offending motorist accepts your challenge and the pair of you pull over to the side of the road to "settle the matter" or "defend your honor," the conflict will proceed through the same stages as before and may result in fisticuffs. 1) Physical intrusion into Personal Space 2) Verbal or visual Challenge 3) Acceptance or dismissal of the challenge If the Conflict escalates to physical combat, the fighter with the greater stamina will prevail. It is not a matter of skill, ability, size, strength, or even weaponry. It is a matter of Will Power. A man armed with righteous indignation is a formidable foe. Whether this indignation is justified or not may be a matter for a court to decide. A man who is guilty, and is aware of his guilt, does not fight nearly as hard as one who feels he has been wronged. He may still be ferocious, but internally he knows he is wrong and expects to be punished. In olden times, this was the basis for "trial by combat." The theory being that the man telling the truth would be able to overpower his lying adversary because he had the strength of his conviction on his side. Not necessarily true, fair, or just. Two examples may serve to illustrate this point. It is a simple fact that many prisons are filled with clever minded criminals of every sort. Many, one would think, could easily escape and jail breaks are not an uncommon happening. Even the most brutal, and therefore theoretically least intelligent, can often figure a way of getting out if they really wanted to. Once again, the key is will power. They are held as much, if not more, by the psychological reality that they have committed an act outside the customary behavior of society. They have "stepped over the line," so to speak, than by the stone walls and barbed wire erected to segregate them from society. In point of fact, of the few who do successfully escape and remain at large for long periods, many are later found to have been innocent in the first place. Those who soon return to any sort of criminal activity are usually picked up pretty quickly. The truly innocent man, wrongly convicted and imprisoned, upon regaining his freedom, seeks only to live in peace and usually adopts a low profile and strives to be a good citizen so

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as not to attract attention to himself and be found out. This is also usually true of illegal aliens as well. On the other hand, the case of a captured soldier points out the very real motivation and ability of prisoners to escape. The Great Escape of almost one hundred POWs from a specially constructed prison camped designed to house them in Germany during WWII is the best example of ingenuity and daring men who are morally committed to what they believe is a just cause could have demonstrated. And, the ability of Viet Nam POWs to withstand torture and deprivation until their release could be secured through prolonged negotiations is a testament to their strength of character and will. So, from these examples we might conclude that when a bully threatens what he thinks is a potential victim, what he is really doing is demonstrating his own cowardice and fear and attempting to transfer or project this fear onto the victim in a psychological effort to relieve himself by dominating others, i.e. acting out the role of the abuser instead of the victim. This provides a momentary feeling of power which was lacking either through circumstances or history and reinforces the ego structure by asserting itself. If it succeeds often enough, it will become habitual and the bully will think he can get away with anything. This is a perverse form of self empowerment because it is at the expense of others. The simplest way to prevent this from happening in children or mental patients is not to reinforce it by acknowledgement or attention. An understanding of the causes of conflict will enable you to disarm your own anger and deal effectively with the anger and aggressiveness of others who are at some disadvantage because they are essentially acting on a misguided impulse; trying to impose a short term fix on a long standing problem through force. "Know thyself," was the motto above the door to the temple at the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece. "Know the enemy and yourself, and in one thousand battles you will be victorious," was the counsel of Sun Tze, author of the Art of War more than four thousand years ago. His military classic is required reading at West Point and similar academies. This single phrase is the essence of his entire system of strategy and military intelligence. And yet, it is so simple it is often overlooked. But, it is found here. This is why the Way of the Mind Gate teaches meditation first. Because by knowing yourself, and learning to reason clearly, you come to know all others. There are many causes of disruptive behavior that may lead to a crisis. Some have been listed already. But look beyond these examples for those that occur daily. Look at the pattern they follow so that it becomes easier to recognize and defuse them. This is the purpose of both individual and military intelligence. Only when intelligence breaks down does an active intervention become necessary. This also applies on a global scale, as demonstrated on September 11, 2001. When the spy services broke down the terrorists were able to strike with impunity, and an intervention by Force became necessary to restore order. Learn to "think like a warrior." This is part of the mental training of all martial arts. Remember that when you know in which direction an Aggressor is moving, not only is it possible to deflect him physically or mentally, it is also possible to antagonize him

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into a fury. This knowledge, in itself, is a weapon, and one that should not be used lightly. Some of the common elements of conflict are: 1) Haves vs. Have-Nots: real or perceived disparity between individuals or groups within the same environment such as a clinical or confined area or on a national or global scale. May manifest itself as stealing or sabotage and is often precipitated when supplies are not delivered or are discontinued. 2) Territorial: a more general source of conflict; may be personal space or tribal domain. Usually manifests in random acts of violence, graffiti, and insurgent raids on the enemy camp. 3) Conflict with Authority: rarely should a conflict between an aggressor and the authority figure escalate to the use of force. Those empowered to keep the peace are trained in methods of crisis intervention and negotiation and recognize that very often verbal exchanges are little more than bravado for the sake of ego or peer pressure. The real conflict is with the internal authority figure who is seen by the aggressor represented by whomever he is arguing with as the source of his immediate problem. 4) Guilt: when confronted with a challenge to the ego structure of the individual, or the reputation of the peer group, usually by disclosure of some reprehensible behavior such as accusations of child abuse, or doubts about masculinity, or similar real behavior about which an individual may have feelings of guilt, he may react in a violent or destructive manner. The innocent man will become indignant. The bully will defend himself, usually immediately. The guilty usually react in a self-destructive manner within a few days. 5) Fear: whether real or imaginary, fear and anger go hand-in-hand. Just as in the "angry driver" scenario, any real threat to the physical self OR the fragile ego can elicit inappropriate behavior. This "threat to the survival of the ego" is the key to all anger. It is the same reason a wife beater hits his mate when she challenges his "authority and leadership." Part of his fragile ego. Learn to watch for and detect the cues that reveal which of these five elements is the basis, the real basis, for dispute.

Methods of Dealing With Inappropriate Behavior "Acting Out" is a clinical psychiatric term for inappropriate behavior by a mental patient but applies equally well to any sort of aggressive behavior that may occur in public or private. A mental patient demonstrates inappropriate or bizarre behavior in an effort to attract attention to himself so that his internal conflict may be addressed. Simple as that. So does a bully or hostage-taker. It may take the form of catatonia, in which one stares blankly into space and seems unaffected by normal stimuli. Or, manic behaviors like pacing, chanting, wailing,

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or a type of "rocking" activity; also seen in animals that have been caged or penned in captivity for long periods like circus elephants or zoo gorillas. This instinctive rocking is an expression of boredom bordering on suicide. Or, is potentially violent and explosive. When questioned later, a patient may attribute such behavior to hallucinations or reaction to medication, just as a street punk will beg forgiveness for his aggression by citing a history of poor home life or oppressive poverty. The reason given in any such aftermath is completely irrelevant. It is merely an apology at best and an excuse at worst. A futile attempt to renegotiate based on a change of status. Namely, the aggressor is in complete control of the hospital staff or police. So, whatever the stated motive may later be, all so call "acting out" is nothing more than a bid for immediate or more attention. If the patient cannot obtain enough strokes to support his fragile ego-construct in approved ways, he may become satisfied with receiving negative strokes in the form of restraint or violence with bad behavior until it becomes his normal behavior. Consider the respective instances of applause and riot. The entertainer receives an almost tangible energy from the chant of the crowd and its adoration which inspires him to new heights of excellence in an attempt to please the crowd and himself even further. The revolutionary receives the same type of positive reinforcement for his political viewpoint from his followers, and is never happier than when engaged in a massive protest. Even though his view may be anti-social, the principle is identical. So too with the Aggressor in almost every situation. If and when a physical attack is launched against him, his fear will make him twice as strong as before or reduce him to hysteria; such is the chemical effect of adrenaline. But, in either event, he will have "taken the test" and faced some subconscious fear. It is this catharsis or emotional release that is an instinctive genetically programmed method of resolving severe internal conflicts, which may or may not require the intervention of those in more rational psychological states. After all, what harm is done to society if a man becomes so morose he takes himself to a hidden cave to contemplate his melancholia to a catatonic state that may be disturbed by nature or result in his death. Or, if he ventilate his rage pounding rocks or screaming at the sky, so long as he is alone and disturbs no one but himself until he is exhausted and has altered his psychological state by this self induced mania to the point of having a cathartic response. His concept of the world and his place in it will be validated by his reaction to this experience. Or, it will crumble before the mere presence of truth and reality. Either way, he will begin to construct a new concept of reality based on what is learned by taking the test he has set for himself. The outcome of such incidents can be determined by medical staff, law enforcement, or good citizens willing to maintain social order. The idea is to "catch his eye," get his attention and negotiate a peaceful resolution. If the Aggressor is at all communicable simply pointing out the consequences of his actions is often sufficient to defuse the situation. Other practical Behavior Modification Techniques include: 1) Ignoring the Behavior

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Psychological studies have shown that inappropriate behavior is produced in direct proportion and response to environment. One example would be loud or boisterous person who talks aggressively in an attempt to draw attention to himself. If this person receives no social reinforcement, his behavior may well be extinguished, or at least decrease in search of other methods. The difficulty with this method arises in that the aggressor may first escalate his behavior to even higher levels to see if that will get him what he wants. For example, singing loudly, then beating on nearby objects, then dancing, then trying to get others to join in, perhaps even taking hold of other people to encourage them to participate. Thus, a good deal of patience is required. In a clinical setting time is available to gradually mold the aggressor into a member of the social group that is acceptable with suggestions of appropriate behavior to replace the previous antics that caused him to be brought in for observation in the first place. 2) Punishment This is clinically defined as a response calculated to create an aversion to the stimulus. Which is to say, it is much like a child touching a hot light bulb. The parents may say over and over not to do it because they know the outcome. But, once the child has singed his fingers just once, he seldom feels the need to repeat the experiment. This too is part of the instinctive genetic survival or all living things. Animals in the wild who eat something toxic to their systems frequently regurgitate the poison before it can have an adverse affect. Then their memory stores that experience and the cues that caused it, like taste, smell, and so on. So that when those cues are encountered in the future the animal will avoid the toxic food. It is therefore not "cruel" or abusive to slap a child's hand to teach him "no" so that he can be protected and not have to learn everything by random trial-and-error. It is simply taking advantage of a genetic key. If it hurts, don't do it, if it tastes bad, don't eat it. In many ways this applies to the common Aggressor. He is acting from an infantile mental state which demands immediate gratification of wants and needs. One of the difficulties with this method is that the aggressor may focus his resentment on the individual administering the punishment and so become embroiled in a subconscious battle of wills or contest of strength with the authority figure. The donkey who associates the carrot-giver with his reward also knows who holds the stick. One way to overcome this problem is to make the punisher anonymous. Society does this with an elaborate system of courts and tribunals that "distribute" the responsibility among the members of the community. This also reinforces the unacceptability of the precipitating act. Behaviorists will tell you that a sharp word is just as effective in training a pet as a slap with a loose newspaper. It just takes longer to be effective. Pain, however, has an instant and long lasting effect in modifying behavior; be it self inflicted or the result of inappropriate attention seeking; which is also self inflicted. 3) Negative Reinforcement This differs from punishment in that rather than trying to extinguish an existing behavior, it seeks to create a new one. The clinical example is that of a patient isolated for acting out. So long as he continues to act aggressively the aversive stimulus, i.e. isolation, remains in force. Thus he is denied the strokes he was bidding for with his attention seeking outburst. When he is calm, he is released and returned to the population where hopefully, he will try new methods of getting attention. 4) Positive Reinforcement

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This is the "reward" side of the "carrot-and-stick" method of behavior modification. When training a pet, food is given as a reward for the proper trick. When teaching a child, love and affection and pride are the rewards. When dealing with an aggressor, gratitude for keeping the peace is a reward. In ordinary society, praise for a job well done, a smile when someone is nice to you, the interaction of please-and-thank you in everyday etiquette, are all forms of positive reinforcement. In the case of an aggressor who has demonstrated an ability to modify his behavior by not acting out to make everyone afraid of him (thereby exhibiting his own internal fear of everyone else), he should find an increasing freedom of movement and respect within the community a sufficient source of strokes to make further acting out unnecessary. If not, he will see no benefit in changing his behavior and may return to his previous role playing. An example of this might be someone who has stopped smoking, considered by some to be a "self destructive" or psuedo-suicidal behavior. For most people, if no one notices the change, if it is not reinforced with positive verbal accolades; if it was done to silence the harping of others who insisted it was for his own good or imposed by some silly regulation; regardless, if the patient sees no benefit from modifying his behavior, the self doubt that led to smoking in the first place may cause him to doubt the wisdom of that decision and revert back to the self imposed isolation found in a cloud of noxious fumes. 5) Isolation It may be that the aggressor is so wrapped up in his character and acting out that no amount of negotiation or subtle behavior modification is effective, making it necessary to isolate him from the group to prevent injury to himself or others. This can sometimes be done on a verbal level during a confrontation. If the aggressor can be discredited in the eyes of his followers he may lose the tacit support or whatever group he is performing to or the very real loyalty of whatever troops he may have assembled or brought with him. Accusations of misconduct, usually in the form of personal gain over the welfare of the group, or betrayal of some tribal trust will often isolate the leader from his "posse." And loss of such a support group, or audience, is more effective than many forms of punishment. A single aggressor in a crowd may draw support from others sympathetic to his cause and make negotiations more difficult. Therefore any intervention should include asking bystanders to move away for their own safety. This adds to the aggressor's isolation and reduces his strength of will by limiting the number of people with whom he can interact for attention. Or, it may be necessary to isolate the aggressor by physically removing him from the situation, if a suggestion or command to move on is not obeyed. An example of this on a global Cold War level would be the imposition of sanctions against an offending nation until it complies with a United Nations resolution. On an interpersonal level it may take the form of sending a child to his room for a "time out" until he can behave properly. In either situation, isolation removes the immediate threat or precipitating stimuli and provides an opportunity for the aggressor to revaluate and assess the nature and outcome of inappropriate behavior. Isolation in times of great confusion can lead to significant insights. All the great Prophets and sages of history spent long periods alone at some point. When they returned to civilization from their self imposed exiles they brought with them new wisdom and teachings to their tribes.

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Alone or in the company of others, every person goes through five distinct stages when confronting a personal crisis, trauma or sudden change in the perception of reality. Denial, refusing to accept the reality of the situation. Anger, at not being able to affect the situation. In this phase the aggressor seeks to impose his will upon the world and compel it into the shape he needs. This is often a homicidal state. Depression, reflecting on the precipitating event. This usually involves blaming the Self in some convoluted manner, whether the fault actually lies there or not. It is during this phase that the aggressor or mental patient will accept isolation or give himself a "time-out" to decide whether to continue his internal struggle. This is often a suicidal stage. Negotiation, reasoning out how to cope with the new reality. Strictly an internal dialog, although clinical guidance may be helpful. Chemically, the hormones released at the moment of the precipitating event have now transformed into ones that permit an extremely lucid state. The reasoning may still be faulty, the logic flawed, the solution still inappropriate, but, to the aggressor, the answer is abundantly clear and he is filled with anticipation of its implementation. This "light in the eyes," might be seen on the face of mass murderers like Charles Manson or holy prophets who led their people for generations. The mechanism is the same. Resignation, and acceptance of the new reality. Demonstrated by a return to more balanced behavior without the extreme "highs and lows" of neurotic or psychotic states. 6) Feedback This is a technique of letting the aggressor "win" so he will no longer "compete." The clinical example would be for a counselor to acknowledge that inappropriate behavior is effective in an effort to reduce its frequency and intensity. "Okay Billy, we all know you are a tough guy." For instance, telling a patient that when he clenches his fist it makes the you feel uncomfortable because you think he is going to strike you, so there can be no further interaction (taking the blame for the failure of negotiations instead of placing it on the patient and adding to his burden), may convince him that his attention seeking behavior, a subconscious manifestation of his own fear that he will be harmed in some way, may induce him to conclude that his attempt to intimidate the counselor or assembled audience has been successful and so may be discontinued since it has served its purpose. Namely to become the center of attention. Especially since what remains to do now is negotiate an escape or surrender which cannot be done if the negotiations are broken off. Plus, there will be no opportunity to obtain further strokes through interacting with the negotiator if he leaves because he is afraid. On a military level this is analogous to calling a cease-fire in order to begin negotiations. It is an admission of the power of the aggressor, much like the technique of reflection, in that it places the Mind Gate Warrior and the Aggressor on equal footing; i.e. both are scared 7) Overwhelming Numerical Superiority This is a military tactic long employed by the British army. It virtually assures victory and provides an opportunity for an aggressor to revaluate his position before conflict begins since some preparation is required and is obvious or becomes known to the aggressor. Hearing police sirens in the distance may indicate that reinforcements are on the way and be enough to make the aggressor surrender before things get worse. A

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similar application would be the massing of armed and armored riot police at the entrance of a besieged cellblock, or the surrounding of a mental patient who is acting out by members of the staff. The intent is to make it obvious that the aggressor cannot win and give him a chance to surrender and come along quietly. The three requirements for success in this work are: Proper Treatment- which comes from study. Coolness- which comes from understanding proper treatment and knowing that the method is correct. Confidence- which comes from practice.

REMEMBER- WHEN YOU TRY ONE METHOD AND IT DOES NOT SEEM TO SUCCEED TRY ANOTHER AND CONTINUE UNTIL YOU DO SUCCEED.

CRISIS INTERVENTION A Crisis Intervention Specialist must be, first and foremost, a master of the preemptive strike, commonly referred to as the "sucker punch." Not only so he can defend against it, but also so that when the moment comes to make a move, he can employ it effectively. Remember the Three Rules of Self Defense:

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Never take a hit you don't have to. In the case of an intervention you are putting yourself in harm's way deliberately, so it is essential to be in good physical shape and have quick reflexes so you can react spontaneously to any physical attack that may develop as you approach. True self defense would advise running away from an aggressor as the first step in "not taking a hit." Indeed, that is the best course in most cases. Crisis intervention is a conscious choice, not to be taken lightly. Never strike until there is an opening. In an intervention you are "closing the gap" to reach the opponent and looking for or creating an opening through verbal skills. When there is an opening, strike hard, strike fast, no mercy. This doesn't mean you MUST use physical means. A sharp word can startle a person into dropping their weapon; a successful negotiation can resolve the conflict. In such a "mental chess game" checkmate occurs when the aggressor realizes the futility of his situation. A comforting hug, a handshake, or reassuring palm on the shoulder can often be just as effective as a clout on the head to conclude a successful conflict resolution. To perform any of these, one must be within arm's length of the other person. Virtually the entire substance of this system is designed so you can maneuver close enough into striking range to deliver a devastating first strike; if necessary. Through understanding of the dynamics of conflict a warrior of the Mind Gate is able to prevent or peacefully resolve a situation BEFORE a precipitating incident can occur. But, should he decide that to end the conflict his own actions must be the precipitating factor, then it behooves him to prevail quickly and efficiently by any means. Legendary Goju-Ryu Karate Black Belt Bill Liquori of Orlando, Florida, is famous for acting out the very scenario used in Kurosawa's classic film The Seven Samurai. A felon was holding his ex-wife hostage at knife point. The police had surrounded the frame house and had negotiated for two hours. They finally talked the hostage-taker into letting a paramedic in to check on the wife and make sure she was all right. Bill Liquori put on the white jacket and picked up the med kit. He slowly, so as not to frighten the suspect, walked up the steps and through the screen door. Three seconds later he backed out, dragging the unconscious criminal by the collar. This was in 1960, long before SWAT teams and hostage-negotiators were the vogue in law enforcement. Pre-Emptive Strike capability offered by the Way of the Mind Gate provides not only physical techniques that may be employed by anyone, regardless of size, age, or infirmity, as well as providing psychological techniques to preclude the need for physical encounters. One of the very real difficulties in most martial arts study is the emphasis on rote training. While it is true that rote repetition is one of the most effective methods of learning a new skill that works on everyone given enough time, in modern times it has been used to stretch out the learning process over a long period, often about two years to earn a Black Belt, such that the student is required to participate in classes and activities related to the club format and pay a specific fee. None of which is necessary for those who are able to absorb the information intellectually and apply it physically when required. It is not the intention of the pre-emptive strike to dominate the aggressor. Rather, it is intended to prevent him from becoming violent by disarming the various triggers that elicit inappropriate behavior.

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The following three step procedure has been found to be particularly effective in dealing with aggression. 1) Evaluation of the situation and the aggressor. This includes any known psychiatric history as well as recognition of conflict cues. 2) Preparation, mental, physical and spatial is essential to success. Know the environment, mentally noting exits, barriers, potential weapons. As before, once the decision is made to act, move with all deliberate speed to achieve the goal. 3) Intervention is not a static process. Minute changes in the dynamics of the situation will require flexibility if you are to wrest control from the aggressor without his knowledge. This is the real "test." The greatest warrior wins without throwing a punch. In psychological terms the Mind Game Player will make himself the focus of the aggressor's intent, regardless of what it may have been before or what it may seem to be on the surface. If the conflict is with authority, the Player might present himself as an authority figure to "draw fire" from the aggressor, for example. If the conflict is a result of frustration, he might offer a helpful solution. Anything to make the aggressor direct his attention toward the Player. This is a precarious decision, to place oneself in harm's way. Not one that should be made lightly or to quickly. There is an old joke about a young farmer trying to plow his field with a new mule. No matter how loud he shouts, snaps the reins, or shakes the plow, the mule refuses to budge. Finally an old farmer offered to help. "You want that mule to plow?" He asked. "Yessir," came the reply. The old fella picked up a nearby ax handle. He walked out in front of the mule and whacked him right between the eyes. The mule staggered for a minute, then steadied himself a bit. "What did you do that for?" exclaimed the young farmer. "Get up!" shouted the old farmer slapping the mule on the backside, who set off plowing just fine, pulling the young farmer along behind him. "First, you gotta get his attention." Said the old man. Once the decision to intervene has been made, notify the sanctioning authority or similar back-up forces to stand by to provide assistance. Often a show of force is all that is necessary to calm the aggressor. For example, the Guardian Angels at their inception had regular patrols on subway trains. Each member was assigned a specific car and at every stop each would signal to the others that they were on duty and all was clear. If for any reason a team member did not appear at this "step out of the car and wave" meeting, the others were to immediately proceed to the missing member's assigned car and find out what was going on. On several occasions members were taunted by street gangs and young toughs eager to "prove themselves" in combat. Standard procedure was to simply endure the insults and challenges until reinforcements could arrive. Knowing that stops were only a few minutes apart, and recognition that conflict usually requires time to escalate to a physical level, the Angel "under siege" had only to wait for his friends to arrive and back him up with numerical superiority. Very few incidents were allowed to advance to that stage. "He who attacks must vanquish. He who defends need only survive." Old Shaolin saying. Of course, there may not be any reinforcements to be had. One is not always in a clinical or sanctioned position of authority. In such an event, subterfuge may be

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necessary. In one of Rudyard Kipling's books he advises the hero that, if captured while on his secret mission, he might be able to save himself from death, torture, or even capture, by holding up an object like a ring, talisman, or such like and proclaiming himself to be a "brother of the charm," an agent of some higher authority or fraternal fellowship. This would give the enemy pause, should they believe him to be a member of some larger body of men who might avenge his death. In the case of civilian patrols, an identifying badge, patch, or similar device would provide a similar warning. And, as in the example of the Guardian Angels, most bullies will retreat and "surrender the field" when outnumbered or outgunned. Thus, "calling the clan" is a very real and viable technique of non-violent intervention that conforms to the criteria of pre-emptive strike self defense by defusing the intent of the aggressor. II. Approach the Aggressor in a non-threatening posture and speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Often vocal inflection communicates more than mere words can. Do not get too close, bearing in mind that every person expects and psychologically requires a certain amount of personal space. An aggressor is enlarging this space to demonstrate his dominance, and so is more sensitive to any attempt to approach him. Furthermore, staying out of range of a physical attack comes under the heading of "target denial' and common sense. He can't hit you if he can't reach you. Attract the aggressor's attention visually or verbally. This may mean that when you come close enough he will demand you stop, or that you must speak to him and let him know you are there. This is the point when you will attempt to establish a dialog and engage the aggressor in conversation. Keeping in mind that adrenaline only lasts about three to five minutes. So, if you can keep a lid on things for that long, the conflict may well pass without further escalation. Begin by offering help, this will often be enough to prevent further aggression, since what the aggressor is seeking in the first place is validation of his dilemma, an offer of aid immediately places you on "his side," and establishes a certain degree of empathy, whether he realizes it or not. Determine the nature of the problem. While this may have been already decided based on observation before the intervention, it nonetheless provides an opportunity for the aggressor to "explain himself." This takes time and forces him to desist his aggression in order to engage in a verbal exchange. III. Acknowledge the importance of the individual and of his feelings, as well as the perceived threat to himself or others. This helps to restore his self esteem, if the situation is one in which frustration and lack of power are the cause. Likewise, it can be used to flatter the aggressor and inflate his ego. Since, as has been said earlier, all humans respond to positive reinforcement, this form of stroking may be all that is required. Once the aggressor feels he has established dominance he may be satisfied and retire from the battlefield with dignity. This is known as "saving face" or "giving him a way out." State in a clear manner who you are and how you intend to be of help. Appeal to the aggressor's sense of pride, honor, or even decorum to let him see that violence is unnecessary.

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IV. Verbal intervention techniques may be defined as communicating without further agitating the aggressor. Its purpose is to allow the aggressor time to utilize his own internal controls, thus resolving the conflict in a therapeutic manner. Types of techniques include: A) Redirection- this is a technique whereby anxiety or frustration of the aggressor is channeled into a less destructive and more socially acceptable arena. An example might be to challenge a street gang to a game of basketball as a means of resolving a conflict instead of resorting to a fist fight to prove who should be the territorial leader. Or, as in a case like Rocky Marciano, letting him ventilate his aggression in the Boxing ring to become a champion. In Cold War terms it would be analogous to offering economic aid to build or rebuild an area in dispute and offer it to the locals as a compromise. B) Diversion- is a method of verbal intervention that is quite effective in nonexplosive situations. The idea is to convince the aggressor that the precipitating incident is not the underlying cause of the conflict. It may be advisable to relocate the negotiation to a more or less neutral field where discussion is possible and the real issues can be addressed. Humor may be useful in a situation of this type to relieve the tension of the moment. An example would be offering to "buy everyone a beer." The idea is that they would rather drink than fight. C) Presentation of Reality- may take the form of pointing out that the aggressor is outnumbered, or speaking of the consequences of his actions. Asking the aggressor is he desires a negative outcome provides him an opportunity and a subject upon which to ruminate and make a decision. This "breaks the train" of escalation while giving him the impression that he is still in command and that he might have a choice in the outcome of the matter. Once the intervention has begun, the outcome is assured. Pointing out the positive consequences of appropriate behavior is by far the preferable technique. Stating the negative consequences must be done in a non-threatening manner that takes the responsibility away from yourself if possible. An example of this might be to say that while the aggressor may be in control and even prevail at the moment, the negative consequence of pursuit, arrest, trail and incarceration are inevitable if he follows his present course of action. The author once had a masochistic mental patient at his facility who was homeless and had fallen into a drunken stupor in an ant bed. He was covered with swollen red, and pus filled blisters from the numerous stings and threatened to "rip open his arm with his fingernails" if not allowed to leave the room and dramatically poised his claw-like hand over his infected left inner forearm. "Go ahead, " I told him. "Won't hurt me a bit, and you will still be right here, only in pain." That realization stopped him cold. Another time a patient was demonstrating "transference," by "falling in love with the therapist," and hysterically asked, "What can I do to prove I love you? Do you want me to take a knife and cut my wrist?" To which the reply was not the expected concern for her welfare, but instead the quiet question, "And HOW would that prove anything?" She had no explanation and so calmed right down. The idea she was shooting for, however, was that she was willing to die to prove her point, so sincerely did she believe it. By discrediting this method of validation it demonstrated as in the previous case, that self inflicted pain is meaningless as a negotiating tactic. In this latter case, "proving" that the love was not reciprocated better than all the denials that had gone before.

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D) Another presentation of Reality is to make the "prize" worthless, thereby defusing the threat. Once had a bully come into my karate school and challenged me. He was a big old boy, probably self trained, and this was the "test" he had set for himself, thinking that he would be famous if I didn't kill him. Either that, or somebody had "put him up to it." So, I invited him on the mat and stalled him by saying he had to sign some release paperwork promising not to sue me if I broke his leg or something. That gave him pause and told him I was not playing some silly game like in the movies where you cash in your chips and get your money back. That done. I pointed out that if he beat me (and deciding what would constitute a victory was the next "stall" card to come if need be) it would just be a big guy beating up a little guy, no big deal. But, if I beat him, people would think I was superman because he was so big. That was a stroke to his ego AND told him that even if he won it would be at a high price, at least a scar because my students would never let him out of the building alive (numerical superiority) and several had already offered to stand in for me, and that in a week, no one would even remember who he was. So, he wouldn't get what he came for, neither fame nor glory. He decided that perhaps discretion was the better part of valor and agreed that we really didn't have to "duke it out." And that he had just been "testing me" all along to see if I'd back down. (projection of HIS fear onto the potential victim) The idea behind this "challenge the gunfighter" scenario is that the challenger "inherits" the respect and "power" of the his victim. It never really works that way because the "master gunfighter" can never be overcome without trickery, thus tainting the victory. Even if the disparate advantage to the challenger is only advanced age or infirmity, the "master" knows that all that can be inherited is the fear of future challengers. If he can impart that to the challenger before it becomes necessary to injure him, so much the better. That is the Way of the Mind Gate. The "reverse" of "making the prize have no value" is to destroy it so that neither party has the benefit of it. During the Cold War era, this was known as "détente," I don't have it AND you don't have it. An example from parenting would be two children fighting over a toy. Removing it from the area, denying it to both of them, demonstrates that an alternative method of deciding who will play with the toy when must be found. Détente is the opposite of compromise, in which both parties are partly satisfied. In detente, both parties are disappointed. E) Problem Solving- in many conflict situations, the precipitating incident involves the restriction of inappropriate behavior. While a gang of friends may be merely enjoying themselves with loud or obnoxious acts, they may also be annoying others in a less than festive mood. Both parties should be ready to meet halfway in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement since most such incidents are temporary and a minor accommodation for a short while is not too much of an inconvenience to ask among human beings who have sufficient respect for themselves and others. But, it seldom works out that way. The key to successful resolution is to provide the aggressor with a graceful alternative that allows him to maintain his self respect and peer esteem. Bear in mind that the aggressor's anger is often triggered by an invasion of his personal space. Individuals within a group and as a group feel the need to maintain a certain amount of peripheral personal space. Therefore, the manner in which he is first addressed verbally from outside this perimeter will often set the tone for the rest of the negotiation.

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If you begin by insulting him or name calling or a direct command, it is a challenge recognized throughout the animal kingdom based on the instinctive behaviors discussed and requires a fight-or-flight response. If you address him by rank, as in a military stockade, you a) recognize his designated value to the unit, even if he is a prisoner; and b) psychologically place him in an inferior position that he has previously been programmed to accept. If you simply address him as "Sir," as the British "bobbies" (policemen) do, then he expects to be treated with respect and usually is. "Hey!" or "You!" are fine for catching his attention. The next thing to do is introduce yourself and get his name. This is part of establishing rapport. In Oriental and international negotiations this is known as a "facesaving device." The dignity of the aggressor is maintained before the group, even if it is undeserved. That is the very essence of politics, deceit. F) Reflecting Aggression- may take many forms. One may pretend to side with the aggressor and take an active part in his protest, allowing him to view objectively the unreasonable nature of his demands or exposing the real motive for the conflict. One may demonstrate skill as great as that of the aggressor and threaten him with mutually assured destruction, as in the case of thermonuclear war. Or, one may absorb the verbal assault of the aggressor and respond with kindness or pity; a response often used by the clergy. Once again, all of these are means to a peaceful negotiation and resolution of the conflict. First, do no harm. Don't take it personally. Recognize the game and passively refuse to play. An excellent example of this is being "dressed down" by a drill sergeant in military basic training. Here is this large authority figure screaming insults and epithets in your face, nose-to-nose, and military regulations forbid you from striking back at his verbal attack with severe penalties; depending on how reckless is your response. So, you can only "endure the barrage," relatively safe in the promise that he is not allowed to hit you either. Once again, the fundamental technique comes to your rescue- Eye Contact. He is glaring into your eyes trying to intimidate you. You can glare back, which will only make him try harder; or, you can look him in the eye and "think of a mirror." It can be any mirror you have ever seen or imagined. This simple mental "trick" makes his words meaningless. They "roll off you like water off a duck's back." You can even smile at his feeble attempt to frighten you, without flinching, because you realize that no matter what he says it is only intended to provoke you to throw the first punch. And that the only psychological force behind it is his own fear, which is what he is trying to elicit in you, so you will accept his domination and obey. All ritual combat. He is using this tactic because it worked on him at least once in the past. He either "knuckled under" and submitted or fought back and was knocked down, physically confirming his lesser status and placing him in the inferior position. Naturally he expects one of these two responses from you. But, just like the "either/or trap" of the "glass is half empty or half full" question, there are more than two options. Thinking of the mirror is one. Reciting mentally a reassuring mantra, to "drown out" the sound of the verbal barrage as well as reflect it, is another. There are many such chants, usually the simpler the better, like reciting a rosary. But, Frank Herbert, author of the science fiction Dune series has provided an excellent example used by one of his heroes. "I will face my fear and let it pass through me. And when it is gone there will be nothing." If you don't react, if you just stand there relaxed until he has "ventilated his anger to exhaustion," he will break off eye

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contact and walk away in frustration. So will most bullies. Even ancient religions recognized this principle of mind control for the individual with such poems as the Lord's Prayer. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me." Just as in law enforcement or psychological training, NO VERBAL INSULT IS SUFFICIENT JUSTIFICATION TO USE FORCE. So, if you hit him and knock him out, it will be a "cold blooded" and deliberate act, not grounded in anger, but done simply because all other readily available alternatives have been exhausted and rendering him unconscious is the only way to end the conflict without danger or harm to others. The Shaolin have a saying, "He who strikes the first blow sets in motion the pattern of his own destruction." If anyone is going to be injured, better it be the perpetrator than any innocent civilians or yourself. G) Command- this is usually the last stage of verbal intervention. It should be employed when history has shown the aggressor responds to a strong authority figure, or when all else has failed. It differs from the next phase, Challenge, in that it signals the end of negotiation. If the aggressor cannot be convinced to move off quietly after the implementation of a face saving device, for example, and even this should not be offered until sufficient time has passed to dissipate the adrenal effect and a certain amount of subtle control of the situation has been established, then a strong firm command may be successful. Command leaves little option for either of the participants and so must be used with caution. If a power issue is the basis for the conflict, both stand to "lose face" if there is no move to comply with such an order. The first participant to move initiates the entire cycle again. Often when an order has been given, the aggressor will hesitate to consider his options in light of the negotiation that has transpired to that point. If there is no movement for 3-5 seconds the Warrior can elect to "steal the march" and advance one step further into the personal space of the aggressor. Thus giving him an opportunity to retreat, to maintain his personal space and call a truce to return to verbal negotiation; or "defend himself" by throwing a physical technique, which can usually be easily "smothered" because of your sudden close proximity; or, he can allow himself to be "taken into custody" by permitting you to gently touch him and lead him away. If he moves first, you must assume his attack is real and intercept him halfway, thereby blunting his attack before it can be fully developed and implemented. In short, if he does not obey your command within a reasonable length of time, ten seconds or less, you can give the command again, more sharply and in a more demanding tone, but no more than twice. More than enough opportunity for any sane person to comply. If they don't they are not mentally in control and represent a danger to themselves and others. Sufficient justification in any civilized society to overcome an aggressor and compel him to comply with normal standards of behavior by physical means, i.e. Force.

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PHYSICAL INTERVENTION 87

The Blow Not Struck Make your attack so ferocious that the enemy trips over his own feet and falls backward retreating before it. The previous examples of intervention techniques and options provide a variety of techniques from which the student may choose and practice, all of which have application to certain crisis situations. Following is an example of the steps one might take to deal with an intervention:

Challenge If, or when, negotiations break down, the next logical step is to challenge the aggressor. There is a story told of one Ferdinand Waldo DeMarra, who, while impersonating a prison warden, was faced with an incident in the maximum security wing. It seems one of the prisoners, who were held in strict solitary confinement and only let out one at a time for exercise, had wounded a guard with a homemade knife or "shiv" 88

constructed from the handle of his spoon. DeMarra confronted the prisoner in his cell and used many of the skills explained here to "chill him out." But, the "code of the cellblock" demanded that no prisoner willingly submit to authority. So DeMarra agreed to the challenge to "take the knife away" from the prisoner. After a brief struggle in which he "proved himself" as tough as the inmates by defeating their champion, who had already secretly agreed to "throw the fight" but was still a formidable contender, the inmate was disarmed and calm restored. Then, in a display of generosity and trust that would never have been demonstrated by a professional penologist or warder, DeMarra ordered all the cells opened and many of the harsh restrictions of the maximum security cellblock relaxed. This greatly reduced the level of tension created by confinement and made administration of that wing much less of a problem in the future. He had "established a rapport" with the inmates and earned the respect of the guards, who thought he had actually won the fight fair and square. A more primitive example may be seen in the feudal practice of having two champions, one from each army, battle to decide the outcome of a war, rather than have thousands slaughtered on both sides just to prove a point. Solo Preparation This involves one's personal commitment to a just cause, from bored and grudging participation to righteous anger directed toward a positive goal. A summoning up of the courage for the task at hand. Patrol or Post (Guard Duty) The basic activity of the Citizen is to observe and report. Not just to make a show or attract attention. It is in most instances composed of long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of insanity. Also applies to the individual simply making his way along the thread of life. A Warrior does not look for trouble, nor run from it. He merely does what must be done. Crisis Intervention If and when a disturbance is observed, the first duty is to report so that assistance can be dispatched. This is true in a medical emergency as well as a disturbance of the peace. But, it may not always be possible for a variety of reasons; lack of resources, unfamiliar territory, solo operation, and so on. Make An Entrance Regardless of the nature of the disturbance, once it is decided to intervene, approach the scene in an authoritative manner. Move to the forefront in an effort to determine the nature of the conflict. When the moment presents itself, step forward and announce yourself such that all eyes are directed to you, at least for an instant. Take Command Use an exclamatory remark to attract attention and demand in a firm voice to be informed of the difficulty, such as, "HEY! What's the problem here?" Be ready for immediate return fire. A psychotic with a gun will just shoot you. He does not recognize authority nor the need to justify his actions, yet. If the effect is as desired and you become

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the center of attention, fix the eyes of the leader or single aggressor when he looks for the disturbance to his inappropriate activity. Do not accuse, like asking "What are YOU doing?" Do not approach too closely, stay safely out of range of an attack. Do not begin by pushing people out of the way; although spectators should be asked to disperse at the earliest opportunity. Offer to Help No matter what the nature of the explanation from a simple accident in which "no one is to blame," to an immediate challenge by the aggressor, a phrase like "Can I help?" is semantically neutral. Meaning, in this case, that the listener does not immediately know to whom this help will be given. This requires further information, so two effects are accomplished at once. Confusion and curiosity. This "offer" should be made in the same firm voice as before, implying confidence and skill. Determine the goal of the intervention BEFORE getting involved. Never assume what the circumstances are. Ask and find out. Cast A Long Shadow The posture and demeanor should express calm deliberation. Bearing in mind that most cases of aggression operate on a child-like mentality, the appearance of an authority figure can often be sufficient to modify the behavior. Stand up straight. Look at his forehead. Do not cross your arms or legs as this is a defensive body language posture. Do not raise your arms above your waist, as this in interpreted as a threat. Be patient, be relaxed. Advise him that help is on the way, either for him or you, whether it is true or not. The anticipated arrival of this imaginary army places a vague time limit on the negotiations and compels him to make the decision you desire quickly while you have time before he is outnumbered and your command of the situation is lessened by higher authority. If it is a medical emergency, notification will help to reassure and calm the victim and significant others. At this point, spectators should be asked to leave, for their own safety, in their own best interests, because there is nothing left to gawk at, or because they can be of no further assistance. Walk Like A Dragon Now the attention of the aggressor is focused on you. His audience or support group has diminished in the face of impending reinforcements and/or passersby motivated by civic duty may rally to your side and support your cause if it be just. Or, accept your temporary command of the situation, based on this absent, be it real or imaginary, secondary authority. A variation of "brother of the charm."

Open Negotiations If not, try to engage him for three minutes or more. The longer he is talking, the less effective and imperative will be the adrenal effect. Suggest alternatives that may have been overlooked in the resolution of the precipitating incident; or that may be a satisfactory resolution to the conflict. Even if the have all been tried and failed, they take up time in which a decision must be made. The longer you stall, the greater the chance

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for a peaceful resolution. Never demean or insult the aggressor, as this is an invitation to the physical challenge. Stare Him Down The goal of the Mind Game is to never let any conflict escalate to the level of physical confrontation and combat. But rather to exert such control by sheer force of will that the aggressor will withdraw. Often, as stated, this must be done in a manner that allows him to "save face" and that is okay if it ends the crisis. It may be that the goal of the intervention is the surrender of the aggressor. If so it will at some point be necessary to challenge him. There are many cues to indicate his submission and surrender. The most common is to look down, sag the shoulders, and/or sigh in resignation. Watch for these and other signs, because if they are not present, the surrender may be bogus and just a ploy to move closer into range for a sucker punch attack. There is an old legend told about Davy Crockett, that he once "grinned down a bear" with whom he had abruptly come fact-to-face in the wilderness. Be it true or not, it illustrates some of the principles of basic psychological warfare. Establish a rapport with the aggressor. In this case by baring the teeth (fangs), making a display of strength and command (growling and assuming a similar posture) to hold the more powerful enemy at bay. Make him think you are one of his tribe, even if it is the bear-clan. Let him know that you relish the idea of combat; show him scars, tell tales of past battles, boast of your victories. He may decide you are too powerful to stand against. Make Him Flinch In a previous section the technique of taking one step forward to reinforce the Command is an example of making the aggressor "flinch." Often that is all that is required to win the battle. There is an old boxer trick in which the combatants meet in the center of the ring for referee's instructions and engage in a staring contest. Sometimes, one of the boxers will suddenly thrust his face forward toward his opponent in a psychological attempt to startle him, thus gaining an advantage in the coming match. A sharp shout, a loud clap of the hands, a slap, shaking by the shoulders, pain, penetration of personal space (the step forward, or the more proximal boxer technique), or physical restraint. Even a flash of light can be effective. Let Him Live Whether the goal of the intervention is to capture the aggressor or allow him to retire from the field in peace, it should be made clear that this is in his own best interest. One method of stalling a confrontation and ending a conflict is to postpone it till another day; which may never come. Even if he is carried off in chains by the authorities, it is so he can be isolated for his own safety and that of others, to reflect on the nature and results of his inappropriate behavior and hopefully discover new and more appropriate ways of obtaining positive reinforcement. This is true even in the most severe and psychotic episodes. Mercy is a quality that separates humans from most other species. Among the canines of a wolf pack, when two fight for dominance, the genetically implanted signal or cue that one has surrendered to the other is to expose his throat. Even in the blood lust of

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wolf combat, the other lupus is physiologically bound NOT to kill his fallen enemy by an instinctive recognition that they are of a common species and the primary drive of all living things is survival or the self first, then the species. This is "mercy" in the animal kingdom. ONLY humans can surrender and then throw another punch once they are let up. But, even humans will generally honor their "word" if they verbally agree to give up. In martial arts this is demonstrated when the opponent says "Matte" or taps the mat as a sign of submission and surrender of the contest. So, IF the aggressor "cries Uncle" and admits defeat, you must still gauge the level of his sincerity so as not to be suckerpunched for your kindness at letting him up. What separates Warriors of the Mind Gate from other less civilized and understanding humans is that they will tolerate a tremendous amount of discomfort, insult and/or abuse, before striking out at a bully or even a very real enemy. But, they are quick to defend others who are helpless. Americans are the only nation that demonstrates this same incredible tolerance and self depreciating social and political correctness. When we have seen petty drug bosses and dictators like Manuel Noriega pounding his machete on the podium and screaming hysterically about how he will wipe out the American army if they don't get off his back. Then later, humbled, in chains, led like the common criminal he is, not to any sort of exile or military prison, like the head of state he thought he was, but rather to a cell to await a fair trial. Beaten like a dog. And the American people, so insulted by this insignificant maniac, used only as much force as was required to establish, maintain, and restore order. Unlike the bully they could have been who would have squashed him like a bug and turned his country into a desert. Don't Hold A Grudge Remember, it is only a game that you have elected to play. And that the people you are dealing with are mentally unbalanced. Don't take it personally. Don't try to "get even" later. Don't impose harsh punishments that are intended to "teach him a lesson." mainly, "don't take it home" or carry it around like old baggage. Once it is over, it is over. Let it go and move on. Ah! You protest, but what if the same villain causes trouble again, or, not being so enlightened as I, comes after ME for revenge even though I do not allow myself that luxury? If that happens, that is a new incident, not a continuation of this one. No matter the enemy's motive, the warrior always acts from a center of calmness.

The FIGHT Physical Confrontation In the unlikely event that all of the foregoing Non-Violent Intervention Methods should fail and an actual physical confrontation is imminent, the following techniques

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have been of considerable value in enabling a warrior to survive and prevail. There are many excellent martial arts techniques and restraints that can be used to subdue an aggressor or violent mental patient, but none are effective without the psychological and physical ability to carry them out. The first thing to remember is to BREATHE. When startled or fear wells up as the attacker approaches, most people tense up and forget to breathe. Not only does the tension impede any effective response, but shortness of breath reduces stamina. And, all combat is eventually won by the combatant with the greater stamina. This is the principle behind sport Judo and classic Greco-Roman Wrestling. Only non-lethal, agreed upon techniques are employed and the players continue until one is fatigued enough to be pinned by the other. Same in boxing. When one fighter is sufficiently exhausted, the finishing blow can be delivered. It therefore follows that breathing is the most important part of self defense, just as it is in meditation and ordinary life. So, don't tense up. Take long, slow deep breaths just as if meditating, one of the purposes of that practice at the beginning, to regulate the breath and remain calm. There are certain cues and signals that indicate immediate action should be taken. All of these, and many more may be described as evidence that an internal trigger has been tripped and the situation has changed. Be it the sigh of resignation and defeat or the glare of impending attack. The trick to delivering an appropriate pre-emptive strike or intercepting fist lies in dealing with the underlying cause of the conflict rather than the surface or apparent cause of the inappropriate behavior and thereby avoid the need for a crisis intervention. Each crisis must be dealt with on its own merits, but, the application of precedent may be used as a guide as to where to begin. Especially when the precedent is based on scientific studies of psychological behavior patterns. A through knowledge of the conflict is equivalent to a military briefing, being based on history and on accurate and timely intelligence reports. Once a clear picture of the situation is established, a plan can be formulated to deal with many anticipated contingencies; and should include provision to preclude any recurrence of the crisis. Then, remembering that the plan goes out the window as soon as the first shot is fired, remain flexible and able to respond spontaneously the dynamics of the incident. Angry speech, disruptive or destructive behavior, tremors, rapid breathing, pacing, evidence of narcotic or psychotic states and are the obvious indicators of a potentially violent or explosive outburst. But, even these can be checked from escalating into a full scale battle. Kings and fools may rattle their sabers, but real men do not beat drums before they hunt tigers. There are certain types of behavior that serve well as signals of impending physical attack. Irritation and frustration are two such indicators. These are best judged by their level of intensity. That is why so much emphasis was placed on defusing the situation by offering alternatives in the verbal intervention section before they escalate to the physical level. Remember, the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have done unto you.) is not just an injunction on how to behave. It is also an explanation of why people behave

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as they do. The best example of this paradox is the sexual abuser/manipulator. Having once been abused or manipulated to the point of emasculation, he perpetrates the cycle by assuming the role of the abuser in a futile attempt to empower himself, acting out upon his victim what he wishes would be done to him because of his trauma induced low self esteem. Four of the causes of aggressive behavior are the Have vs. Have-Nots; Acting Out; Suicidal Ideation: and Psychotic Episodes. Have-Nots may be jealous or envious, but their demands usually involve material possession. They may steal the belongings of others, in a bid for attention, then defend their territory and stolen goods to get more attention. They are usually cowards who specialize in hit-and-run techniques or sabotage, an expression of powerlessness. They may throw a punch or two, but generally scream about how they are being abused and hurt when overcome. Acting Out is a common indicator of personal or emotional problems. The patient is angry or frustrated and looks for some way to communicate this feeling to the staff, often in inappropriate ways. This type of aggressor is in some sort of emotional turmoil, or pain and wishes to inflict it on others so they will understand his dilemma. Suicidal Aggressors have been depressed or in pain or out of touch with reality for so long that they willing to kill themselves to escape their suffering. Remember, depression is anger turned inward. Those who are "acting out" this state may attempt a "token suicide" for attention seeking purposes. This type is a real danger to themselves and others. Once again, however, their aggression is usually triggered by some event and marked by a sudden change in behavior and demeanor. Psychotic bullies, on the other hand, are cold and calculating. They are fortunately rare, usually view themselves as the mental equal of any psychiatrist or therapist, and are well acquainted with the system and how to manipulate it. They are difficult to fathom because they are expert at masking their emotions but should be considered a lethal threat because they place no value whatsoever on their own life or the lives of others. The easiest way to deal with them or their demands is to "play into their game" and “buy them off" through a negotiated settlement. One that, in all probability, has no chance of being lived up to once the danger has passed. In order to accomplish this the warrior must be as skilled in lying as the psychotic. In Japanese this is known as kobudera, "masking of real intent." It is an essential part of executing a successful sucker punch because it enables you to "get in range." When deer hunters sit on a stand waiting to ambush a deer as it comes for water or similar ploy, they take care not to think or chant to themselves "kill the deer, kill the deer," because, in nature, animals that are considered prey have special senses that enable them to "sense" this hostile intent and avoid the trap. Likewise with the psychotic. His altered state of consciousness, regardless of how it was induced, elevates the aggressor's sense of danger and he may well suspect that you intend to try and overpower him physically once in range, regardless of the verbal interaction. Therefore, empty your mind, just as when meditating. Thinking of nothing, you can react spontaneously, and your intent cannot be "felt" because it is not there. The decision to strike the decisive blow is made long before you

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come in range. Only at the moment of impact is the emotional component allowed to "electrify the fist."

PHYSICAL ATTACK Regardless of the type of aggressor, there are three basic methods of attack: The first is Personal Space. Most humans require about three feet or arm's length, of "personal space" to feel comfortable. This is, of course, modified when standing in line or in a crowd watching a parade, shopping, and so on. Compromises of personal space for social purposes are not uncommon. But, it can be clearly demonstrated at any bus stop or waiting room where those present grant each other this space if possible by sitting or standing apart as if by some unspoken but universally accepted agreement. INVASION OF PERSONAL SPACE is considered an affront and in some cultures and insult that demands an apology or blood. Of course, Personal Space requirements are waived with familiars and significant others. The Have-Not sort of aggressor will usually try to enter this space through some ruse such as casually walking up a little too close for comfort and asking a theoretically innocuous question to set you up for a sucker-punch. Then make a grab for your purse and run off into the night. Those who Act Out are often stalkers and like to incite fear by openly or surreptitiously following their intended victim. Suicidal/Homicidal aggressors, as well as those Acting Out, often use surprise as a weapon. Suddenly appearing in front of, behind or beside you, hoping to startle you and gain the psychological edge that will enable them to make a successful assault. Once Personal Space has been violated the level of the Physical Conflict is initiated. Even so, the Verbal Intervention techniques are the first line of defense and weapon of choice. But, because of his, or your, advance, some movement is now required. Move away to maintain distance between yourself and the aggressor. Most people conforming to polite customs of etiquette will stop their advance and allow normal personal space to be maintained if they see their advance has made you uncomfortable. Bullies will continue to advance. Step Two is EYE CONTACT. Use your "poker face" developed through long hours of sitting relaxed in meditation to show no reaction to his advance. Do not let your face show anger at this intrusion, nor fear. Remember to look at the center of his forehead to make him feel inferior with that subtle body language trick. Call upon your Inner Strength. One method is to think of your family to summon up your courage. Imagine if this aggressor was threatening one of them. Would you stand for that? Of course not. You would rush to their defense. Do the same for yourself. You are a human being, entitled to a certain degree of dignity and respect just by being alive on this planet at this time. Unless your behavior begins to violate common standards of courtesy and etiquette. Let the aggressor know with your determined stare that he has violated these conventions and that you don't like it, nor will you tolerate it. Let your fear, if there be any, be converted

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to righteous anger, and let the anger be a fire in your eyes, while you face betrays no expression other than utter calmness. If the conflict is over a material possession, it can be simply ended at any time by giving the item over. No matter what it is, it can be replaced or recovered later, so it has no real or intrinsic value. This ploy satisfies the Have-Nots, who now "have." And frustrates the other three types of aggressors listed who are most often just using the item as an excuse to escalate the confrontation and inflict injury. The item already has no value to them. Use a PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE to blunt or forestall the aggressor's intention. If being followed or taunted, prevent the aggressor from "building up his courage" at your expense by confronting him before he has had enough foreplay. If being followed, shock the aggressor first by suddenly turning to face him before he is in range to make a grab at you. Using body language tricks described in posture and demeanor, strong eye contact, command voice, and so on, point your index finger at him to establish your personal space and halt him in his tracks. Wave your arms, take a step toward him to drive him back, call for help, or scream if need be. If he thinks you will fight or that help may come, or if he is embarrassed enough, he can be driven off. Likewise in a hostage negotiation. Waving your arms and yelling commands places the onus on you, away from the hostage. MAKE A FIST, when the adrenal reflex is triggered, the peripheral blood vessels constrict and concentrate in the internal organs. That is one of the reasons martial artists concentrate on remaining calm in battle, because you need that blood in your limbs for them to operate at maximum efficiency. You achieve this by making a fist. That draws the blood back into the muscles of the arm, relaxes the torso, which was tensed when the startle response was elicited, and signals your intent to defend yourself on a subconscious level to the aggressor by making a subtle aggressive gesture. Squeeze the fist rhythmically in time with your heartbeat, which may be racing. This will enable you to slow down the heartbeat and remain calm by gradually slowing down the clenching speed and intensity. This is another exercise that can be done in meditation known as using the Palm Cavity Pump to circulate the life-force. This also "pumps up" the pectoral muscles of the upper chest and flexes the abdominal wall to create a light form of "body armor" using slight muscle tension. SUMMON YOUR WILL Draw courage and fearlessness by using your memory. Think of your family and loved ones. Those who depend on you and for whom you would willingly sacrifice your own welfare or life. This is the source of your inner strength. Most people will leap to the defense of a loved one much more quickly than they will defend themselves. This is a function of low self esteem, placing more value on the happiness and welfare of others than on ourselves. Remember that. Hold onto that thought. Imagine if they were in danger. Imagine the danger they will be in if you don't stop this aggressor at this time. You would not hesitate to stand your ground or act to save a loved one or significant other. Nor should you. You deserve at least the same consideration as that. Do it now. This simple trick, which can also be practiced in

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meditation to train the memory and elicit a pleasant experience, will enable you to overcome any feelings of insecurity or low self esteem that are the cause of fear. Step Three, MAKE YOUR MOVE! Strike hard, strike fast, no mercy. In defense, clench your teeth, take a short step back with the right foot, duck the head, lower the hips, round the shoulders, and raise the fists to eye level, keep the elbows tucked in to protect the ribs. This is a defensive gesture and signals you will fight. Sometimes it is enough to halt an aggressor's advance. Remember, this is SELF DEFENSE ONLY! What identifies it as such is NOT throwing the first punch and even yielding ground when approached. Anything that occurs after that is justified and legally defensible. A great deal of Chinese literature and medicine is devoted to the principle of restraint or withdrawal as a means of accomplishing a goal in some circumstances. Personal safety is the primary consideration in deciding to advance or retreat. If you elect to take the offensive and strike first, after clenching the fist, because that is the last signal that will be given, from a relaxed stance, tighten the belly and charge. Tensing he muscles of the lower abdomen dispels the sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach associated with fear or startle response. Attacking without warning or taking an aggressive stance will startle the bully, making it possible to freeze him instead of yourself. That enables you to safely cross the intervening distance between yourself and the aggressor and strike him before he can mount a defense. The Kiai or spirit shout alluded to earlier can be used for this purpose at this time. But, most often, once your will is triggered, the distance to be traversed becomes irrelevant. Further, stopping to think about the distance makes you pause. And that hesitation, however brief, may cost you an opportunity to apply a lock or restraint and subdue the aggressor. Don't fight back. Strike First, strike hard, show no mercy, win with one punch. Make your attack appear so ferocious that he falls back in retreat before you can even strike him. This is known as the "blow not struck." The idea is that, since he knows he should be slapped, when he sees the slap "being loaded" as you draw back you hand to smack him, he will turn and cower defensively to avoid the anticipated pain of impact. If your attack is sufficiently terrifying, the aggressor may actually trip over his own feet trying to escape and fall down without a glove ever being laid on him. Essentially, this is the same sort of ploy as overcoming him with numerical superiority. Remember, all most aggressors want is a little attention and the "game" is to prevail against him without it becoming necessary to engage in physical confrontation. This is the last No Physical Contact technique.

THE JUDO CHOP Lastly we deal with the actual fight itself. There are times when there is no prolog to the battle. When it comes too quickly to be prevented or comes from ambush and utilizes the element of surprise. Often in a confrontation, one must wait for some sanction or authority to use force. But, most often it is the deliberate choice of the Warrior, having exhausted all options and having no other choice, to make one decisive blow and end the

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conflict. When attacked by surprise or initiating a pre-emptive strike this "permission" to fight back comes from within. The inherent "fight-or-flight" response in the male, contrasted by the "yield-and-shield" strategy of the female, is activated and comes into play when one is placed in imminent peril. It remains then only to determine the most effective method of employing force to achieve that purpose.

The striking surface for this technique is the small muscle on the edge of the hand known as the Mount of Mars. Tense this muscle for impact, much as you would make a fist, by extending the fingers without stiffening and "lift" the fingertips upward to make the muscle firm and form this "hand weapon."

GO FOR THE THROAT The simplest and best target is the Neck. Strike to cause injury, not just pain. Restraints and armlocks can be used to induce pain and exhaustion. We don't have time for that. Striking the throat is a potential "death blow.” Many large nerves and blood vessels pass through the neck and are susceptible to injury. In Judo it is said, "A sharp blow to the side of the neck can often render an opponent unconscious." Likewise this martial art offers a variety of shimewaza, or strangling and choking techniques that can be applied to subdue an opponent. But again, we are looking for a quick knockout. While the windpipe is largely cartilaginous and difficult to damage, a blow to the Adams' Apple will induce sever coughing and gagging by stunning the Phrenic Nerve that controls the diaphragm. A strike to the back of the neck can shock the spinal cord causing temporary paralysis. Choking with hands or forearms is painful and can restrict or cut off air to the lungs. Thus, the neck can be attacked from many angles and is highly effective in overcoming even a much larger opponent. It takes no more than eight pounds of pressure to inflict serious injury, so no great physical strength is required. In fact, the throat and neck are such sensitive targets that strikes to this area are not even practiced on a partner, but only on a padded pole or similar device. And, punches to the throat are illegal in Boxing. Strike with your fist, elbow, or forearm as hard as you can, keep raining blows on the attacker's neck from

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whatever angle you can until he goes down and you are free of his attack and can subdue or restrain him. To increase the power and effectiveness of these blows, extend your fingers without stiffening and strike with the edge of your hand. This formation is known as the Sword Hand or Judo Chop in most martial arts. It can be employed against a variety of vital and fatal points, but is especially effective in striking the neck.

Vital And Fatal Points of the Throat

CAROTID SHEATH

Salivary Gland

Carotid Artery Thyroid Cartilage Jugular Vein Lymph Glands

Phrenic Nerve Vagus Nerve

Trachea

Thyroid Gland

Clavicle (Collarbone)

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Judo Chop to Side of Neck

Reverse Sword Hand to Throat

Rabbit Punch to Back of Neck 100

The 5th Cut

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We have shown you Visual, Verbal, and Tactile techniques. We have explained the Maze of the Mind and shown you how to find your Way. And these are four of the Five Elements of His Men Jitsu. In a movie called Revenge of the Ninja, Sho Kosugi, the hero, had been captured by a gang of thugs while trying to protect his son. They tied him up to some pipes in the hold of an old freighter that was their headquarters and were having a good time slapping him around. So, his dilemma? How to defend himself. Being a martial artist, he had practiced hundreds of techniques, thousands of times. So, he began to think of what he would do if he could strike back. Every time the bully stepped up to hit him, he looked him dead in the eye. Just as the punch was thrown at him, he thought of 5th Cut of his style of Kenjitsu, Slashing the Throat Horizontally. He let himself feel the movement. He let his utter hatred and fury fire his gaze. He hurled the thought at his opponent and imagined his head severed from his shoulders dropping away in a fountain of blood and the animal collapsing lifeless at his feet. The first time the thug didn't see it. The second time, he caught a glimpse of it. The third time, he stopped. Now, this is just a movie, a story. But, that is the purpose of storytellers. To entertain and teach us things. We promised you that this was a psychic martial art, and it is. All that has been presented before was merely prolog to bring us to this technique. To "prove" with the "face the wall test" that eye contact can be felt. To tell you where to look. To teach you how to summon your Will and reach out with your Mind. To make the "bull leap" and see through the eyes of the enemy. And let him see death coming in your eyes. To have such a deep rapport with him that you can send this picture. Beheading was the preferred form of execution in feudal Japan. Quick, clean and merciful. The Samurai, the warrior class, were empowered by the Shogun to mete out this punishment at their sole discretion. There were some abuses, but for the most part the right to "kill and walk away" without explanation, pretty well kept the peasants in line for over three hundred years. Such power is a great responsibility, not to be taken nor used lightly. This single cut movement is exactly like sword hand chop to throat unarmed. In every confrontation there comes a moment with the match is won or lost. Just like making the other boxer flinch, this technique can often be used in lieu of an actual physical blow. All you need to do is think of it and he will FEEL it. And be overcome. Not only for this, however, but also so that you can help and heal yourself and others. That is the true Art. Then, you will be a Warrior. Your highly developed awareness and sensitivity, your ability to lock the opponent's eye, will tell you WHEN to strike. It will be just before he moves. By this time you know that he is not an enemy, only a facet of yourself that you have rejected and you are now going to put him in his place because you have already done so with yourself and know how. So it is ONLY A GAME even if either or both of you die. Then you can act with boldness and confidence. Fix his gaze. Imagine reaching out with tendrils from your hair. (This is called "wind ruffling the hair." One of the subtle sensations experienced in meditation.) Hold him motionless with your Will. Regulate your breath to calm him and let him feel your

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electromagnetic energy reaching into his Mind. Think to him, "I feel your pain. Let me take it from you." Take his face in your fingertips. Place your forehead against his. You will KNOW what to mentally SAY to bring him peace. If only for a moment. Likewise with your lover, or anyone with whom you wish to establish a deep and lasting rapport. This "melding of the minds" is a deeply personal and profound experience. A solemn commitment to passive resistance and non-violence is a requirement of those who would learn the Way of the Mind Gate; because these psychological techniques of crisis intervention and behavior modification are profound in the extreme and confer upon the Player the power within every human being to control himself and the actions of those around him WITHOUT PHYSICAL CONTACT. Such responsibility is not granted lightly. Nor given to those who would misuse it. Only those who are pure of heart can pass between the Pillars of Good and Evil without harm. Only they can enter the Mind Gate and cross the threshold to the Halls of Learning; for they are protected by the Armor of Righteousness, the Shield of Truth, and the Sword of Justice. Thus, though they act spontaneously, they are always in accord with Nature and the flow of the Universe. Because they know, they are able to "play the Great Game," of finding new companions with which to share the journey of temporal existence, and can see the unreasonable motivations of an Aggressor for the childish attention-seeking behavior it truly represents. Armed with this awareness and knowledge of Self, it is a simple matter to outthink the opponent BEFORE he becomes a physical threat and defeat him in the mental chess match or "mind game." Thereby "defusing" the situation and preventing any "explosive" behavior. "The greatest warrior wins without throwing a single punch." Sun Tsu, The Art of War

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Warriors of the Mind Gate So now we have all five weapons of the Mind Gate Warrior: patience, knowledge, fear, surprise and ruthless efficiency. And, the Keys to the Mind Gate. What more could one ask? The Armor of Righteousness, perhaps? The Cheyenne Indian Nation said that when you save a man's life, it belongs to you forever. And that is what you are doing. Preventing this person from harming themselves, or others who happen to be in proximity. So, you will be responsible for him from now on.

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Sometimes, you might have to "strike him down" with this Psychic Attack or a very real Judo Chop to the neck. But that is just to make him stop what he is doing and go back to being rational. He shouldn't take it personally, nor should you. But, in a very real sense, it is a "token" death. The end of that part of his behavior pattern. He will never again use it in your presence because you have mentally "killed" it, for HIM. Just as effectively and just as powerfully as related in Gaslight. The primary responsibility of every human being is to live in harmony with nature and his fellow man. It is not the intent of this study or training to proliferate vigilante teams or to impose other than normal cultural mores and common social structure upon any community. This is in keeping with the non-interference directive, not to meddle in the natural development of individuals or societies unless they become a threat to themselves or others. The techniques given here are intended to deal with maintenance of good social order. To that end, they may not be used for any purpose other than to establish, restore, or maintain that order. Likewise, these techniques may be used with equal effectiveness by individuals for self defense or crisis intervention. It must be remembered that such duty is a great responsibility and may be inherently dangerous. As a member of this elite fellowship, you have chosen or been selected to participate in this activity. This is a part of civic responsibility, even if circumstances do not warrant patrols, it is the duty of every citizen to abide by the regulations of duly constituted authority, to respect the rights and property of their neighbors, and strive for personal fulfillment. The "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" promised by the United States Constitution. Therefore, do not step lightly onto this Path of Self Knowledge and Understanding. For, once done, 'tis done. There can be no going back. Just as in Tai Chi Chuan, once the wheel of life is set in motion, it spins in harmony with nature for evermore. Regardless of whether it is "reinforced" or not. Which could hardly be considered a bad thing, after all. We have taught you what we KNOW. And offer only this in the way of guidance. It is better to know than be ignorant, better to tell the truth than lie, and better to be free than be a slave. May the Force be with you.

I remain,

Ashida Kim

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"This is Japanese mandala, a visual symbol used in meditation. It forms the center of the Magic Mirror surrounded by the Eight Mystic Trigrams of the I Ching to form the Mind Gate. Staring at the center of the of this symbol will enable you to pass through the Pillars of Good and Evil, approach the Halls of Learning, and cross the Threshold of Truth. It is by Will alone you set your Mind in motion. So it is written. So let it be done."

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