The Wisdom Warrior

True Friendship

Today we hear people constantly talking about their "friends." They will tell you how they have so many friends or just how good their friends are and how they would trust them with their life. The word "friend" get thrown around pretty loosely in today’s society. In reality, I don’t think that most people have a good grasp on what that word means.

I find myself disagreeing with Mr. Webster fairly often these days. I disagree with his definition of the word warrior, and I also disagree with his definition of the word friend. These definitions are too simplistic. One of the definitions that Webster’s dictionary give to the word friend is an acquaintance, but I feel that there is a huge difference between the meaning of the two words.

Your acquaintances must fill the empire;
your close friends must be few.
Chinese Proverb

An acquaintance is simply someone who you know or are who you are on friendly terms with, whereas as the term friend has a much deeper meaning. To me a true friend is a very rare person to find today. A friend is someone who will stand by you through thick and thin. When the chips are down, your friend is there with you. When the wolf is at your door, your friend is standing inside the door with you, ready to put his life on the line, side by side with you. He will stand by you right or wrong. When you win the lottery, your friend is sincerely happy for you, just as if he had won it himself. You are getting the picture.

The word friend is common, the fact is rare.
Phaedrus

I consider a friend to be much more than an acquaintance. In truth, you are lucky to have one true friend in your life. If you have more than one, you are truly blessed. Realize this and don’t make the mistake of thinking of your acquaintances as your true friends. This is a common mistake that people make, and when their back is against the wall, they are shocked to find that they really didn’t have friends, but only acquaintances, and they can disappear like a dove in a magic show.

He who has many friends has no friends.
Aesop

The unwise man imagines a smiling face, a friend.
Surprised to find how little support he musters at a meeting.
The Havamal

It takes years to develop a true friendship and to know for sure that you can trust someone completely. Even after years, unless you know for sure that this person is your true friend, you should be careful concerning how much trust you put in this person. You may think that this sounds very cold and distrustful, but what I am writing is true. Don’t be too quick to trust someone as a friend.

If you have one true friend,
you have more than your share comes to.
Thomas Fuller

Rare though true love may be,
true friendship is rarer still.
La Rochefoucauld

The fishes, though deep in the water, may be hooked; the birds, though high in the air, may be shot. But man’s secret thoughts are out of reach. The heavens may be measured, the earth may be surveyed, but the heart of man is not to be known. You never really know what is in someone else’s heart. Most people don’t even take the time to know what is in their own heart.

Take the story of Samson and Delilah for an example. Samson loved Delilah and thought that he could trust her completely. His misguided trust lead to his downfall. Although, I am sure that Samson was a true friend to Delilah, she was never his friend. This is a trap that many warriors walk into because the warrior by nature is a true friend. His character, honor and integrity require him to be sincere and to be there for his friends.

Be your friend’s true friend.
The Havamal

It is sometimes hard to think of others not having the same dedication to friendship that you have, so we let our guard down only to be hurt when we find that our "friend" was no more than a buddy. The sages have taught this fact of human nature for centuries. It has always been this way. History is full of examples that show the treachery of false friends.

Trust in today’s friends as if they might be tomorrow’s enemies.
Baltasar Gracian

Never trust someone with enough information to hurt you. At least not until you have known them for years and years, and they have proven themself to be your true friend though the storms of life. Even then, be careful about what you share. It is always best to keep some things private. Control your desire to share the secret of your power. You never know when someone will sell your friendship for a few pieces of silver.

A man must be watchful and wary as well,
and fearful of trusting a friend.
The Havamal

Strive to make sure that your true friends are men of character, honor, and integrity. Warriors are the best of friends. Because they live by a strict code of ethics, they refuse to let their friends down in their time of need. This would go against their nature and their code. When you have developed a true friendship with a warrior, you have a trusted friend for life, because the warrior is a true friend and a man of his word.

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

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Martial Artists Give
Warrior Wisdom
2 Thumbs Up!!

Bohdi Sanders’ book "Warrior Wisdom" bridges the gap between ageless wisdom and modern application for today’s warriors. Sanders writes that being a warrior is not something you do; it is something you are. In this book, he provides the guidance to live and be a warrior physically, mentally, and spiritually. In fact, his lessons on honor, responsibility, wisdom, courage, and most importantly character , are what will make this book an excellent contribution to any library…

The value in this unique book lies in the commentary on warriorship by Sanders which is inspired by classic quotes on the warrior way. These lessons not only form a roadmap toward martial success, but to success in all your daily activities. A lifestyle committed to the ideals of warriorship is powerful…

"Warrior Wisdom" is filled with stimulating quotes, valuable insights, and inspiring examples of how a warrior should train, act, and live. Use the text to help develop and shape your own warrior code of honor, your moral compass pointing toward what is right and just…

This book will be an invaluable resource for anyone…A must read for those who consider themselves warriors and live by the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Alain Burrese, J.D. , ~ former U.S. Army Paratrooper and 2 ^nd Infantry Division Scout Sniper School instructor and author of "Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks" and the instructional DVDs "Hapkido Hoshinsul," "Streetfighting Essentials," "Hapkido Cane," and the "Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials" series.

Dr. Kevin Keough

"It is relatively uncommon to stumble upon a book that most everyone will find interesting and inspiring. Readers are introduced to an exceptional blend of cross-cultural and timeless wisdom. Each page contains truly classic proverbs and gems of wisdom combined with insightful commentary that leads readers to a recognition of the practical and immediate relevance of ancient wisdom in our 21^st century lives.

Dr. Sanders demonstrates a remarkable understanding of young people and seekers of all ages in the careful selection and down to earth discussion of ideas that will enrich their lives. This book is a gift that keeps on giving as each page heightens awareness of the best within us and a Solidarity that forever unites.

While reading "Warrior Wisdom" an old native American saying remained with me: "When the wisdom-keepers speak, all should listen" -Seneca

Dr.Kevin Keough ~ clinical and police psychologist, martial arts practitioner, founder of Warrior Traditions, and fellow pilgrim

Marc "Animal" MacYoung

Here is a real short hand answer to ‘what does it mean to be a warrior?" Being a warrior is about protecting others, not picking and choosing where and when you will fight…Being a warrior doesn’t mean just fighting, it requires you to think and observe. It requires a higher level of awareness and understanding. And once you are sure, then it requires action.

If you choose to walk the warrior’s path, then you must always be on guard against forgetting how easy it is to lose sight of the purpose of a warrior…Never, forget, the purpose of a warrior is to serve the whole of society, not just a small section. To serve the greater good and not yourself.

Marc Animal MacYoung ~ author of several martial arts books including Secrets of Effective Offense and Becoming a Complete Martial Artist, martial arts instructor for both the police, the military, and his own personal students

Lawrence Kane

After reading Sanders’ manuscript…His book is not only memorable, but thought-provoking and insightful as well. I’m honored to be among the first few people to have read it.

Warrior Wisdom is a pithy tome…the author’s succinct commentaries…helps you digest the information, understand the essence of warriorhood, and explore your own character as it relates to the topic…Sanders’ book is an excellent resource…It’s a thinking person’s guide to development as a martial artist, warrior, and human being. And, it’s something worth reading more than once.

Lawrence Kane ~ Author of Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction; co-author of The Way of Kata, The Way to Black Belt, and The Little Black Book of Violence .

Shawn Kovacich

A truly outstanding book that helps provide some much needed insight into an abundance of familiar, and some not quite so familiar, quotes from throughout the ages regarding warriors and the warrior traditions.

Shawn Kovacich ~ Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence Series

Peyton Quinn

Bohdi Sanders’ book is about mental "technique" that is the warrior mindset. He dissects scores of classical martial sayings and brings them into the clarity of our modern life. I think for many people when they read this work, they will realize a new and functional insight they did not previously enjoy…

You must endeavor to truly understand this reality in order to follow your truest and best path. Warrior Wisdom is a fine tool to help you find that understanding in all its depth too.

"Buy it, read it, live it ."

Peyton Quinn ~ Author of; A Bouncer’s Guide to Barroom Brawling, Freedom from Fear, and Real Fighting: Adrenaline Stress Conditioning Through Scenario-Based Training.

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Warrior Wisdom Update:

I have received a tremendous and positive response on my first book and I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all of you who have made my first book such a success. As a small token of appreciation to my blog readers who have been so supportive of my writing, I have talked the publisher into offering FREE Shipping to all orders made during the month of September.

This offer is available to my BLOG READERS ONLY! So if you haven’t got your copy yet, this is your chance to order your copy and save around $4 in the process! So don’t delay, click on the thumbnail below and order your copy today! You must put the following code in with your order to receive the special deal… FREESHIP0908

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

Click the thumbnail to order
WARRIOR WISDOM

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Shadows, Echoes & Ripples of Life

The results are only shadows and echoes of our actions.
Counsels of the Great Yu

Every action has its own consequence. Whether you call it the law of cause and effect or whether you call it karma, the end result is the same; everything that you do, say or think has a consequence connected with it. There is literally nothing that you can do, say or think which doesn’t have some kind of affect on your life. At this point I imagine that you may be thinking to yourself something such as, "well, if I am sitting on my patio and I say something completely meaningless, it has no affect on anything at all."

In regard to his speech,
the superior man is never careless in any respect.
Confucius

Let’s examine that statement. It actually does have an affect; it can affect your emotions and/or your thought processes. Now, granted, the affect may be minimal, but nevertheless, there will be a consequence of some kind. The same thing goes for your thoughts. You may believe that your thoughts actually don’t have consequences, but on the contrary, every thought contains a certain energy, which at the very least has an effect on your emotions. Science has proven that your thoughts can in fact change your body chemistry, so in actuality, we don’t fully realize all of the consequences that our thoughts may have.

When we direct our thoughts properly,
we can control our emotions.
W. Clement Stone

Thoughts are forces.
Ralph Waldo Trine

This is true for all of your actions. There is no way to actually know for sure what the consequences of our actions really are. Some may be obvious, but others may be so far removed from the initial action that it is impossible to connect the result to the origin. What the warrior needs to stay focused on is that all of his actions are important. This is yet another reason that the person who is walking the path of the warrior strives for excellence in every area of his life. Everything matters on the path of warriorship.

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds
can change the outer aspects of their lives.
William James

Warrior Wisdom Update:

I have received a tremendous and positive response on my first book and I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to all of you who have made my first book such a success. As a small token of appreciation to my blog readers who have been so supportive of my writing, I have talked the publisher into offering FREE Shipping to all orders made during the month of September.

This offer is available to my BLOG READERS ONLY! So if you haven’t got your copy yet, this is your chance to order your copy and save around $4 in the process! So don’t delay, click on the thumbnail below and order your copy today! You must put the following code in with your order to receive the special deal… FREESHIP0908

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

Click the thumbnail to order
WARRIOR WISDOM

Subscribe to this post via RSS!

The Hunted

The hunter can make many mistakes, the hunted, only one.
Native American Maxim

Most criminals are predators. They "hunt" for the weak, the unaware, and the unprepared. They can afford to make some mistakes and still survive to "hunt" another day. It may take several "hunts" for the criminal to bag his prey, but he learns from his mistakes and continues to hunt, perfecting his skills as a predator.

The "hunted" on the other hand, cannot afford to make a mistake. He may not get a chance to learn from his mistake. The "hunted" has to remain alert at all times, being aware of his surroundings, constantly watching for the predators who seek to prey on him. One mistake may cost him his life. Taking the day off and relaxing could be a very costly mistake – one that he may never recover from.

Remember this: whoever lives a life of chance
will in the end find himself a victim of chance.
Francesco Guicciardini

This fact actually makes it more important for the warrior to have sharp self-defense skills. You don’t have the luxury of learning from your mistakes on the street. Those mistakes could be a permanent lesson. The warrior has to be ready for the attack. Even if the predator makes a mistake and fails in his quest, he can still do some serious damage to his prey, if his prey is unprepared. Many attacks can leave permanent damage without being fatal.

Don’t rely completely on any other human being, however dear.
We meet all life’s greatest tests alone.
Agnes Macphail

More satisfying far, that many depend upon you,
than that you depend upon anybody.
Baltasar Gracian

Trust God, but tie up your camel.
Hadith

The warrior has to be alert and aware of his surroundings at all times. He cannot afford to let down his guard. Why does the warrior need to be alert and aware at all times? The answer is because the hunter can make many mistakes, the hunted, only one. Will you be ready when you cross paths with the hunter?

I am the maker of my own fortune.
Tecumseh

(Reprinted from Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior)

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

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WARRIOR WISDOM is in Print!

Warrior Wisdom Book: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior by Dr. Bohdi Sanders

WARRIOR WISDOM: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior is finally in print and ready for immediate shipping! The books are in and the publisher is fulfilling orders daily. If you pre-ordered WARRIOR WISDOM , your book was shipped out on Tuesday. If you haven’t ordered yet, there are still a few of the signed, limited edition copies left, but you better get your copy soon, as they are selling fast!! The books look great!! I hope you will enjoy your copy and get a lot from the wisdom it contains!

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True Warriors

If you understand, things are just as they are.
If you do not understand, things are just as they are.
Zen Maxim

My friend Kevin, who is now serving in Afghanistan, once asked me what my ultimate definition of a warrior is. I understand that my definition differs from Mr. Webster’s definition, and it also differs from the definition that many people use today. I constantly get letters and emails from people telling me, in no uncertain terms, that I don’t know what I am talking about and have no business talking about what a real warrior is, after all, I am just some peon martial artist, not a soldier or a cop…what do I know about being a warrior! Well, if you define the term "warrior" as someone who is experienced in military combat, I guess that counts a lot of people out.

"Ohhh! Great warrior!
[laughs and shakes his head]
Wars not make one great!"
Yoda

My definition of a warrior, and the definition that I have deduced from the many, many writings passed down throughout the ages, both from military and martial arts sources, doesn’t define a warrior in those terms. My ultimate definition of the term "warrior" is someone who has the ability and will to fight to protect himself, his friends, his family, and his ideals, and at the same time, seeks the perfection of his own character through a life lived with honor, integrity, and an unflinching dedication to what is right according to his own code of honor which has been refined from intensive study and meditation. That is a lengthy sentence, but I wanted to have a one sentence definition of the warrior. In my opinion, this is a better definition of the true warrior.

A thing does not therefore cease to be true
because it is not accepted by many.
Benedict Spinoza

All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenhauer

Warriors should exhibit the best qualities among men. The true warrior makes a firm decision to try to perfect his character and to live by a strict code of ethics. His word is his honor. His duty stays fresh on his mind. He lives life a little more seriously than most, but at the same time lives life to its fullest. He sees through the veil of appearances covering most parts of this world, but does so without looking down on those who are less perceptive.

Family and friends are important to him, and they know that they can always count on him for protection and help in their times of need. He bases his decisions on his code of ethics, and instinctively knows right from wrong, and chooses right. He knows that, at times there is a difference between what is right and what is legal. He is able to hold his head high with honor because he knows that he lives his life to the best of his ability, with honor and integrity. His code is ingrained in his spirit and is a part of his being. The warrior is a man who shoots for excellence in everything that he does.

The master warrior is a man of character,
a man of wisdom and insight.
Forrest E. Morgan

If you notice, the definition of the warrior, that is taken from description of the warrior’s character from throughout the ages, doesn’t require one to be engaged in military duty or law enforcement. Being a soldier or a cop doesn’t automatically make you a warrior any more than knowing how to throw a football makes you John Elway or Joe Montana. I know many cops and military people who I have absolutely no respect for…they are scum, pure and simple. Their job doesn’t change their character. I also know military guys and cops for which I have the utmost respect for. They are warriors in every sense of the word. It is not the job which determines whether or not you are a warrior.

You can be a warrior without being in a profession that requires you to enter into combat, and you can find your butt in the middle of a fire fight and be no more of a warrior than someone who finds themselves caught in a drive by shooting. I know that many of you will disagree on this…opinions differ. But let’s take a look at Webster’s definition of a warrior once more. By the strict definition both Nazis and Islamic terrorists would be classified as warriors. I know that many of you think that they should be. I know this from many of the attacking emails that I receive. I have had many people tell me that they absolutely are warriors, but that is asinine.

The fact that an opinion has been widely held
is no evidence that it is not utterly absurd;
indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind,
a widespread belief is more often likely to be foolish than sensible.
Bertrand Russell

Nazis were not warriors. Sure they were soldiers. They were trained to fight. They may have justified their actions by saying that they fought for their country, etc. But were they really warriors? A warrior puts what is right above all else. He puts what is right above his marching orders. He thinks for himself. If his commander orders him to gas innocent women and children, or to murder defenseless, starving people, does he comply with those orders? If he does comply with those orders, is he so dense that he considers that to be morally right and an honorable act?

To avoid action when justice is at stake
demonstrates a lack of courage.
Gichin Funakoshi

Some have been thought brave,
because they were afraid to run away.
English Proverb

Are Islamic terrorists warriors? Many have argued with me that yes they are…after all, they fight for what they think is right. OH REALLY?!?! They think murdering innocent women and children is right? Well they may think that my stove is not hot, but you won’t see them sitting on the burner for an hour while they watch Bin Laden’s new propaganda speech. Just because someone thinks something is right or wrong, doesn’t change the truth. The truth is the truth irregardless of your perspective. These people also feel it is "right" to kill women if they dress or act in a way that they disagree with; just because they feel it is right, doesn’t make it right.

Truth doesn’t change because it is, or is not,
believed by a majority of the people.
Giordano Bruno

No, Nazis were not warriors. Islamic terrorists are not warriors. Just because they run around with weapons and know how to kill people, and claim they are just, doesn’t make them warriors. Soldiers? Maybe. Murderers? absolutely. Warriors? Not on your life. Anyone can take a gun and kill someone else. That doesn’t make them a warrior. A warrior entails much more than combat and killing. The warrior lifestyle goes much deeper than training. As I have said before, dogs and rooster can be trained to fight, but that doesn’t make them warriors.

The sky is not less blue because the blind man does not see it.
Danish Proverb

Truth will always be truth,
regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or ignorance.
W. Clement Stone

There is a difference in being a soldier and a warrior. There is a difference in being a fighter and a warrior. There is a difference in being a cop and a warrior. You can be a soldier, a fighter, a cop, a martial artist, a cowboy, a teacher, or anything else that you want to list, without being a warrior. At the same time, you can be a warrior while being any of the above. You make the decision about whether or not you are going to be a warrior and live the warrior lifestyle, not your profession, not your training, and not your bloviating, opinionated friend who thinks that he is the ultimate authority on the subject because of his past experiences.

My friend Kevin is a true warrior, not because he is in Afghanistan fighting, but he is a true warrior who is in Afghanistan fighting. There is a difference. Would Kevin be less of a warrior if he were back at home driving a tractor or teaching in his local high school? Would that all of a sudden change his abilities, his character or his code of honor? A warrior is a warrior, no matter where he is or what he may be doing. That is just who he is. Moreover, a man who is not a warrior is not a warrior, even if he finds himself on the front lines. Things are not as black and white as most people would like to think…

A change in scenery does not change one’s character.
Aesop

We never fully grasp the importance
of any true statement until we have a clear notion
of what the opposite untrue statement would be.
William James

Bohdi
Warrior Wisdom

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