Wholism

For many years! I have found it increasingly difficult, almost impossible to consider a subject or an aspect of a subject without giving consideration to its related parts.  Consequently, my Shinseido life-skill involves my whole life; it cannot be separated from any other aspect of my existence.  The underlying principles that govern my life govern every aspect of it.  It does not matter what part of my life be considered, the same underlying principles apply.  Therefore, no study of the Way can be conducted without giving consideration to the wider and related issues as apply to day to day living, our very dreams, aspirations, and spirituality.

Naturalism

I believe that what is fundamentally natural, is, in essence, right.  Fundamental naturalism plays an important part in every aspect of my life, and particularly within my Shinseido life-skill.  I regard things that do not occur within nature with a great deal of suspicion and do not subscribe to the idea that everything that exists is 'within nature' and therefore natural.  Rather, I believe that man (as in humankind), having been endowed with the capacity to conduct so called rational thought, can, through desire and application, directly contravene the fundamental laws of nature and living to suit his own unnatural inclinations.  This despite the fact that it can also be argued that a direct contravention of the 'laws' of nature must also constitute nature and therefore naturalness.

Traditionalism

I believe that we should base our understanding on what has occurred before historically, and that we should never discount the importance of that cumulative understanding that has come down to us from the progenitors of our culture and arts.  I also believe that to be innovative, creative and unique is essential, but always through knowing and understanding our historical roots.

Dogmatism

It is important to emphasise that I do not condone dogmatism.  Every thought, word or action that I, as a teacher impart to another, is done in the manner of presenting personal understanding, not necessarily as a fundamental and unchangeable truth.  That an aspect of my teaching may well contain a fundamental truth makes no difference.  It is for the recipient of that knowledge to ultimately discern the truth for him or herself.  The purpose of Shinseido instruction is to facilitate an understanding and knowledge of self.  The student will take from Shinseido instruction what he or she needs in order to promote such an understanding, always remembering the precept: 'I may not understand all that I have been taught, yet I have been instructed, and I must strive to find the meaning of that instruction no matter how long it may take, knowing that instruction can sometimes be absolute silence, a word, a sentence, or a loud shout'.  Shinseido practises are therefore based firmly in, and affected by the four qualities of wholism, naturalism and traditionalism while never being dogmatic.