Autumn leaves dancing,

Float softly on the quickening breeze,

Tiny ribbons of scarlet and gold drift slowly down,

Rustling plaintive song of farewell.

As the stubborn limbs of the trees,

Reach for the last precious moments of warmth,

From summers fading light,

Cool tendrils and woodsmoke and mist enfold the woods…

In autumn heart we rest.

In Japan, each of the 4 seasons is distinct from one another. From the fresh green buds of spring that gives way to the lush heat of the summer. And in autumn, the forest turns red and yellow. Soon the white snow will blanket these vibrant colours as if preserving the forest for the seasons to come.

When you look at Japans autumn scenery, you cannot help but notice the astonishing huge variety of colored leaves. This has to do with Japan wide variety of vegetation. Most parts of the country belong to the Temperate Zone and there are a large number of broad leaves trees. Some of them, including camphor trees and oaks are evergreen. Others are deciduous, meaning they change colors in autumn. This includes the maples, which turn red, and gingko trees that turn yellow.

Most mountainous areas in Japan have a nice balance of evergreen and deciduous trees. It is this that creates the beautiful multi-colored autumn scenery. Since ancient times, the Japanese have come to deeply appreciate the beauty of autumn leaves. The autumn is mentioned many times in the tale of Genji in the 11^th century for instance.

Back then, when the autumn rolls around, the Emperor and court aristocrats would gather in gardens to admire the maple leaves. And they would sometimes make trips to the mountains to admire the leaves. A custom known as “Momiji-Gari” (紅葉狩り) literally meaning `maple hunting` .By the 16^th century , momiji-gari had spread to the common people.

It’s not just the colored leaves the Japanese enjoy but they also find beauty in the leaves fluttering down on the ground and the carpet of fallen leaves. The image of the fallen leaves has been used as motif in countless works of arts, paintings and even children songs. The monk Ryokan once wrote in a famous Haiku (Japanese poem) saying that,

Both the front and back of a maple leaf become visible as its flutters down,

And so it is when people die, everything is then revealed,

Now the time has come for to die,

I have nothing more to hide…..

Seeing the fallen leaves many Japanese are reminded of the transience of life and feel a sense of wistfulness. That’s why they have always found a special meaning, even in the fallen leaves. Beauty it may seem but the leaves is a reminder for us of our precious life. What will we be remembered when are no more? Will we be trodden upon? Or will be seen as a thing to remember by?

-yeh-

Generations unfold, father to son, mother to daughter. Where one leaves off, the other follows, destined to repeat each other mistakes, each others triumphs. But, how do we see the world if not through their lens? The same fears, the same desires. Do we see them as an example to follow or as a warning of what to avoid? Choosing to live as they have simply because it is all what we know or driven to create our own identity?And what happens if we find them to be a disappointment? Can we replace them? Our beloved mothers and fathers. Will destiny drive us to find our way back? Back to familiar comforts of home?

I sat there, for how long it doesn’t seem to matter. There I was, staring at the blank pages before me. An old laptop where I usually find to be more than a companion. Wondering how to speak these unspoken words, how to express these unwritten thoughts? But most importantly where to start this deep memory that stretches far beyond than the eyes can meet. As I rubbed my eyes to shake the drowsiness away, the eyes peeked through the dirty window, only to see dark gloomy clouds gathering high above the sky. Drops of rain tapped right across the dirty window. Showering those little plants in the courtyard in the process. There I saw, those little kittens playing before quickly rushed to their mother in their haste to avoid those harmless raindrops. They seek comfort and safety in rainy, troubled days in their parent. That was it! I was seeking somewhere far away, but it was right there all along. Right in front of my eyes.

Parents are such an important force in our lives. Whether they are near or far, whether you hate or love them, you are who you are today because of them. As I look through the old pictures stored in a box filled with memories, a sort of longing unearthed. Some may see it as sentimental values but the way I see it, it is a treasure to hold for. A picture of the loved ones. How I wish to be there with them now. Laughing and talking through difficult times. A picture speaks a thousand words. Why is it that as we grow up, it is more and more difficult for a family gathering like the times when we were younger? Has time changed or have we changed?

I still remember, the day we started school in England. My sister, little brother and I can barely speak English then. All we knew were “Yes, No and Yes”. Well, I and my brother learnt something a bit more complex. And he used it to great effect. The first day of school, (he was in Reception which is a preschool class for 5 years old) he made my father wait for him outside class for the whole day! He regularly checked on my father by asking the teacher, “Can I go to the toilet, please?” which he memorized the night before. He would go every five minutes until the teacher got suspicious, and promptly asked my father to return home. And of course when my little brother found out, he cried and keeps crying until he can see my father. My father didn’t leave but waited in a different place. So, what made him wait that day? Of course he had some other important things to do, but the love for his child was more important to him then.

No matter what we do, can we match the efforts put in by our parents in raising us up? Do you still remember when our napkins were wet and we started to cry? No words could be said but just high-pitched crying to tell them that the napkins needed changing. How did they know? Do you still remember when there wasn’t enough food in the house for second helpings? We said that we were still hungry and our parents just give their portion to us without second thoughts? Weren’t they hungry too then? Do you still remember when we wanted to buy new clothes and new books and they couldn’t afford to buy all those things? But, in the end, they still bought those stuffs for us. How did they do it?

Times flies past, and another just came without us realizing it. As the whizzing cycle of life continues to spin, rarely do we stop to reflect on the sacrifices made in creating for what we have become today. As we grow more matured, they are caught up with age. An age in need for us to repay them back. Why is it so hard for us to care for them like they did for us? As the papers today have proven time and time again, 5 children aren’t capable of taking care of even just one parent! But how did they manage to take care of all those children then? Are they superhumans that can do all the jobs all in one where we are just hapless being?

For what its worth, cherish them, and tell them, I LOVE AND CARE FOR YOU! May our loved ones feel the love that is inside us. Do whatever you may to please them. If they like flowers, surprise them with plant pot, or if they like reading books, offer them with a book from their favourite author. Or just spend time listening and talking to them. They don’t ask us for much. Showing love to them is what they seek.

p/s: Also watch this video. (Click here)

p/p/s: Hapy Mother and Fathers day everyday

The sound of waves crashing, and thunders roaring in the distance startled me. As the cruise ship splits through the edges of the sea, it swayed violently to the rhythm of the waves. The restless sea, under the dark stormy clouds reflects the sad heart. A heart filled with uncertainties of the future and plagued with memories of the past. As I lay in the dark bunk listening to the songs on the iPod, the mind wandered somewhere else. Somewhere far away, swarming into the chartered past, reliving each memories shared. As the words in the songs played as a distant background, the images from the past were shown through vivid movies. Memories flashed before me. Years of memories zoomed within seconds.

Cold air swept across the body where the expected sweat is replaced by cold shivers. After hours of delayed packing, finally it was time. Time to leave this place of mine. How can I? How could I?My heart is too attached with this place. This is the only place I called home in this foreign land. Where friends were made, and memories were carved. When we part, will I still be remembered across the deep blue water, across the green lush mountains,across the distant land? Hopefully the bonds will remain tightly knotted through the times to come.

Freshie in Nagaoka 2006

As usual I arrived just in the nick of time. A senior’s house was made a meeting place. A place for last goodbyes. Nothing grand I thought. As I opened the door in exasperation, I shrugged the snow that had made their way onto my jacket and made my hair white. Still trying to catch some air, I didn’t realize that eyes were watching my every move. The many eyes that were watching bewildered me. I wasn’t expecting this. The two rooms were crammed with people. Almost 20 peoples I guess.I was speechless. Words cannot be uttered. Friends gathered for a sending off that I wasn’t going to forget. They had planned all this. I am awestruck but forever grateful.

Summer2006

Nagaoka Team 2006

Niigata, an hour away from Nagaoka, seems to be so short of a journey in that moment. I didn’t want to go yet. I am not yet ready I thought. A snow fleet decided to accompany us as well. All the way, it was snowing fervently. As the 4 cars continued to race above 120km/h, my heart was also racing. Memories filled those spaces. As we laugh through our conversations, a tingle of sadness contravene. I just can’t help it. I have seen so many goodbyes but this was hard. Adeli was the one who was like a big brother to me which I never had before. He showed me the ropes in life here. My Kosen mates with whom, I couldn’t be here today without them standing by me all these years. My football teammates who proved to be more than mates on the field but also friends off it. Thanks for all those moments where we stuck together when all seems bleak. There were times when I was a pain, or when I was down, but I’m glad you guys stood up for me. Here, friends are not just for times of happiness, but also as important for the times of need. When sometimes words cannot help, where sometimes intentions misunderstood, and sometimes actions aren’t just enough. We stood tall and be counted. Oh,how I longed for those memories…

Nagaoka Team 2007

As the night grew darker, the distant stars started to pop out. Amidst the misty night, we stopped by an Indian Briyani restaurant. This was the place where we celebrated days of glory and nights of enjoyment. Dishes filled the long tables filled with hungry faces that yearn for a feeling of ‘hominess’ in this yet forever foreign land. I werent attracted to the delicious spicy foods, which was unusual for me, who have such an appetite for briyanis. As we talked away those precious times, with every face that I saw, flashes of memories filled me. I can see them again from time to time, but it just won’t be the same. Will it? As we grow up, chances like this grew harder with each passing day. The smiles on their faces and the truth in their eyes tell me what we all meant to each other. And the touch of your hand tells me that you’ll be there to catch me wherever I fall.

Nagaoka Team 2008

I knew it then, that it was time for me to part. As they formed a circle, I hugged each and everyone of them. While some would just hold tightly, concealing the sadness, others would whisper words of encouragement in my ear, which I will always remember for a long time. As I crossed the the departure gate, an escalator escorted me.Far away from my friends that I have got used to as a family member of mine. I waved fervently to them trying hard not to weep, and rather opted to be a big boy who can face whatever that lies in store for him. For better or for worse, this is the road that I have to take. I held more tightly to the bags that will be my ‘friend’ through the 19hour journey to the new place in Hokkaido.The cruise gates closed all of a sudden. The ship was ready to depart but my heart wasn’t. It was still clinging on to the memories of the past. Will I make it in the new world? Will I be alright?

Map of Journey

Nagaoka Kosen

The seasons in the sun, and the seasons in the cold, all the highs and lows, those moments really are memoirs to savoir. Friendships are something hard to define. Is it true that, once we have lost the ones we really care about, only then can we learn to appreciate them? Why is it hard to express the feelings bulked inside? When we come to realize the importance of our loved ones, it is more often than not, it’ll be too late. Hold on to the memories of the past, while creating a new one for the future. As we look back, hopefully with the loved ones in the future, we will have a reason to smile for.

-yeh-

A bright gaze, as blank and menacing as the Sun but yet gracefully shone right across the dark, damp earth. Forcefully it shrinks the whitish snow only to reveal the green flowers that lay patiently beneath. The blue sky, accompanied by scattered white clouds paints the perfect picture. The mild wind brushes along the skin and kisses the leaves to grow. The air is fragrant filled with the smell of beautiful young flowers growing. Spring is in the air! Winters difficulties are quickly forgotten by the renewed hope that spring can offer. Spring brings new hope and also brings warmer weather, beautiful flowers, leaves on the trees, fresh air and the sounds of children playing outside. March brings April flowers.

Yellow Daffodils

While bright yellow daffodils greet the English and tulip’s sparkling colors with the Dutch, it is the legendary Sakura that play the roles in the Far East. The Sakura is adored and revered to be the most beautiful of its kind. Japanese especially would flock in their masses to watch the tree blossom. It is a sign of the coming of spring. It is the symbol of a new life, a new hope perhaps. A quiet park would turn into a singing ground in their eagerness to welcome the coming of Sakuras. Everywhere we turn to, beautiful pale of pink flowers dresses up the streets. A sense of joy could be felt all around.

A scene from the Yukyuzan Park

Japan, the motherland of Sakura, acknowledges the importance of it in all ways of life. The school and working calendar all starts in the beginning of April which coincides with the blossoming of the Sakura tree. I can still relive the moments of when I first came here to Japan. It was the first of many activities held for the foreign students studying here. We were taken to see the cherry blossom in the Yukyuzan Park which was really famous here. It would be like a mass celebration with people coming busses after busses to see the beauty of the flower. They all wanted to see just one tree, which was the Sakura tree. It is true because there weren’t any other flowers in that park!

Sakura at Night

But why was Sakura so important to the Japanese people? They even use the Sakura to make tea during this season! Call it Sakura’s special tea if you like. Haven’t you ever wandered why? They were celebrating like Muslims would celebrate Eid and Christians would with Christmas.

Recently my Uncle asked me,

Yeh, Why is the Sakura so special for the Japanese?

And I said, its because its very beautiful and can only last for about 2-3 weeks at most. If you ever have seen it I’m sure you would agree with me about the beauty of it.

He replied,  Yes, its true but what is the meaning behind the Sakura? And I started to think but didn’t realize it at that time….

Sakura is not just any other flower to the Japanese. It is of the utmost importance to them. Seniors would greet juniors under the Sakura tree, Managers would treat workers under it. So it must have an importance doesn’t it? The Sakura brought a new whole different perspective to how I see it. The Sakura is elegant and beautiful and yet, its life is regrettably short. The way I see it, the Sakura is telling us, that our lives are so short too, but we have to live a good and satisfying life. Even though the Sakura’s life is short, but thousands if not millions of people worldwide flock to see the beauty of it, its short life is truly to be endeavored for. On the contrary, a weed for instance, it lives a long life, but people just walk pass it as if it weren’t there. What is the point if we live the life that’s hollow inside? With each ticking time that passes by, lets make it purposeful. Why is it that Julius Cesar conquered the world? Why is it Einstein created those genius formulas? Why is it all those Islamic khalifahs strived to be the best in their respective fields? And what about Hang Tuah, the Malay hero as it is touted to be! What do they even have in common?

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Qur’an (103:1-3)

They all made do with short lives and be the best at what theyre good at! Only then, will people appreciate for who we really are in this world. If youre lucky enough, generations after generations will study your feat that was achieved. Textbooks everywhere will have your name on it. That would be a real icing on the cake wouldn’t it?

Narrated Abdullah Bin Mas`ud Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said:         “A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had.”

Life is too short to hesitate, make do what we have and go for the best. Time is of the essence.We deserve to be better. We also can be like the Sakura.

-yeh-

p/s: For further info on hanami you can click here.

Solar Eclipse

Inspiration is all I seek.

My mind wandered off, far away, faster than the travelling train. As blurred images passes by, a clear thought came to mind. As the snow shrinks with every mile traveled, the purpose grew each time. As the Sun penetrates the deep mist, a new hope emerges. Some seek deep in a sacred hiding spot, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, while others huddle up with each other for comfort, while most of us, just stare into the distance hoping rather than seeking to be inspired.

Inspiration of Hope

It is that time of year, students busy with the examinations, workers compelled with their burdens and parents working their socks off for the well being of their loved ones. With each new leaf turned, with each New Year that passes by, the cycle continues.  Yet, with the difficulties that we face, why is it that we are able to go on and strive to be better?

Inspiration is all I seek. But sometimes the reality of the truth is what we fear the most. But fears can be looked at as a way out. Fear for weakness and failure only will spur us on to be better. Why is it when some of us when left in darkness will seek out the light? Why is it when we are stored in an empty space, we would rather group together than stand alone? How do we explain this behavior? Random segment of code? Or is it something more? When does a difference engine become a search for truth? When does a personality struggle become the inner mode of a soul?

No matter who we are, or where we come from, we all seek to be inspired. Whether it is from the memory of the past or for the hope of a better future, the truth is without hard work and a will to strive forward, inspiration will be elusive as it will ever be.What or from whom do we find in? From where is the source of inspiration?

If you want to succeed in this life, if you wish to achieve something,

If you seek inspiration, just listen to your heart,

And if it has no answers,

Close your eyes and think about your parents,(source of inspiration)

Then you will be ready to face any obstacles that lie ahead,

Success will be yours, yours only.

-Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham.

Pure Inspirational (Performed by Gaijin Invasion in Tokyo)

An Iraqi football team found inspiration from their hardships to win the Asian Cup in 2007. An artist found inspiration to kick-start a career in the streets of Tokyo. (Refer to the video).Where will yours come from?Inspiration is all around us!All we have to do is seek! It is up to us to believe in oneself and take that first step towards success. Dare to dream for a better tomorrow, and with that inspiration will come! May we all be inspired.

Shiken Ganbatte ne!

-yeh-

p/s: Goodluck for the coming exams. Ganbarimasyou! \(^-^)/

From the watering eyes of Palestinians…

Look into my eyes, tell me what you see?

You don’t see a thing, coz u can’t relate to me!

You’re blinded by our differences, my life makes no sense to you…

You worry about your education and the bills you have to pay,

I worry about my vulnerable life,

If I survive another day…?

In many parts of the world, the New Year is anticipated with much joy and hopefulness. It usually symbolizes on a new beginning. A new beginning for a better year to come. More often than not, we pray and hope deep inside for a better life. Old and young would gather in their masses to celebrate and would party up until the dawn of day. A new leaf is turned, with each secretly hoping that this would be a good year for them.

But do we realize in our eagerness for prosperity and modernity, some of our brothers are left behind? Instead of mesmerizing fireworks lighting up the New Year’s sky, it is the light of fire and bombs that rained on them. Instead of being cuddled up together of joy, they huddled up together for fear of what’s coming to them. Terror and fear a common sight in their day to day life. Pain and hardship are etched on their faces, but yet what are we doing to help them? It is our brothers and sisters in Islam after all. Is it so hard to relate ourselves to them?

Frédéric Oumar Kanouté

Frédéric Oumar Kanouté, a famous footballer who ply his trade for Sevilla showed his support for Palestinians after scoring a goal. He was subsequently booked for his troubles.All of a sudden hoarse voices could be heard questioning his actions.

What is Palestine to him whereas he is a Malian? Is he a terrorist?

The answer is NO! He is just purely showing his support towards his brothers in Islam. There are so many different ways for us to show our support. It is not the time for us to hide and just wait for it to subside but it is time for us to take a firm stance towards it! And silence is not an option! Stand up to this violence and make sure that each of our voices is heard. Soon it will be loud enough for them to finally take notice. Now is our time to rise again Insha’Allah.

Let’s unite and pray together for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Islam. We as Muslims can each help according to our strengths. Students should take this challenge and become the best in their own fields. With knowledge comes power. Only then can we truly rise again. For those of you guys who have or will join a demonstration against this terror, I send my dearest thoughts to you guys.

p/s: These are some Israeli products that we should boycott.

p/p/s: You can also help by reciting the Qunut An-Nazilah in your prayers.

-yeh-

In the silence of the night, it swirled and twirled. Gently emerging from the darkness of the sky, falling gracefully until it landed safely on the ground. Sometimes, its destinations rerouted with the flow of the wind. And finally it lay motionless on the dried leaves. An array of colored scenery dominated by the brown leaves and green hills quickly repainted into snow white. Everywhere it was coated by the same white color. If you’re lucky enough, you could see in the distance it sparkled reflecting from the light of the full moon. It was truly a moment for the cameras. Time seems to stand still as if preserving those precious moments for me.

View from my room

Then as quickly as it had mesmerized me, suddenly it turned into a feeling of anxiety. My mind wandered far into the endless dark night. My stare pierced through the coldness of the night, penetrating deep beneath the layers of snow that was newly formed.The heart quickly acknowledged the volume of the mind. I was growing agitated not because by the wonders of winter, but by the plans made for the weekend. A quick glance at the calendar quickly confirmed me that snow had decided to come early this year. After all, it was still in the middle of November! In three days, the first Champions League football tournament in Japan will be held and it was snowing!

The work of SangPelangi

After weeks of careful planning and hours of sleepless nights, I wasn’t going to let this setback ruin it all. I just had to hope that the snow will subside for a while after this. We can plan all we want but at the end of the day, God’s plan is what counts. This tournament was originally planned to be played on an artificial turf, but I had to book 2 gymnasiums (for futsal) for backup just in case the pitch wasn’t playable on matchday. This was going to be the most prestigious football tournament in Japan as yet. And with it I felt the heavy burden placed on me as the head organizer. As its name will tell you, this tournament is an invitation towards only the best teams within Japan in 2008. It will gather four champions from tournaments held earlier and another 2 teams will make up the pack. These teams are as follow:

1. Nagaoka (Touhoku champion)
2. Toyama (Gifu Champion)
3. Toyohashi ( Kansai Champion)
4. Gunma (Hokuriku Runners up)
5. Ibaraki (Invitational)
6. All-Stars (IPIJ)

Time was not on our side. Just 2 days before the kickoff, the artificial pitch was still partially covered in wet icy snow. We (Nagaoka Team) had to train on it that night to acclimatize ourselves just in case. Well, if the weather is still not permitting us to play on the pitch then we will continue with playing indoor futsal. (It was fortunate that I did in the end.)

The artificial pitch when the weather was sunny..

Somehow, we managed to overcome the hiccups (there’s plenty of it actually) eventually. I woke up early on matchday and breathed a sigh of relief. The snow had subsided due to the heavy rainfall the day before. At last it was going according to plan. The artificial pitch was the main attraction to the tournament I guess. The teams started to arrive on schedule. After a brief welcoming speech by the organizers, the tournament was kicked off with Ibaraki up against Nagoaka. The first match went well, with both sides playing their best to be the first champion of the Champions League Cup. Everyone knew that the bragging rights of being the best team in Japan were at stake. The weather was starting to crumble due to the eagerness of the rain of breaking out. Not long after that rain lashed out at us. Occasionally lightings could be seen in the distance followed by a brief appearance of the hard hitting gales. The participant teams bravely endured the least than ideal weather for 2 rounds of matches.

My Pride and Joy ( picture taken at the Gifu Taikai)

With the break of lunch and prayers, we gathered all of the captains and came to and agreement. For the safety of the players, the tournament will continue inside. We will play out the remaining fixtures indoors playing futsal. This tournament was unique in itself, as it was the first tournament to be held with teams playing pitch football and then squaring it up with playing futsal. All of the teams played their socks off and tried their best. After a long hard fought battle of the bests, Nagaoka emerged as the sole champion of Japan. With the total grand prize money of 30,000 yen complete with hampers and a trophy as well, the winner was dually awarded.The full result are as below:

1. Nagaoka (30,000 yen + hampers + trophy)
2. Toyohashi (15,000yen + hampers)
3. Toyama (10,000yen +hampers)
4. Ibaraki (5000yen for winning the fairplay award + hampers)
5. All-Stars (hampers)
6. Gunma (hampers)

Team picture of Nagaoka with trophy!

The Toyama team

The teams later got together that night and had dinner together. It was truly an amazing event and one to remember! Not just for the sportsmanship of the teams involved but also for the torrid weather that we played in!Fears of hot temperaments in decisive matches were quickly quashed as we all played with pure sportsmanship.

Get together after a long day!

Congratulations for the winners and I am forever grateful to all the people who have help in making this dream happen. Thank you and hope we’ll get the chance to meet again next year! Goodluck!

-yeh-

The eyes creaked open a little. It was dazzled by the sudden surge of bright gold. A drowsy arm reached for the watch beside the bed. A stream of pain emerges on top of the head all of a sudden. The drowsy arm quickly searches for the source of it. It rubbed the head to soothe and make the pain go away. I blinked and realized that the gaudy glare was from the light that I had not switched off the night before. I tried to remember what was causing this pain…

Then it filled my memory. It was all coming back.

I was really excited that morning. I woke a little bit late and got dressed as fast as I could. My heart was pounding and my mind racing as to today’s plan. I ran all the way to the bus to find that the lecturer is already waiting by the bus. Still puffing I quickly got on it. I knew that I was in for a new experience.

It was another of those planned trips for the international students. It is so that the international students get the chance to bond and experience the culture of Japan. This trip took us to Niigata, the capital city of the Niigata prefecture. It is about one-hour drive from Nagaoka. First we went to the Niigata Science Museum.

I dont know this guy!

I actually was quite surprised by our visit here. (I didn’t know actually). There, a whole kind of science exhibit was on display. I was really excited when I heard that there were dinosaurs on display! Well, as usual, the hype is always better than seeing the actual thing. All there was were rubber dinosaurs that were controlled by computers and some rocks with worms on it. I continued exploring the science world. More frequent than not stopping by posing for pictures. There were amazing stuffs with walking robots and gigantic planets and complex gears and all, but the part that I enjoyed most was eating ‘udon’. Udon is a kind of Japanese mee soup. You should try it! It’s better than walking around seeing all those science stuff.

udon oh udon

Then, in the afternoon, we went to another place. This was the thing that we’ve (maybe I’ve) all been waiting for. The chance to experience Kendo and Karate for the first time. I must admit, I still have a crush on martial arts. I joined Taekwondo in high school but quitted it after I’ve achieved my goal in Taekwondo. At first I thought Kendo was a lame sport. Don’t get me wrong, but with the slow approach and the heavy gear which make its movement looks so hard. There were two sessions for us. First we got to learn Kendo and then Karate. Karate is what I’m looking for to be honest.

There were 16 of us and only 6 of the so called Kendo’s masters. We learned how to bow at the start of class as a sign of respect to each other. We bowed so low (almost in a sujud position) with the hands forming a triangular shape with the face entering it. It was done with due humbleness and respect. I was raring to go. First we learn how to move. It was not the usual movement with the other martial arts. This was a kind of gliding movement. Where you are required to move forward without even lifting your feet from the ground! I found it hard at first as my foot doesn’t seem to want to glide. It just keeps stopping. I tried it several times and at last got the hang of it.

With the advancement of our learning we were given a bamboo sword (shinai) in reminiscent to the real katana sword used by former warriors during the Edo era where Kendo wasn’t known for a sport but rather as a deadly weapon and the art of killing. It was the most known skill/art for killing then. We were thought the right way to hold it as holding it in the right position is essential to strike with guile. At least that was what were told!

After a few sessions going back and forth perfecting the slick movement, it was time to learn the art of attacking the enemy, well in this case our partners/ friends! I learnt that there was 3 ways to attack. The first is a strike to the head. We were all nervous at first as we were told to strike hard on the head of the tutor of each group. (They said it was safe because they wore the helmet gear). I for one didn’t know how to strike it really. I mean should I hit it for real or just touch it. When striking that ‘fatal’ blow, the Kendo swordsman scream the word ‘MEN’ and move swiftly as if gliding past the opponent. Besides hitting the head, you can also strike to the hand and you refer to it as ‘KOTEI’. And the last one is the most difficult of them all, hitting the abdomen area. This is quite difficult as it requires the opposition to open up because this part is the most protected part in this sport. After each strike on the abdomen you have to shout ‘DOU’. I don’t know why they should shout after each strike? I guess it a kind of satisfaction after each move?

Then the time arrived that I dreaded the most. It was time for us to spar. I got the chance to wear the armour set called 防護 (Bōgu) set. My body was tightly strapped especially the helmet. Without long, sweat started to flow like ice in heat. It was not a sweat of warmness but sweats of excitement and anticipation! I could see through the bars inside the helmet gear. My heart thumped like drums. I was given the privilege of facing the Kendo instructor. We squatted and bowed a little and with a touch of shinai the duel began. I looked him in the eye looking for a way into his defenses. We locked eye contact as though seeing each other clearly for the first time. We circled each other faking as if to strike but I tried to counter attack him with a strike to the head while screaming ‘MEN’ but he just casually step aside and struck a blow to the head. I was stunned with the searing pain spearing from the top of the head to the tips of my hair.

“Try bluffing as if u’re trying to strike the head but instead go for the body! Mix ur moves and bluff more to confuse ur opponent” the master advised.

And then I did like he advised and with a bit of luck I managed to touch him. With a loud shout of the word ‘DOU’ I managed to get a point. I learned a lot that day. Even though I eventually lost the duel due to his superior skills and experience, but I learned an important lesson that day. A lesson not only for Kendo or Karate but a lesson in life. Through Kendo, I learnt that what is important in life is not to be too dependent and rigid on what we have learnt. But to mix it and learn as you go along. Only then you can strike that ‘fatal blow’ in facing life problems.

Unlike Kendo, karate had a more similar feeling to what I’ve learned before. It moves are fast and precise. As the moves are a little bit difficult for beginners, we mostly watched the pros execute those difficult moves. I really enjoyed the day trip. I am hopeful for another bite at the Kendo sessions. You should try it too…

-yeh-

In every journey, the traveler must ask was the right path taken. Was the right turn made. Many roads are long and winding. Some are rough and bumpy filled with obstacles. Yet it is filled with those who have lost their way. Some forge their own course guided by faith, seeking not location but a kindred soul. Others step together finding safety in the arms of another. A few remove themselves from the trail to avoid the path of temptation. But those who watch the track too closely fail to see where it led them. They’re often all too surprised by their destination. So great is the journey for the soul. A seeker’s path to reach the Heavens.

O mankind! What is it that lures you away from your bountiful Sustainer, who has created you, and formed you in accordance with what you art meant to be and shaped your nature in just proportions, having put you together in whatever form He willed?

-The Quran (82:6-8)

So many questions asked. Yet with so many signs already shown, we fail to neither read nor understand it. As its mountains pierce through the clouds, high above the lives of men. And its rivers run and split through the earth, right through men. So does the moon illuminate the night and the sun shine through the day. And its stars like priceless jewels from the far reaches of Kings, guiding us through the nights. Signs of the Creator are all around us. Why do we keep asking for God yet we can’t seem to see the Creator’s signs?

With it so many hearts have closed to the wonders of these signs. Like a bird trapped in a cage, asleep with closed wings. Like pearls hidden deep beneath the black water.

Yet, the answer is right there all along. Stored within the heart. Running through our veins. All we have to do is seek! Seeking to remove the veil within the inner heart and soul.

Have We not expanded for you, your inner heart? -The Quran 94:1

“O my Lord! expand my heart for me” (prayer of Moses) …     -The Quran 20:25

The Creator has created veils on Himself for us to seek. For us to read the signs. For us to believe through His creations. God has created these ‘veils’ for a purpose. If He showed His Beauty without a veil, we should not be able to bear it or benefit from it, because we are sustained and strengthened indirectly.

Signs of beauty

It is just like the Sun. Could we see the Sun directly? With it we can feel and be benefited in so many ways. In its light, we can move freely, we see and able to differentiate between the good from bad. In it we warn in its heat for comfort and security.

Because of it, flowers bloom and trees blossom. Fruits become ripe and sweet. So many benefits could come to mind. But if the same Sun that brings so many benefits for the purpose of life was to show itself to life, what would become of life? What would become if the Sun would show it’s face to us? Would the flowers bloom and the trees blossom? Would fruits become ripe and sweet again? Or could we move freely? Not only would it destroy us, but literally the whole world would burn up and nothing but emptiness will survive.

When God manifests Himself through a veil to a mountain, the mountain becomes full of trees and flowers, embellished with greenery. But if He were to manifest Himself without a veil, the mountain would be destroyed and reduced to dust.

And when Moses came to the place at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him. Moses said: My Lord! show me (Thyself), so that I may look upon Thee.

He said: You cannot (bear to) see Me but look at the mountain, if it remains firm in its place, then will you see Me; but when his Lord manifested His glory to the mountain He reduced it to dust and Moses fell down in a swoon; then when he recovered, he said: Glory be to Thee, I turn to Thee, and I am the first of the believers

- The Quran 7:143

But when left in the darkness the soul will seek out the light. How do we explain this behavior? Like birds when freed from its cage, the seekers soul shall be fulfilled. And then we can truly see how great are the wonders of the heaven and the timeless beauty of the night. Of the beauty of earth and the creatures that dwell on it. Its all signs of the greatness of The Creator.Like light at the end of the tunnel. A soul will only be satisfied in seeking the light. May God guide us who seek to the light. God is the light everlasting.

… and sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and a Helper. – The Quran 23:31

What is it that a seeker seek?Like the sunset answers the call for prayers and surrenders to the beauty of the night. How dawn extinguishes the night. The signs of the Creator. A seeker seeks to open up its soul for light. It is all the seeker’s soul seek.

-yeh-

If we come to sleep,

We are His drowsy ones,

And if we come to wake,

We are in His hands,

If we come to weeping,

We are His cloud full of raindrops,

And if we come to laughing,

We are His lightning in that moment,

If we come to anger and battle,

It is the reflection of His wrath,

And if we come to peace and pardon,

It is the reflection of His love,

Who are we to Him?

So small compared to Him….

-yeh-