Michi Publishing

09/26/2025

09/26/2025

"A Mind That Overcomes Itself"

Actions not performed with a sincere and upright heart, no matter how noble they may appear, will never produce valuable results that truly benefit humanity.

Even more so, to strive for the collective happiness of people, a noble spirit of self-control—that is, a mind that overcomes itself—is more necessary than anything else. — Nakamura Tempu

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09/26/2025

“Beauty is not the opposite of ugliness. Rather, beauty lies in a state beyond and includes all opposites; beauty is thus found in naturalness." — H. E. Davey, author of The Japanese Way of the Artist

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Photo by Ann Kameoka.

09/25/2025

"The undiscovered is not far away. It's not something to be found eventually. It is contained within what is right in front of us. The essence of reality is being born right now. It has never existed before." —H. E. Davey, author of Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation

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Photo by Ann Kameoka.

09/25/2025

The Difference Between "Concentration" and "Fixation"

A state where the mind is completely and unreservedly fixated on a person, object, or task that appears before it is not true mental unification. This state is not the essential condition of mental unification, which is "concentration" (shūchū). Instead, it's a form of "focus" (keichū), "attachment" (shūchaku), and, to put it bluntly, it's "fixation" (gyōtai) and "absentmindedness" (hōshin).

True mind and body unification is the act of collecting and concentrating things and events within the mind. It is to capture them completely with the mind, without allowing the mind to be captured by them. — Nakamura Tempu

The Japanese terms「集中」(shūchū) and「傾注」(keichū) are often translated as "concentration" and "focus" respectively, but in this context, Tempu Sensei uses them to distinguish between a healthy mental state and a detrimental one. He argues against the common misconception that an obsessive, unwavering fixation on an object or task is a state of true mental unification (精神統一, seishin tōitsu). — H. E. Davey, IJYA Vice President

Learn more at www.TempuYoga.com.

09/22/2025

Without Conviction, There Can Be No Fulfillment.

Of course, to have a happy life, you need many things: wealth, experience, intellect, and careful planning, among others. However, without conviction, none of these will fully materialize as you ideally intend.

And yet, most people in the world place emphasis only on the power of money, knowledge, experience, or the thoroughness of their plans when trying to attain happiness. They don't consider conviction to be all that important.

In short, it's fair to say that as the world progresses, the reason there are so few truly successful or healthy people is precisely this. — Nakamura Tempu

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Photo by Ann Kameoka.

09/17/2025

“The difference between people who succeed and those who don't is whether they allow their minds to be threatened by unnecessary things.”—Nakamura Tempu

This quote gets to the heart of Nakamura Tempu's teachings on mental focus and energy management. Where we direct our attention determines our success and well-being.

“Unnecessary things" can be anything from minor annoyances and worries about the past to anxieties about the future. By allowing these things to "threaten" your mind, you waste mental and emotional energy that could be used for productive action.

The quote suggests that a key trait of successful people isn't necessarily more talent or luck, but a stronger sense of mental discipline. They have trained themselves to filter out distractions and stay centered on their goals.

Nakamura Tempu's philosophy is about empowerment. This quote is a reminder that you have the power to choose what you focus on. You can either be a victim of your worries or a master of your own thoughts.—H. E. Davey, author of Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation

Learn more at www.TempuYoga.com.

09/16/2025

Learn Nakamura Tempu's Yoga from the Source.

H. E. Davey is the recognized authority on Shin-shin-toitsu-do in the West. As a lifelong student of Nakamura Tempu Sensei's top disciples and the author of the first English books on the subject, he brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge to his online classes. You can now learn this rarely taught system of Japanese yoga and meditation from anywhere in the world. Classes are available live via Zoom on Saturdays and through video recordings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so you can participate at your convenience.

Unlock your potential. Join the worldwide community at www.tempuyoga.com.

09/16/2025

“Good fortune and long life beyond measure.” Japanese calligraphy by the late shodo master Kobara Ranseki.

09/15/2025

09/14/2025

“Hard times are coming, when we’ll be wanting the voices of writers who can see alternatives to how we live now, can see through our fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies to other ways of being, and even imagine real grounds for hope. We’ll need writers who can remember freedom: poets, visionaries — realists of a larger reality.”

–Ursula K. Le Guin

Photo by Marian Wood Kolisch

09/14/2025

Unlock the Secrets of Japanese Art

For centuries, the traditions of Japanese art have captivated the world with their serene beauty, meticulous detail, and profound spiritual depth. Now, you can journey into the heart of this rich heritage with The Japanese Way of the Artist, an exclusive anthology by H. E. Davey.

This isn't just a book—it's an invitation to understand the minds of masters.

Discover:

The Philosophy: Explore the core principles of Zen and Shinto that shaped legendary artists.

The Techniques: Uncover the secrets behind traditional painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and more.

The Stories: Read the captivating tales of master artists and their lifelong pursuit of perfection.

The Spirit: Learn how art in Japan is not just a skill, but a spiritual practice—a path to inner harmony and self-discovery.

Whether you're a student of art, a lover of Japanese culture, or an artist seeking new inspiration, The Japanese Way of the Artist will transform your understanding and appreciation. It's a must-have for anyone who believes that true art is created not just with the hands, but with the soul.

Order your copy today and begin your journey on the path of the Japanese artist. Read more at www.MichiPublishing.com.