Tomoe Gozen (? ??, Tomoe Gozen?) (1161?–1184?) was one of the few examples of a true female warrior samurai in all of Japanese history. She was a samurai during the time of the Genpei War (1180–1185). Her name is pronounced /to.mo.e/.
Most knowledge about Tomoe Gozen comes from tales and legends. Depending on the source, Tomoe Gozen was either the wife, concubine (mistress), or female attendant of prominent daimyo Minamoto no Yoshinaka. Many women of the time knew how to use the naginata to defend their home, and there are tales of female ashigaru, but Tomoe Gozen was a high-level samurai, skilled in riding, archery and kenjutsu. She was said to have been fearless and possessing great skill in combat. Fiercely brave and tirelessly loyal to Yoshinaka, she was one of his senior captains during the war, leading his troops, and accompanying him to every battle. She was well respected by men and fought bravely alongside them. In the Heike Monogatari (Tale of the Heike), Tomoe is described:
Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swordswoman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot. She handled unbroken horses with superb skill; she rode unscathed down perilous descents. Whenever a battle was imminent, Yoshinaka sent her out as his first captain, equipped with strong armor, an oversized sword, and a mighty bow; and she performed more deeds of valor than any of his other warriors.
—Tale of the Heike, McCullough, page 291.
After defeating the Heike and driving them into the western provinces, Yoshinaka took Kyoto and desired to be the leader of the Minamoto clan. His cousin Minamoto no Yoritomo was prompted to crush Yoshinaka, and sent his brothers Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Minamoto no Noriyori to kill him. Yoshinaka fought Yoritomo's forces at the Battle of Awazu on February 21, 1184, where it has been said that Tomoe Gozen took at least one head of the enemy. Although Yoshinaka's troops fought bravely, they were outnumbered and overwhelmed. When Yoshinaka was defeated there, with only a few of his soldiers standing, he told Tomoe Gozen to flee instead of facing death by Yoritomo.
There are varied accounts of what followed. One is that she stayed by his side, fought and died. Another says that she was seen fleeing the field with either the head of Yoshinaka or of an enemy samurai. Afterwards there is even more uncertainty. Some say that she cast herself into the ocean with the head, while others say that after surviving the battle she gave up the sword and became a nun. These different stories are what give the story of Tomoe Gozen its intrigue.
Since her time, Tomoe Gozen has cast a spell of mystery over the Japanese people. Because she was so unusual, some believed she was the reincarnation of a river goddess.
Empty your mind, Be formless, shapeless, like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put water into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow, or it can crash, Be water my friend ~Bruce Lee~
Good sons and daughters! Great love and compassion are called Buddha-nature. Why? Because great love and compassion always accompany the bodhisattva, just as shadows accompany things. All sentient beings will without fail ultimately realize great love and compassion. Buddha-nature is called “state of regarding each being as one’s only child.”
The Health Benefits of Turmeric. The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects.
Holistic health is vital to overall health. I am deciding to send health comments for now! This is a way to provide information to you and to help understand how nutrition is so vital. Namast'e Shizuka Kaji
Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong.
Ohayo, To
sit in a tree all day long, may gain you a view and a perspective, yet all one
can do is sway towards decisions. Action is what is needed; so climb down and
use the heights of thought to change your world for the
better. Shizuka Kaji
Half hearted tries acheive half hearted results-Living life as though each day maybe your last, will inevitably cause the self to become more passionate; and a willingness to experience a higher level of living this life; now! ~Shizuka Kaji
Have a fine; Friday.. A stomping fun; Saturday & a adventerous; Sunday!!
My New Book: Butterfly Tai Chi: Health, Energy and Tranquility in 10 Minutes a Day
Description
The author was inspired by observing butterflies to develop a system of Tai Chi that could be performed in a limited space and within a relatively short time. He designed Tai Chi movements that naturally enhance the Qi flow in the order directed by Chinese medicine and whilst it can be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, its real power is in preventing illness. Succinct and effective the reader can learn this form of Tai Chi within a day and can be performed anywhere -no matter how little space available.
About the Author
Martin Faulks has been a student of the oriental martial arts since he was five years old. He has a black belt in the Korean martial art, Kuk Sool Won and is proficient in the mystical disciplines of China including Tai Chi, Meditation, Qi Gong and the legendary form of Yi Jin Jing.
The consciousness of the warrior's mind, will also allow him/herself NOT to even step on a Lady Bug. ~Shizuka Kaji~
I am here, wishing you to try and be well, accept your decisions, just be sure to make decisions, from well kept thoughts & heartfelt passion. Wishing you well. Shizuka
DOMO ARIGATO MIYAMOTO MUSASHI SAMA FOR YOUR TEACHINGS OF YOUR BOOK OF FIVE RINGS MAY THE BOOK LIVE ON FOREVER AND LEARN OTHERS,AND THANK YOU FOR BEING FRIENDS ON MYSPACE,HAVE A PLEASANT SUMMER,YOUR FRIEND IN MUSIC...D-BO
Online Now!
