Osu: The Meaning Of "Osu" In Karate

The literal meaning of the expression "Osu!" can be determined from the kanji (Chinese characters) from which the term is derived (see above). Osae means "to press" and shinobu means "patience" or "steady spirit". These two symbols are combined in the traditional Japanese martial arts to form Osu, which translates as "persevere while pushing oneself to the absolute limit". A cursory reading of this definition might tempt one to think that advancement in karate than is therefore equated with the development of extreme physical and mental strength. However, to stop at this understanding would be to miss the point of karate completely. Certainly, one can push oneself to the limit in any sport and achieve incredible feats of body and mind. So how is karate different? True growth in the martial arts requires moving beyond ego-centred thoughts of personal gain and loss. For this reason, the term "moving Zen" is sometimes used when speaking of martial arts practice. To illustrate how "pushing oneself to the absolute limit" in moving Zen can lead to spiritual growth, the concept of koan training in zazen (formal seated Zen) is described below.

Zazen practice has its own particular technique, called a koan. A koan is an absurd puzzle. There is no rational way to "solve" it; it is an impossibility, an impasse for the mind. Regardless of your determination to provide the zazen master with the "correct" answer to the riddle, your efforts are futile. Suddenly you are stuck, and the master continues saying to you, "Work hard! You are not working hard enough." And the harder you work (i.e. think), the more you are stuck, moving nowhere: you cannot go back, you cannot move forward. And the master continues hammering you, "Work harder!" A moment comes when you're not holding anything back, your whole being is involved, and still you are stuck. It is precisely at this moment, when your whole energy is invested, that you become aware of the absurdity - as never before. Only at that peak do you "realize" that this problem is absurd-it cannot be "solved" with the mind.

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And with that realization, the koan is experienced and therefore understood. In karate, kumite serves as the koan. No matter how hard you train, no matter how much weight you can lift, no matter how fast you are, you may still be defeated. And the Sensei pushes you, "Work harder". It is not until you have given everything you have to give and it is still not enough that you "realize" (experience) the absurdity of your ego trying to overcome an opponent. It is at this moment that the barrier to a deeper source of wisdom is removed. Now your movements, coming without thoughts, may be fluid and precise.

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The key point is that, in both zazen and karate, the koan must be experienced rather than intellectualised in order for transformation to occur. As demonstrated above, the experience cannot occur until one has truly persevered in giving maximum effort. In "Zen, Pen, and Sword," Randall G. Hassle explains that Osu may be used as a strong affirmative reply in the dojo even if full understanding is not yet present. It is similar to the idea of two people riding in a car on an icy road on the edge of a deep canyon. If you are the passenger, and the driver says, "Are you okay?", you might reply "Osu!", indicating that, while there's nothing you can do to make the situation better or less dangerous at the moment, your spirit is satisfied that the best that can be done at the moment is being done.

So, when greeting fellow students or responding to the Sensei in the dojo, saying "Osu!" announces that, even if you do not feel 100 percent today or even if you do not fully understand a training concept, you are present and giving everything you have. In this way, you are preparing yourself to be receptive to the spiritual growth in which the practice of karate - moving Zen - has to offer. A free video streaming course on the Japanese language for martial arts can be found at http://www.Downloadkarate.com which talks about the term Osu and other karate terminology.

Osu: The Meaning Of "Osu" In Karate

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The Thumbs-Up Hand Gesture Around the World - Learn the Meaning of Hand Gestures

Hand gestures mean different things in different countries. What is considered a cool sign may be a grave insult in another country. This article takes a look at one of the most common signs: the thumbs-up sign.

The thumbs-up sign consists of a closed fist held with the thumb extended upward. The most common interpretation of this sign is as a sing of approval (there is even a metaphor in English: The proposal was given a thumbs-up), but there are some countries where it may be an insult or where it will not be understood.

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The origin of the sign is unclear, but one theory is that the thumbs up sign was used by the crowds to signal if a defeated gladiator should be spared, whereas the thumbs down would signal that he should be killed.

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Let's have a look at different countries and what the thumbs-up sign means there:

Australia

If it is still or downwards, it usually means OK or alright (or agreement). Thumbs-up with a little upward motion can be a grave insult, depending on context.

Canada

The sign means alright or good. You can use it to signify approval.

China

OK, good.

Egypt

Perfect, good

France

OK.

Germany

Ok, well done, great.

Greece

Means great, good job, OK, congratulations.

Iran

Very obscene gesture.

Iraq

Very obscene gesture.

Ireland

OK, good.

Italy

OK, go or alright or used for hitchhiking.

Japan

Sometimes means ''good'', not widely practiced by adults.

New Zealand

Means like all good, or yes or anything positive really (when hitchhiking this gesture is also used but held right out so people in cars can see).

Russia

Well done, good.

Spain

All right.

Sweden

OK, great.

Thailand

Very obscene gesture.

Turkey

Not used.

United Kingdom

OK, good.

USA

Thumbs up. Means ''great'' or ''awesome'' or whatever. Also used to sign approval, but stronger than an OK sign.

Please note that meaning of gestures varies among various parts of countries and also among cultural groups and between generations.

The Thumbs-Up Hand Gesture Around the World - Learn the Meaning of Hand Gestures

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Blooms With Meaning - The Symbolism of Flowers in Thailand

In many different cultures, flowers hold special meaning. Giving different types of flowers in different social situations can carry a significant meaning to both the person giving the flowers as well as the recipient of the flowers. In addition to the types of flowers, different colored flowers can also carry with them a different meaning. What's more, the meaning of flowers in Thailand can carry with it a significantly different meaning than those in other parts of the world. For instance, in the United States, white flowers are common to celebrate weddings and births while in Thailand white flowers are given in funerals.

Many flowers carry a common symbolic mean in Thailand. Roses in general are symbolic of love, but the color of the rose can carry a different meaning. Red roses are often associated with romantic love while yellow roses are associated with platonic love or friendship. Chrysanthemums and Daisies are given as a sign of friendship and happiness.

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Some flowers have double meanings. For instance, the lilac can mean both love and the absence of passion. The peony can mean both a happy marriage as well as shame. The petunia can represent both a soothing presence as well as a presence that invokes anger. The gladioli can symbolize both the need for a break from a relationship as well as sincerity.

Smile Thailand Blooms With Meaning - The Symbolism of Flowers in Thailand

Flowers, and more importantly giving flowers, are an important part of culture in Thailand. Flowers are given to a hostess for a dinner party or other such event as well as various other events and situations, including eternal love. It is important to learn the meaning of flowers before selecting blooms, as many in Thailand are aware of their special meanings, and giving a flower with the wrong meaning can have negative ramifications. However, selecting the right blooms can carry special significance and endear the recipient to you.

Blooms With Meaning - The Symbolism of Flowers in Thailand

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