Bohdi Sanders's Blog, page 29
August 5, 2012
MODERN BUSHIDO Now Available for Amazon Kindles
Great News for My Readers!
My newest book, MODERN BUSHIDO: Living a Life of Excellence, is NOW AVAILABLE for Amazon Kindles!
Many of you have asked for me to have my books formatted as e-books, and now, after a long wait, MODERN BUSHIDO is available for Amazon Kindle and is priced at only $5.99! No more waiting on the mail or paying for shipping! Now you can download your copy of MODERN BUSHIDO and start reading immediately. Here is the link: MODERN BUSHIDO DOWNLOAD.
Enjoy!
August 2, 2012
Justice, Warriorhood and the Martial Arts
Justice, Warriorhood and the Martial Arts
Justice is the virtue of warriorhood, the root of martial arts.
Nakae Toju
Justice is the root of martial arts, and it is also the root of warriorhood. Justice means fairness or reasonableness, especially in the way that you treat other people. Without justice, you are missing an essential part of the warrior lifestyle and an essential part of the character which is necessary to become a true warrior.
If the root is bad, the branches and the leaves will also be bad. This is true for plants and trees, and it is also true for your martial arts and your life as a warrior.
The warrior is dedicated to justice. This is one of the main forces behind his willingness to serve and to protect others. He cannot be indifferent while others around him are forced to endure the injustice of those more powerful. It would be against his nature to take no action when justice is at stake.
Duty requires that the warrior support justice in as much as it is in his power to make a difference. It takes courage to stand against injustice, but courage is a trademark of the warrior.
Martial arts must have at its root the seed of justice or they become self-serving. Once martial arts become self-serving, they become tools for lesser men, men with low character, men who can no longer call themselves warriors.
It is not knowledge of the martial arts which makes a man a warrior, but knowledge of the martial arts which have grown from the roots of justice, honor and character, which lead to the warrior lifestyle. Strive to make sure that the roots of your martial arts and your character are strong.
Bohdi Sanders, PhD
(from the book WARRIOR: The Way of Warriorhood, page 148)
The Wisdom Warrior Bookstore
July 24, 2012
Gun Control Kool-Aid
Gun Control Kool-Aid
Right on cue, the anti-gun lobbyists are using the tragic shooting in Colorado to try to recharge their efforts to take away YOUR 2nd amendment right to own a firearm and defend yourself and your family. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid they are peddling! In case you are on the fence about this issue, let me throw out some food for thought for you to mull over.
Chicago has the toughest gun laws in America, and they had over 1,000 murders with firearms this year. New York has the 4th toughest gun laws in the country, and they had over 4,000 crimes involving guns this year. Norway has VERY strict gun control laws, yet those laws did nothing to prevent a massacre of over 70 people.
Taking constitutional rights away from law-abiding citizens has no affect on criminals. Guns are inanimate objects; they are not good or bad. No “gun” has EVER killed ANYONE. Other people kill people, not guns. I have a pistol in my desk drawer, and amazingly, it has never attacked me or tried to shoot me (or anyone else)! Guns don’t do bad things, bad people with guns do bad things.
Bad people do bad things, and will continue to do bad things until THEY are stopped. Their actions are not dependent on firearms. If they can’t get a gun, they will look for another way to try to achieve their goals, but THEY will always be able to get a gun. Gun laws only effect LAW-ABIDING citizens; they have no affect on criminals.
Has outlawing marijuana stopped people from getting marijuana or any other illegal drug they want to get? Not hardly. Has gambling laws stopped people from gambling on the Super Bowl? Do speed limits stop people from speeding? Did prohibition stop people from drinking? You don’t legislate morality people!
Doing away with the second amendment only takes guns away from law-abiding citizens, not the criminals and thugs. I have a newsflash for the gun control proponents – criminals don’t obey the law, that is what makes them criminals.
We have laws against driving drunk, but drunk drivers kill 1,000′s of people every year. Should we outlaw cars or alcohol?? Many people are killed by knives each year. Should we outlaw all knives? Many people are killed by people using screwdrivers each year. Maybe we should outlaw sharp tools. Many, many more people die from prescription drugs each year than guns, maybe we should do away with all medicines that have dangerous side affect.
People who want to take our 2nd amendment rights away are nothing more than Kool-Aid drinkers with an agenda.
You don’t like guns, don’t buy a gun, but don’t tell me what I can do or limit my right to defend myself or my family!! If you want to turn hundreds of thousands of law-abiding citizens, who have never hurt anyone and or no threat to anyone other than armed criminals, into outlaws – outlaw all guns. But either way, my pistol will stay in my desk drawer or under my coat.
Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior
July 19, 2012
Personal Development Interview
If you are interested in the warrior lifestyle, warriorship, martial arts, honor, character, or integrity, you will enjoy this short interview from Monday, July 16 on the Brady Cameron Personal Development Show in Las Vegas.
If you missed the live interview on KLAV in Las Vegas, Monday night, here is the link to the interview.
And, I would very much appreciate hearing your opinions on the interview. Enjoy!
Brady Cameron Interviews Bohdi Sanders in Las Vegas
~ THE WISDOM WARRIOR BOOKSTORE ~
July 16, 2012
Warriorship
WARRIORSHIP
Protecting yourself is self-defense. Protecting others is warriorship.
Bohdi Sanders
Many people consider themselves to be warriors just because they have spent time training in a dojo and have learned how to fight. They feel that they can protect themselves against almost any attacker. Having developed their skills to the max, they walk around with the self-confidence of a lion, just waiting for some poor soul to make the mistake of harassing them in a bar or on the street.
They feel without a shadow of a doubt that they can protect themselves, but does this really make them a warrior?
Protecting yourself is self-defense by the very definition of the term. Being a warrior means much more than being able to protect yourself. It means being willing and able to protect others as well as yourself. Warriors feel a sense of duty to protect those around them where the ordinary man only feels the need to protect himself and get out of Dodge. There is a big difference in the two.
The warrior is willing to put his well-being on the line for those he loves or for those under his protection. Many times, he puts their well being ahead of his own. He could easily defend himself and leave the danger behind, but he chooses the path of chivalry and warriorship.
He knows there is a difference between self-defense and warriorship, and he also knows that the lifestyle that he has chosen demands that he put his warrior ideals over simple self-interest. Protecting yourself is self-defense; protecting others is warriorship.
Bohdi Sanders
(From the book, WARRIOR: The Way of Warriorhood, page 83)
You can find WARRIOR: The Way of Warriorhood and all my other books and teachings at
THE WISDOM WARRIOR BOOKSTORE or on Amazon.com.
Be sure to check out MODERN BUSHIDO and the WARRIOR WISDOM SERIES -
they are great books for guidance on the warrior lifestyle!
July 11, 2012
Your Greatest Enemies are in Your Mind
Your Greatest Enemies are in Your Mind
The greatest enemies, and the ones we must mainly combat, are within.
Cervantes
Everyone has enemies, even the most jovial, well-liked person has people who would love to see him crash and burn. You have enemies, even if you don’t realize it, but most of your enemies are no threat. Most of them don’t care enough or are not malevolent enough to truly cause you any problems. In fact, you may never have to deal with your enemies at all, at least not your external enemies, but there are enemies which we all have to deal with on a regular basis, and as Cervantes stated, they come from within.
These enemies are the ones that the warrior must conquer in his quest to live the warrior lifestyle. Just like external enemies, these internal enemies are different for each person. Some may take the form of laziness or fear, while others may take the form of anger and temper. Everyone has their own individual enemies to deal with during their journey on the path of the warrior. The important thing is that you do not let your enemies defeat you and prevent you from obtaining your goals.
You know what your own personal enemy is and it is your responsibility to figure out how to defeat this enemy. There are no small, insignificant enemies. Each one has the capacity to do some damage and set you back in your quest. Don’t let your internal enemies slide – crush them and render them powerless. This is an important part of being a true warrior.
Bohdi Sanders
(from the book WARRIOR: The Way of Warriorhood, page 3)
You can find WARRIOR: The Way of Warriorhood and all my other books at:
The Wisdom Warrior Bookstore.
July 3, 2012
Lessons Learned from a Legendary Man
Lessons Learned from a Legendary Man
Andy Griffith passed away today at the age of 86. In the 1960′s, he put together a special cast of characters and a television show that will never grow old. The values taught on almost every episode of the Andy Griffith Show were values that every true warrior show aspire to.
The Andy Griffith Show was not only great entertainment, but taught values such as character, honesty, honor, facing your fears, humility, giving, forgiveness, being a true friend, helping those in need, patience, and love. And this was all done with class, humor, and always with a tug on the the heart.
Griffith’s character in the show, Andy Taylor, was a true warrior. No, he didn’t talk tough, nor did he do martial arts. He didn’t carry a gun, although he accessed weapons when he needed them, and we almost never saw him fight. He didn’t take his authority overly seriously or abuse his power, but rather used his position to help as many people as he could.
He always worked to bring common sense to the governmental, bureaucratic politicians, but did so in a friendly way, without being hostile, demeaning or pushy, always thinking about what was right, not was was simply legal.
He kept his ego in check and was always willing to let others take the credit for his own accomplishments in order to build their self-esteem and try to help them better their lives. He kept his pride in check and got pleasure in seeing how he helped others improve their lives.
With Andy, others came first. He was always respectful of other people’s feelings. He used common sense in applying the law instead of using the law as a way to collect as much tax money from people as possible, as so many cops do today. He was truly a lawman that served and protected people, and in return people had respect for him instead of fear.
He was always willing to sit down and explain things to those whose life had veered off the right path. He took insults with a grain of salt, and at the same time looked for the good in all people.
When someone was in need, he was always willing to help when he could. When someone was feeling down, he always worked to make them feel better. When something was wrong, he tried to make it right. When he was wrong, he apologized and made amends.
When a friend was in trouble, he went out of his way to be there for him. When a predator came prowling around the people he loved and cared for, he stepped up to make sure his friends and loved ones remained safe. He never hesitated to put his life on the line and do his duty when it came to that.
He was ever prepared for trouble, but never went looking for it. He was a busy man, but always made time for friends and family. When a word from him would help someone improve their life, he gladly volunteered to help, always thinking of others’ feelings.
Andy Taylor was soft spoken most of the time, but his words were full of wisdom. He was happy, mellow, and laid back, but could get serious and take care of business at the drop of a hat. And, even when he needed to get serious, he could do so without raising his voice. The tone and seriousness of his voice was enough to get his point across.
His priorities were always his family, his friends, his community, and a dedication to what was right. He was sincere and didn’t put on heirs.
He used common sense in his enforcement of the law, instead of being a stickler for the “rules,” something many cops and judges could learn from in today’s society. His focus was on the common good and what was just, not the letter of the laws, written and passed by corrupt politicians. And, he did it all with a friendly, loving smile.
He could fit in by simply being himself, whether he was wearing a coat and tie with the rich and powerful, or a pair of jeans and fishing hat with the local guys.
Taylor earned the respect of those who knew him, but he didn’t let that respect, or his position, go to his head.
Andy Taylor was a true warrior. The lessons taught on that one television show are timeless, and the wisdom packed into that show, for those who are open to it, is truly lessons for life.
If you are too young to remember it, rent the DVD’s or go back and watch the reruns. If you haven’t seen the show in a while, go back and watch it with these values in mind and see what you learn.
I raise a glass to Andy Griffith to honor the life of a quality man and someone who exemplified the qualities of a true warrior and a quality human being.
Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior
June 23, 2012
Nothing is Impossible if You are Motivated and Inspired
Nothing is Impossible
If You are Motivated and Inspired
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Lao Tzu
Many people refuse to try because they think the task is simply too large. For example, there are many who will not continue training to the level of black belt because after a couple of months, their goal just seems so far away that it seems almost unreachable. This is a common feeling no matter what the objective may be.
This wrong thinking stems from looking at the entire objective instead of simply taking it one step at a time. Break it down into smaller goals and have an organized plan for achieving your overall objective. If you are just starting out in the martial arts, don’t focus on being a black belt; focus on small, obtainable goals. Just keep taking one step at a time.
If you were focused on becoming a black belt, and doing it now, then of course that objective would be overwhelming for you. Most goals take time to achieve; they don’t happen overnight. There are many steps you have to take to reach that goal, just as there are many steps you have to take to reach the top of a mountain.
If you want to hike to the peak of a mountain, and you go to the mountain and look up, thinking about how high it is and how rugged it looks, it can easily discourage you. Instead of being intimidated by the external appearance, just think about the process and begin your journey. Soon you will look back behind you and be amazed at how high you have climbed.
Let’s look at another example. If I gave you a 16 ounce steak and told you to eat it, it might seem like an impossible task if your mind was focused on eating it all in one bite. But if you take your steak knife and start to eat one small piece at a time, you will find that it is not only a very doable task, but a very enjoyable task as well.
Life works in the same way. Don’t worry about how big your objective seems, just start working towards your goal. Once you have taken those first steps, you will be amazed at how things start to fall into place. Soon you will realize that you have achieved more than you ever dreamed; and it all started with that first step.
Nothing is impossible to the person who has the right mindset, motivation, and who is willing to actually take action toward his or her goals. Keep your focus on the journey, not the destination!
Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior
Please see The Wisdom Warrior Bookstore for my books and to see more of my teachings.
June 21, 2012
The Enlightened Warrior and Pure Law
The Enlightened Warrior and Pure Law
Highly evolved people have their own conscience as pure law. Lao Tzu
This is the point which the true warrior seeks to arrive, a place where your own conscience is so evolved that you know what is right. Once you get to this point, you have no need of any man-made laws to keep you in line – your honor and integrity is your law. Sure, there is more to enlightenment than honor and integrity, but these traits are the beginning.
The key words in Lao Tzu’s statement are “highly evolved.” If people who are not highly evolved try to make their conscience as pure law, there would be chaos and anarchy. Their conscience is flawed because of a lack of honor and integrity. This is why we have to have laws in the first place.
If everyone was highly evolved, we would have little to no need for the corrupt politicians that make laws which, for the most part, are self-serving in some way. These very same lawmakers prove on a daily basis that they are not enlightened nor live by the laws of honor and integrity. But because of people’s refusal to live as they should, we have evolved into a culture which allows these corrupt men to make laws to keep those, who will not discipline themselves, in line.
So what is the answer? Learn to become your own law by becoming highly evolved. Develop your character to such a highly enlightened state that the government’s laws are practically a non-issue for you.
No, I am not suggesting that the enlightened warrior does not have to obey the law, no matter how crooked and underhanded it may be. Doing so would only cause you more problems in your life.
What I am suggesting is that when you develop your character to such a highly evolved state, the laws that these dishonorable politicians pass, will be a non-issue to you because you will already be living by what is right. Your conscience will become more strict than any biased law with personal agendas.
You will be living by the pure law – universal law that you receive directly from the Source which has no agenda except for being right and just. You will find that when you live this way, you will walk in internal peace, and that the politician’s arguments over their all-important laws are basically meaningless to you.
And, the more you develop this highly evolved, enlightened state of mind, the more you will be unaffected by the everyday things which annoy other people. You will become your own pure law, and you will live by your own standards, not the standards set by those void of honor. At the same time, you will be meeting and exceeding their silly laws by living by your own pure law.
Continue to seek to perfect your own character and you will find that you are becoming more highly evolved each day, and that you can count on your own internal voice to guide you, and guide you correctly. As you continue, your conscience will become your own pure law, and you will be on the path of enlightenment.
Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior
You can find my books and more of my teachings at
The Wisdom Warrior Book Store .
Be sure to check out Modern Bushido and the Warrior Wisdom Series -
they are great books for guidance on the warrior lifestyle!
June 18, 2012
Respect and Courtesy
Respect and Courtesy
“I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same of them.”
John Wayne in The Shootist.
This statement from John Wayne’s last movie seems like common sense. After all, good people don’t treat other people poorly and they don’t expect to be treated badly by others either. This is one of the basic tenets of decent behavior when interacting with people, but more and more of our citizens are ignoring this out of a selfish, narcissistic attitude which looks at the world as if it revolves solely around them.
The true warrior doesn’t look at this world with that same uncaring attitude.. He doesn’t go around bullying other people. He doesn’t use his skills to intimidate others, belittle others, or become abusive in any way. He doesn’t treat others with disrespect, hate, or a better-than-thou attitude. He refuses to lower his standards to achieve his personal goals or to satisfy his own desires.
All of these things are below him, and at the same time, so is allowing others to treat him in these ways. He treats others with respect, and requires the same of them.
This doesn’t mean that he is constantly in someone’s face for not treating him right, but it does mean that he will require a certain amount of courtesy and respect from those he interacts with in his life. It doesn’t take much to treat others in a respectful manner; in general, people that are rude, go out of their way to be rude.
Courtesy and respect are both important parts of the warrior’s life. These traits are found, or should be found, in every martial arts dojo. It is pretty simple – treating people with courtesy and respect is merely showing that you value that person as a human being. It also demonstrates to the world that you value the traits of warriorhood and character.
Rude behavior toward another, in reality reflects the rude person’s own character. While everyone is free to act and speak as he or she wishes, you, at the same time, have the right to stand up to those who treat you in such a manner. To quote Captain Woodrow Call, from the movie Lonesome Dove, “I won’t tolerate rude behavior.”
The warrior also refuses to tolerate rude behavior. This is not to say that you should get physical or verbally threatening every time someone is rude to you. In today’s social climate, not only would that take up a large block of your time, but it would also land you in jail.
So the question remains, how should the warrior skilled in martial arts deal with inconsiderate, rude behavior? Try dealing with it from an attitude of educating the other person. Many people today have never even been taught how they should act, let alone anything about manners for that matter. Many don’t even realize that they are being completely rude and disrespectful.
You can correct, or bring these actions to their attention, without being confrontational or falling prey to the same type behavior yourself, by simply saying something such as, “Hey, you know, I don’t really appreciate what you just said (did, didn’t do, etc.) to me. Don’t you think that was kind of rude?”
Most people will apologize when approached in this manner, and, at the same time, you will have taught them a valuable lesson, while doing it in a non-confrontational way. By doing this, you have actually cared enough to help this person. Most people simply do not care enough to bother.
Many people tend to just ignore someone’s rude behavior because they are not self-confident enough to stand up for their own decent treatment, really don’t care about the other person or being treated with respect, or don’t value respect or courtesy themselves. Consequently, they just let the rude behavior slide. The problem with this is that it re-enforces this behavior, and these people continue to treat others rudely.
This brings me to another point. Although most times you don’t want to let this kind of behavior slide, you do have to use wisdom and be rational about who you confront, how you confront him, and when and where you confront him.
For example, you would not want to confront a group of gangbangers, hanging out with their buddies, for some minor discourtesy. This would obviously turn into something much more serious. There is a time and a place for everything, including inaction.
In the same way, you don’t want to embarrass someone in front of his kids, etc. There are many examples of times and places which are inappropriate to correct someone’s bad behavior. Use common sense and wisdom when deciding whether or not to correct someone who has been disrespectful or rude to you.
The bottom line is you don’t want to allow others to treat you in a disrespectful, demeaning way, not if you are truly living by the principles of warriorhood. At the same time, there is a right way and a wrong way to require courtesy and respectful treatment.
Way too many martial artists attempt to correct others’ actions in a tough guy, threatening manner. This is not the way of the warrior, but it is unwise and dangerous. Think before you act!
Bohdi Sanders
The Wisdom Warrior
Make sure to check out my new book, Modern Bushido
at The Wisdom Warrior Bookstore!
