About Mikkyo

The topic of mikkyo as a part of ninja martial arts training is extremely "loaded". On one hand, we want to provide students with every opportunity to access every technology that will make them stronger happier people who are less likely to fall victim to the onslaughts of the world. On the other hand, we want to avoid insisting that they change too much about themselves too soon, and thereby drive them away from all the benefits that we founded the Quest Centers to provide.

Here's one way I explain mikkyo.

There is a timeless highest infinite and most universal truth at work. We could think of this as the past, present, and future "history" of the universe, or the abstract concept behind the "operating system" of the universe.

There are as well varying personal ideas of what conventionally "seems to be" true.

The idea behind mikkyo is that the closer we can come to the universal truth, the more effectively our lives will operate. The way to get closer to ultimate truth is to imitate the inner vision, communication, and action of that which operates in accordance with universal truth. We work to transcend the limitations of our conventional personal and societal beliefs about what is true about life in order to elevate ourselves to the more universal truth.

The process requires us to question all of our beliefs, motives, and actions as means of progressing forward. Of course this requires an enormous amount of bravery. It also requires an enormous amount of work, resisting the temptation of inertia's pull back into the easier comfort of old beliefs and behavior patterns even though those did not allow us to be happy.

Because this requires so much effort, and obligates the seeker to venture into some extremely scary regions of consciousness, most teachers usually try to dissuade the casually curious or those new to the training. For years, Bujinkan people have been hearing that "Hatsumi Sensei says you don't need mikkyo," and then been confused as to why I am involved in the practice of mikkyo if the soke says we "don't need it." The truth is that you don't "need" a car heater in Ohio in the winter, but many people have decided that it is in their best interests to have one. You don't "need" handgun training to be a black belt, but you might find it prudent to undertake the study of such self-protection skills anyway. You don't "need" romance and affection, health insurance, or a weatherproof home. You don't "need" mikkyo or any focus on spirituality, but you might choose to explore such realms for a deeper experience of life.

Ironically, I tell people the same thing as does Hatsumi Sensei. I do not want to cause them undue confusion by getting into all this for the wrong reasons. Maybe people think I expect them to want to study mikkyo. Absolutely not! That's my personal "trip". I always tell them, "You don't need mikkyo. Just train, pay attention, and concentrate on developing the skills that make you a more positive and powerful and helpful person." I discourage them from pursuing formal mikkyo training. If they continue to insist, I examine their reasons, and assist them to begin in a limited way.

- Stephen K. Hayes