And what was this essence that Nakamura Tempu Sensei spoke of? His comments to others were usually not only of a spiritual nature, but based on the fact that the mind and body are one, rather down to earth as well. Here's a few of the topics that he frequently discussed.

While it's possible to learn or study various techniques for almost anything we might want to accomplish, real understanding is not the mere accumulation of knowledge. Understanding cannot be realized by listening or reading about the realization of others. It must be achieved firsthand via substantive direct perception in the moment. In Japanese-English, he espoused that "how to do" was more important than "how to say."

By means of personal experimentation and observation, we can discover certain simple and universal truths. The mind moves the body, with the body following the mind. Logically then, negative thought patterns harm not only the mind but the body as well. What we actually do builds up to affect the subconscious mind, which in turn affects the conscious mind and all reactions.

Thus, the young should not think of themselves as immature, and the elderly need not view themselves as feeble. Our minds control our bodies. Have no age--transcending both past and future--enter into naka-ima . . . the eternal present.

If we fail to realize our full potential as human beings, we live more on an animalistic level, which is fine for dogs, cats, and chimpanzees, but doesn't work quite so well for women and men. Without the capacity to freely shape our own lives, much as a sculptor might carve stone, we inevitably slip into negativity and depression.

Using the combined, integrated force of the mind and body is more efficient than using one without the other. Since the body can only exist in the present, that's where the mind should be too (unless we deliberately choose to contemplate the past or future.) At the same time, the body needs to be healthy and in optimum operating condition, so that it can respond effectively to the mind's directives.

Mental and physical health are more important than money or possessions. Nakamura Sensei possessed both, and he was still unable to cure his tuberculosis. Human life power is more meaningful than either cash or houses.

A strong life force can be seen in physical vitality, courage, competent judgment, self-mastery, sexual vigor, and the realization of each person's unique talents and purpose in life. To maintain a powerful life force, forget yourself, forget about living and dying, and bring your full attention into this moment.

Nakamura Sensei did teach certain techniques of mind and body unification, meditation, breathing exercise, and health improvement, which served as simple tools for living a fuller life, but which should not be thought of as magic secrets of enlightenment. Various influences can be seen in these methods.

Historical Influences
Naturally, influences from Indian forms of Hatha, Raja, and Pranayama yoga can be detected, albeit in a usually modified structure. Both Anjo Daza Ho and Muga Ichi-nen Ho meditations, which involve the use of sound and sight respectively, have been influenced by yogic meditation. And while Nakamura Sensei developed his own forms of stretching, breathing exercise, and physical training, he would periodically teach certain asanas, or "postures," from Hatha yoga, and some types of Pranayama breathing exercises such as the "alternate nostril breath."