to resist ethnic calamities and maintain national integrity · the 18th and 19th centuries, the shrine becamea central place of pilgrimage. Located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, close

Scholarship Report – L. Picha Meiji Jingu & Shiseikan

Lefkothea Picha June-July 2013 1

In Search of fundamentals

to resist ethnic calamities

and maintain national integrity

Scholarship Report Meiji Jingu (明治神宮) & Shiseikan (至誠館)

Lefkothea Picha 2

Contents Acknowledgements and impressions …………………………………… Page 3

a. Cultural trip at Izumo Taishia and Matsue city

Introduction: Japan’s latest Tsunami versus Greek financial crisis reflecting national ethos…………………............................................................................ 6

Part 1 The Historic Horizon in Greece................................................... 7 a. Classical Period b. Persian wars c. Alexander’s the Great Empire d. Roman and Medieval Greece e. The Byzantine Period f. The Ottoman domination g. Commentary on the Byzantine epoch and Ottoman occupation h. World War II i. Greece after World War II j. Restoration of Democracy and Greek Politics in the era of Financial crisis

Part 2 The liturgical and spiritual Greek ethos …………………………. 10 a. Greek mythology, the ancient Greek philosophy and Shinto b. Orthodox theology, Christian ethics and Shinto c. Purification process – Katharmos in ancient Greece, Christian Baptism and Misogi

Part 3 Greek warriors’ ethos and Reflections on Bushido ..................... 14 a. Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC) b. Ancient Greek warriors armor c. Comparison of Spartan soldiers and Samurai d. The motto “freedom or death and the Greek anthem e. Monument of the unknown soldier and Yasukunii shrine f. Women warriors and their supportive role against invaders g. Reflections on Bushido and its importance in the modern era h. Personal training in Budo and relation with Shiseikan

Part 4 Personal view on Greek nation’s metamorphosis………………… 20 a. From the illustrious ancestors to the cultural decay. Is catastrophy

a chance to revive Greek nation?


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Acknowledgments and impressions

I would like to thank Araya Kancho for the scholarship received. It was a privilege and honor given to me in order to deepen my knowledge in Budo and Shinto. My contact with the living traditions of Japanese culture is keeping reviving my soul, mind and heart; I feel grateful for this opportunity and I would like to express my deepest gratitude. Misogi, the cleansing Shinto ritual under the waterfall of Mount Mitake, within such a nice forest, has regenerated my senses and reinforced my mind and will power. The night Sampai at Meiji Jingu was a deep spiritual experience filling me with serenity. Special training with the Russian group was a special gift which enhanced my consciousness and skills on kenjustu and taijutsu.

Inaba Sensei has always been the limitless fountain of inspiration, purity and light for me and I would like to thank him de profundis. I feel grateful for the honor given to attending his special class provided to sensei of Shiseikan, as a “special guest”. Inaba sensei’s comments as to how I should further develop my personal budo, as well as his analysis on the “Greek budo” in relation to the recurrent crisis have to be deeply considered on my return. The knowledge and power acquired all these years through budo training need to be materialized into patriotism and action. He mentioned that getting rid of ego, we need to join together and hopefully we can give birth to the novel.

I would like to thank Uematsu san for his thorough support and kindness during my stay at Shiseikan as well as for fulfilling my secret dream to visit the city of Matsue.

I would like to thank Endo san for his fruitful advices, support, philosophical documents provided, and comments in order to enrich my report and deepen into the reasons that caused the trembling of Greek cultural identity and ethos. Endo san’s “criticism” is always very meaningful and thus very much appreciated; I deeply thank him for his sincerity and beauty.

I would like to thank Mr Miyazaki Gonguji for I was honored by his attendance of my presentation on the 12th of July at Shamushiou Koudou (社務所講堂). I would also like to thank him for our fruitful discussion, during the dinner, on my religious faith and everyday rituals at home.

I would like to thank Mr Majima, Mr Ito, Mr Uchikoshi and Mrs Miyairi for their lectures and rich knowledge received on Shinto spiritual concepts as well as on Japanese culture and history. They have opened to me their treasure of knowledge which triggered my intellectual curiosity and deeply motivated my research.

I would like to thank Yamada sensei for giving me permission to attend his meaningful classes. Receiving his excellent teaching is always important so to deepen into the hara concentration.

I would like to thank Watanabe sensei, Udagawa sensei, Aoki sensei, Okada sensei, Miki sensei and Okuda san for their teaching and helpful corrections.

I would like to deeply thank Ashida san, for her kindness, daily support and translations as well as for our excellent co-operation to accomplish the bi-lingual presentation.

I would like to thank Nishigawa san for our everyday life, co-operation and sharing of ideas during these 6 weeks. Her hospitality and our interesting and joyful cultural trip, thoroughly organized by her, will be kept in my memory.

I would like to thank Tamaki san for her excellent hospitality and generosity during the first three weeks of my stay. We have shared very nice moments of family conviviality for which I feel grateful.

I am thankful to all Shiseikan practitioners for their quality of practice, kindness and friendship.


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Cultural trip at Izumo Taishia and Matsue City Izumo-taisha (出雲大社) is one of the most ancient and important Shinto Shrines in Japan.

According to the two oldest chronicles, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki when Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, descended from the heavens, the god Ōkuninushi granted his country to Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Amaterasu was much pleased by this action and she presented Izumo-taisha to Ōkuninushi. During the Kamakura era, around 1200, the main structure was reduced in size. Then in 1744, the shrine was reconstructed to the present size. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the shrine became a central place of

pilgrimage. Located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, close to the mountain, one can feel the divine spirit of the nature and regenerate his/her power. Under the sudden heavy rain, our visit with Nishigawa san was a peaceful walk within the supreme location of divine spirits. Gakuengi The visit in Gakuengi Shinto-Buddhist old shrine within the forest, a serene isolated area, was the apocalypse of the divine spirit through the sounds of birds and waterfalls, emanating the primitive power of the divine nature.

Matsue, the city of Lefkadio Hearn Matsue is a picturesque town due to the prominence of the lake (shingiko), the river and canals scenery; it is sometimes called the "water city" (水の

都). There has been a life dream for me to visit the sister city of Lefkada, the Ionian island of Greece. Lefkadio Hearn (1805-1904), also known as Yakumo Koizumi, born in Lefkada, relocated to Japan in 1890 where he found a home and his greatest inspiration. Hearn chose to emphasize the spiritual heritage of the Japanese

culture and became known to the world through the depth, originality, sincerity, and charm of his writings; he offered the West some of its first glimpses into preindustrial and Meiji Era Japan and portrayed the romantic and mystical traditions of a rapidly modernizing Japan. Fascinated by the beauty of Matsue and the kindness of its people, got married to Setsu Koizumi and created a residence with beautiful Japanese gardens. The Lefkadio Hearn Memorial Museum in Matsue, which follows the traditional Japanese architecture, displays very interesting handwritten documents and other paraphernalia of Lefkadios’ everyday life.

I feel proud of Lefkadio’s Hearn keen intellect and poetic imagination that permitted him to penetrate to the very essence of Japanese cultural elements. One century later his affection to the Japanese tradition is revived within my kokoro.

On the summit of the hill above Matsue stands the ancient castle. It is one of the oldest surviving original Edo period castles and was built after the last great war of feudal Japan in 1607 over a period of 5 years under the local lord Horio Yoshiharu. In 1638, the


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castle passed to the Matsudaira clan, a junior branch of the ruling Tokugawa clan.

The castle is a complex structure, built in a watchtower style that appears to be five stories from the outside, but has in fact six levels inside. It is a strong structure, built to withstand warfare, yet at the same time it is majestic and solemn, reminiscent of the Momoyama style.

For Hearn, the castle was of sublime inspiration. He had an extended view of the city, over the lake, with the daily coming and going of fishing-boats and sampans.

Matsue castle intrigued me for still existing in its original wooden form emanating the ambient of samurai’s old ages. The interior is now a museum of samurai warriors who did their feudal service in the past centuries. Exhibition of samurai armors, helmets and weapons was very interesting.

The trip ended with very nice food, grilled fish, beer, sake and water-mellon in a small local restaurant, reminding me of Greek “koutouki”. The “fusion project” of Greek and Japanese culture has been thoroughly accomplished thanks to Nishigawa san.


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Introduction Japan’s recent Tsunami versus Greek financial crisis reflecting national ethos

There was in March 11 of 2010 that a tremendous, almost a biblical disaster took place in the area of Sendai. A powerful earth-quake followed by a giant tsunami has sent Japan into chaos by entirely devastating within hours houses, families and environment while the calamity images and the consequent nuclear accident in Fukushima shocked the whole globe. Despite the suffering and tragic events that Japanese people faced, they expressed admirable courage, tolerance and solidarity. The Emperor and Empress of Japan have made their visit to the damaged area expressing sympathy to those affected. Japanese people endowed with tremendous discipline and endurance, soon got back into their feet endeavoring to restore and revitalize their country. Greek economic crisis now drags into its fourth year, and the tremendous recession affecting country’s economy has dominated people’s life, previously based on the illusionary prosperity linked to huge European loans, while a moral shock arose within the Greek society.

The deepening impact of the recession has created Greece’s unemployment rate climbing to 27%, gradual disappearing of middle class, dramatic increase of families living under the poverty threshold (300.000), while the national depression overwhelming Greek population’s feelings and the increased number of suicides reflect Greek population’ s emotional status ravaged by the wave of drastic deterioration of the economic conditions. Greece is now threatened not only by its biggest economic crisis for decades but also by the most significant upheaval in its political system since the end of the military dictatorship in 1974.1

Despite the political dislocation into smaller parties, produced within the political system, no party seems to be able to capture the imagination or support of the growing number of Greeks who have lost faith in the established political figures and their ability to get the country out of the crisis. Neo-nazi political party, which denies nazi’s Holocaust historical fact, taking advantage of the deteriorating quality of life and the ravaged country, utilizes all opportunities to seize initiative in politics while carrying threats and violence to immigrants.

It is not implausible to assume that different cultures exhibit different emotional responses to disasters. If Japan’s 2010 catastrophy had happened in Europe or the United States, some speculated, mass panic and anti-social behavior would have been the consequence. This brilliant Greece that generously offered democracy and its illuminated principles in the world is now undergoing, apart from the obvious economic crisis, a protracted and serious political and social crisis. However, every natural catastrophy or crisis creates a transparent membrane on the nation’s status and reveals the deep problems which need to be faced and resolved within a globalized socio-economic milieu. Fukushima nuclear accident for example revealed the serious problem of Japanese economy dependence on nuclear energy; it may impact on the country’s energy


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perspective and its socio-economic future. Greek crisis has revealed our serious socio-politico-economical problems which rendered the ravaged country incapable of deciding for its own future. The loss of our autonomy might be an opportunity of endoscopic investigation, reassessment of nation’s moral values and determination, which will hopefully enable Greece to re-determine its cultural identity and autonomously decide for its future.

Part 1

The historic horizon in Greece

The history of Greece, not including the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic era (400.000-3.000 B.C), is determined by three major historical periods: “the ancient Greece” encompassing the proto-Minoan period in 2.900 B.C to the occupation of Helladic territory by Romans on the 146 B.C or to the closure of the remaining philosophical schools of Athens on the 529 A.C by Justinian Emperor), the “Byzantine period” extending from the founding of Constantinople on 325 A.D to its fall in 1453 A.D and the “modern period” which spans from 1453 A.D until today. 2

Classical Period During the so-called classical period, Greeks created a very high and multi-faceted civilization and brought forth architectural, artistic, political, intellectual and cultural achievements which have paved the way from the future development of the world. From the 6th to the 4th century (“golden age under Pericles)”, Athens was the pre-eminent power in the Mediterranean. The enormous wealth permitted to Athens to flourish in terms of art, architecture, literature, philosophy and politics that are still source of inspiration all over the world. 3

Greek civilization has ever been a cross-road of civilizations, science and philosophy. However, during its long history (3500 years approximately), the Hellenic nation has been suffered many times by destructive waves of occupations, and major historical periods that left their remarkable signature on Greek

civilization’ evolution are worthy to be herein presented.

Persian wars Even during the height of Greek cultural accomplishments, Greece was beset by conflict that would shape its future. Soon after the democracy had been established in Athens, the Greek people as a whole had to face a severe invasion by the Persian Empire – an aggregation of peoples that was more than thirty times larger than the Greeks.

In the 6th century, the Greek Empire was under the threat of the Persian Empire, under King Xerxes rule who had views on invading Greece. The Hellenic league, under the leadership of Athens and Sparta decisively defeated the Persians at the battles of Marathon, Salamis, Thermopylae (see below) and Platea. This conflict was known as the Persian Wars and was of great importance because they resulted, after centuries of trade and cultural relations, into the separation between the Greek Empire and the Near East including Phoenicia, Lydia, Egypt, and other cultures.

Alexander’s the Great Empire (356-323 BC) Alexander the Great, the youngest son of King Philip, was the most renowned student of the famous Greek


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philosopher Aristotle. When his father died, twenty two years old Alexander became king of Macedon.

Alexander forged the largest empire the world had yet seen. After having conquered all the city-states of Greece, he invaded Asia Minor with approximately 35.000 soldiers. Before dying at the age of 33, Alexander the Great had conquered the entire Persian Empire, Egypt and the Mesopotamia, Afghanistan and some parts of India. Alexander truly ushered in a new world age – the Hellenistic Age, characterized by the spread of Greek culture and the Greek "τρόπο του βίου” (way of life, 生き方) throughout the world. Thus, he gave birth to the “μέγας κόσμος (big world), a unique historical phenomenon of cultural explosion. 2

Roman and Medieval Greece Because of its geographical placement and great historical achievements, Greece faced constant warfare from among the several autonomous kingdoms and was made exceedingly vulnerable. Simultaneously, Greece faced threats from the East by Persians, Parthians, and Bactrians and from the West by the Romans. The Romans defeated the Macedonians in the first and second Macedonian Wars that ended in 197 B.C. Rome had no consistent policy about the Greek states. The Romans sought principally security and revenue.

Greece from 31 BC to 180 AD under the Roman Empire is described as the era of the Pax Romana, which was an era of peace between Rome and the central areas of the Empire like Greece.

The Byzantine period (364-1453 AD) In the third century AD, Greece faced overwhelming invasions by numerous tribes, the so-called barbarians, such as the Heruli, the Goths, the Alemanni, the Franks, the Vandals and Sassanians. These invasions led to several significant victories over the Romans during the third century AD, the Pax Romana was seriously placed in danger while deep social and economic problems rose through the Empire. Around the same time, Christianity began to take on and ascended to become Empire’s predominant religion. St Paul came in Greece to proclaim Christianity in 51 AD. Constantine became Emperor of Rome in 305 AD, and transferred the capital of the Empire from Rome to

Byzantium in 324 AD, which took the name of Constantinople. In 364 AD, the Empire was officially split: the Roman Empire was divided in two parts: the Roman Empire at the west and the Byzantine Empire at the east. The Roman Empire started to decline leaving preeminence to its much wealthier part, the newly-created Byzantine Empire. However, the Byzantine Empire was engaged in several wars that had left it very vulnerable. Serious threats came both from the East and West, the more serious being the Islamic civilization that started to

expand rapidly. Even Constantinople almost felt under the hands of the Muslims. During the 6th and 7th centuries, Slavic tribes also invaded the Balkans, but the Greek language remained the official language, and Orthodox Christianity, its dominant faith.

During the later stages of the Byzantine Empire, Greece was divided in several kingdoms ruled by Western princes. Venice started gaining control of many parts of Greece. Many architectural remains of various European rulers, like the Venetians and the Franks can still be seen in many parts of Greece.

As a consequence of successive waves of conquests, Hellenism has been subject to several racial intermarriages that obviously influenced racial homogeneity of modern Greeks, but as the general Makrigiannis (1794-1864), a hero of the Greek Revolution against Ottomans, poetically


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mentioned, “all beasts try to devour Greeks, but they can’t; the yeast remains”. The Greek distinctiveness was saved because of its language, its way of life ("τρόπος του βίου”,生き方), its meaning given to world and to life, all interlinked to Orthodox Christianity from a specific historical period and onwards.

The Ottoman Domination era and the War of independence (1453-1821 AD) During the 14th century, the Ottomans Turks invaded the Balkans and Asia Minor. Constantinople finally fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which marked the end of the Byzantine period. Constantinople was renamed Istanbul. The Ottoman state was a theocracy and its political system was based on hierarchy with the Sultan at the top, who had absolute divine rights. The Ottoman Empire had, for various reasons, a much decentralized administration, designated by local military leaders, which in later years was divided into regions ruled by “Pashas".

Orthodox priests and Christian primates collected taxes and maintained order. However, the Greek Orthodox Church was also greatly responsible for keeping the Greek language and traditions alive during the nearly four centuries of Turkish occupation. Although mostly debated by contemporary historians as a historic fact and currently conceived as a “myth”, the most enduring national narrative is that of Secret School (“κρυφό σχολιό”) according to which, Greeks usually priest teachers have had secretly organized small, underground schools for the education of their children (especially during the first two centuries of Ottoman occupation). These schools were said to have convened in churches or monasteries, usually at night, due to alleged suppression (and, in some cases, total prohibition) of education, by the Ottomans, among their subject peoples.

Nikolaos Gyzis, The Secret School, 1885–86

After 400 years of Ottoman rule, the modern state of Greece came into existence after a hard fought and bitter decade long war of independence. The rebellion defined by the phrase ελευθερία ή θάνατος (freedom or death), originally dated to 1814 with the activities of the “Philikí Etaireia” or the Friendly Brotherhood, and signified the Greeks' commitment to achieving their independence. The formal revolt began in March 25 of 1821 in Kalavryta at the Monastery of Agia Lavra. The independence of Greece was formally declared in January 1822 while the newly established Greek state, was founded in 1828.

Commentary on Byzantine era and Ottoman occupation According to Ch. Giannaras (theologist, philosopher and historian), the gradual cultural re-linkage of Hellenism with its past, the ancient Greek ideal established in the 11th century along with the conquest of a pure Greek consciousness accomplished during the last Byzantine epoch, have set up the signaling of the independent state declaration after the Greek revolution against Ottomans.

Greek cultural continuity, becoming through the advent of ages a fusion of Western and Eastern elements, has ever been a dynamic phenomenon linked to the Greek language and national consciousness, whose maintenance undoubtedly reflects an act of resistance. 2

World War II Greece fell to Germany in 1941. This invasion resulted in the destruction of ancient sites, large scale executions and massacres by the Nazis. Resistance movements, the so-called (Εθνική Αντίσταση, "National Resistance") against the Nazis sprang up and were divided between a royalist (EDES) and communist movement (EAM). Some of the fiercest resistance took place on


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the island of Crete where many villages which had been part of the Cretan resistance were totally destroyed by the Germans. Greece suffered enormously from the German occupation. Famine and severe inflation developed by late 1943. Intense guerrilla warfare was waged by many organized resistance groups throughout the country. In September 1944 German morale collapsed due to the Greek powerful resistance and soldiers’ bravery. Gradually troops were withdrawn from various parts of the country, allowing the EAM and ELAS to liberate new towns and cities. Athens was liberated on October 12th and celebrations embraced everything.

Greece after World War II As if Greece had not suffered enough during World War II, a civil war started thereafter between the royalists and communists. The royalists had significant financial assistance from the United States in order to prevent a communism taking control of Greece. The United States implemented a document known as the “Certificate of Political Reliability” which declared that the holder did not have left-wing sympathies. It became obligatory to have this certificate otherwise Greek people were hampered in gaining employment. This civil war lasted until 1949 when the royalists claimed victory.

On April 21, 1967 a group of army colonels staged a coup d’état that resulted to a Junta which was characterized by repression, brutality upon the people, censorship and political incompetence. The Junta enjoyed the support and investments on the part of the United States which continued to operate in a sphere characterized by extreme fear of communism. The Junta collapsed in 1974 following the assassination of 20 students-rebellions by government who were lodging protests.

Restoration of Democracy and Greek Politics in the Era of Economic Crisis In 1974 the Third Greek republic was established and a subsequent stable and consolidated democratic political system, called “Metapolitefsi”, was developed.

The causes of the present situation go back to the past decades and are linked to “bureaucratic clientelism” and corruption, the populist practices of the Greek political parties, the inefficiency of the state machine. Patronage and corruption, the inefficiency of the public sector, the weakness of civil society and eventually the huge foreign debt of the country are associated with the individualistic manner political parties performed and with their special relationship with the state aimed at satisfying their own interests. During Metapolitefsi a methodic de-hellenization of consciousness was revealed at the level of language, history and religious/metaphysical search of divine. The complete decline of nation’s moral pillar and primary principles accomplished during the last 35 years, with unforeseen effects, reflects Greek nations’ trembling of cultural identity and ethos.

Part 2

The liturgical and spiritual Greek ethos Greek mythology, the ancient Greek philosophy and Shinto The Greek mythology had become fully developed by about the 700s BC and consists mainly of diverse stories and legends about a variety of gods. Three classic collections of myths—


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Theogony (from the Greek word Θεογονία, the genesis of God) by the poet Hesiod and the Iliad and the Odyssey by the poet Homer appeared at about that time. The Greek gods resembled humans in form and showed human feelings. Greek mythology did not involve special revelations or spiritual teachings, but it rather emphasized the weakness of humans in contrast to the great and terrifying powers of nature.

Athena, Goddess of wisdom and war

The Greeks believed that their gods, who were immortal, controlled all aspects of nature and acknowledged that their lives were completely dependent on the good will of the gods. The polytheistic system in the Greek mythology reflecting the pluralistic universe, although containing no spiritual concepts, such as Shinto, and discriminating human being from divinity, reveals humanity’s initial intuitive understanding of life and death.

Shinto narrative about the two primal parents, the male Izanagi and his consort Izanami in Yomi is very similar to the Greek narrative about descent into Hades. Izanami's entrapment in Yomi, having eaten the food there, is reminiscent of Persephone's predicament after eating the

pomegranate seeds. Persephone's winter absence is strongly suggested by the autumnal and vernal matsuri for Izanami. Izanagi's descent into Yomi to rescue Izanami, and his failure on account of disobeying the command not to look at her, is highly reminiscent of Orpheus and Eurydice.

According to Shinto, Nature is divine spirit. Divine spirit did not make the universe, but

is the universe.4 There might be a Shinto correlation with Aristotle’s analysis (a great philosopher, student of Plato, 384-322 BC) about φύσις (Physis) or “nature”. Physis is an internal principle of change of a living thing that explains its capacity to undergo alteration while retaining its species identity.5

Plato and Aristotle in The School of Athens

Aristotle constructed his view of the Universe based on an intuitive felling of holistic harmony. Central to this philosophy was the concept of teleology or final causation. He supposed that individual objects (e.g. a falling rock) and systems (e.g. the motion of the planets) subordinate their behavior to an overall plan or destiny.

In this sense, Aristotle’s notion of nature refers to an internal set of capacities for change arising from the species or kind to which an individual belongs. Physis, according to Aristotle may reflect the inner universal power of co-operation and co-ordination in Nature interrelating with the universal oneness. Aristotle does not use the word Kami or divine spirit in his analysis of Physis, but this could be a terminology rather than a principle differentiation about Nature.

Being one with the universe, man carries the inner power to co-operate in Nature and thus, Japanese people created an admirable perpetually existing forest in 1920, in the middle of Metropolis, the so-called Meiji Jingu forest, where Meiji Shrine was inaugurated to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The dense green forest created within a limited urban


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area, is offering urban residents a quiet place to rest and heal and it seems that it is the place where divine spirits reside and rule over the life of all things.

Orthodox theology, Christian ethics and Shinto The aim of religion always has been to lighten humanity’s earthly burdens by causing self-consciousness to realize spiritual values and elucidatng the soul, which is the foundation of everything. There are vertical conceptual differences between Shinto and Orthodox theology. Shinto is a preparation for life; religions are the preparation for death (theosis).4

To orthodox theology, being a dualistic system, life has a materialistic sinful element separating it from divine spirit, while death has a sacred significance of the soul leaving earthly temptations to the realm of spiritual purity. By contrary, Shinto’s dominating interest self-development in the living universe on a divine’ spirit objective.4

Christianity has been very important to Greek identity since Byzantine era and onwards, spiritually nourishing the nation and establishing its Holy tradition. Christian ethics is ‘a revelation of God’. The morality of the ecclesial person is restored to its real existential dimensions of freedom from death. It is a morality revelatory of true life.

Furthermore, the Christian dogma has been for the Greek nation the transcendence from the ego-centric way of life ("τρόπος του βίου”, 生き方) to the “κατ’αλήθειαν τρόπον του βίου“ (true way of life, 誠の道). It is extremely important herein to mention that the Greek word for truth is α-λήθεια, meaning the absence of oblivion which was obviously signaling the remembering of Greek identity.

Christian doctrine has ever been firmly interlinked to the Byzantine literature and musical tradition (liturgy, hymnology). Paschal

troparion (hymn) on Christ resurrection “θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας” (death was defeated by death), offers eternal “eudaimonia” by eternal freedom. Christian belief therefore may deliberate humankind from the fear of death and thus may confer to the self-abandonment in case of patriotic needs.

Purification in ancient Greece, the Christian baptism and Misogi All Religious Practices are Vehicles to Purification and Spiritual Growth. However, the symbolic rites of purification differ from one revelation to another. Water is usually used to purify the body but purification is not only limited to the physical, but transcends that to another dimension. Purification of the heart enables the senses to function beyond their physical limits and the preparation of the spirit to receive spiritual nourishment from the higher source within and around. In ancient Greece, Miasma (contagion) was believed to be contagious and dangerous. Certain events, actions, places and people in particular

http://fdathanasiou.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/ceb4ceb7cebcceb9cebfcf85cf81ceb3ceb9ceb1-3-e1277217881589.jpg


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states were said to inflict Miasma upon others with whom they came into contact. Thus the purification rituals were specific to whichever form of Miasma had been contracted. Katharmos (purification) were the special cleansing rites that had the ability to expel the corruption and discord of particular types of Miasma and restore the innate harmony of purity. The rituals of Katharmos differed from Cult to Cult and from region to region. The Eleusinian Mysteries dedicated to Demeter and her doughter Persephone are the oldest of the Mysteries in Greece, sharing rituals and beliefs with Egypt, Crete, Anatolia, and Thrace, with roots deep in the Neolithic age. The Mysteries at Eleusis, called ta Mysteria, lasted almost two thousand years, from approximately 1450 BCE to 392 CE.6 The rites at Eleusis were considered essential to the survival of humanity. Demeter’s rites enshrined the natural laws of the birth, growth, death, and regeneration of humans, the crops, and all nature. An initiate of the Mysteries would undergo physical, emotional, and spiritual cleansing in preparation for the main part of the ritual. The Greater Eleusinian Mysteries had a pre-requisite purification ceremony at the Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries that had to be attended prior to entry at Eleusis almost a year later. This form of Katharmos involved the ritual of dance, music, bathing in the sea combined with the rite of Pharmakos (the ritual sacrifice of a pig) to Demetra (Godess of agriculture and fertility) that represented the death and purification of the initiate. The music, the dance, the salt sea water, the fires of the torches and the sacrifices were all purification ceremony elements. In Orphic Mysteries ascetic practices were adopted (e.g. abstinence from eating animal flesh) for the purpose of purging evil and cultivating the Dionysian side of the human character. Both Eleusis and the Orphics taught of the Katharmos that was so closely associated with the soul's journey to the Underworld after life.

In the Holy Bible Jesus used the "eye" as a symbol for spiritual awareness. Orthodoxy claims baptism cleanses a person from all sins committed both by himself and his ancestors. For the Orthodox tradition the purpose of Holy Baptism is:

To remove the consequences of the 'original sin' (Adam's original sin affects the human race in its entirety, and it has consequences both on the physical and the moral level: it, results not only in sickness and physical death, but in moral weakness and paralysis).

To unite the person to Church, and to open the door of salvation and eternal life to him or her.

Water Baptism brings about spiritual rebirth

Orthodox rebirth /spiritual purification is only attained for whom is united with Christ. Orthodox liturgical practice of confession and reception of Holy Communion (“eucharist) as mystical communion of men with God may reflect the spiritual regeneration.

In Shinto, Misogi (禊), the cleansing ritual under a sacred mountain’s waterfall, reflects the purification of all senses and impurities while reviving the spirit/heart/kokoro (心) and unifying it with the universal Kami(s). Misogi (禊) is performed to set ourselves free from our ego while becoming unified with the universe for spiritual regeneration. Shinto purification rituals regenerate the limitless human potential and self-creative power while reinforcing moral cultivation of mind and heart.

http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/pain1.htm


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Cleansed kokoro (心) cannot be attained through theoretical knowledge, but only through experience; thus, cleansing of impurities is undoubtedly a perpetual, beyond religious faith, personal responsibility lasting the whole life.

Part 3

Greek warrior’s ethos and Reflections on Bushido Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC)

• It is worthy to commemorate herein the legacy of Battle of Thermopylae (Central Greece) in 480 BC. As a tribute to Sparta’s military prowess, the great commander Leonidas, king of Sparta, was chosen as a military leader for his underlined capability to lead the combined Greek forces determined to resist the Persian invasion. A huge army of Persians consisted of about 150.000 men was on the march to conquer Greece. A small force of Greeks blocked the only path by which massive Persian army could pass, the narrow pass of Thermopylae. A local resident named Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks

by revealing a small path that led Persian troops behind the Greek lines. Leonidas, aware that his force was being outflanked, dismissed the bulk of the Greek army and remained to guard the rear with an elite unit of 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, 400 Thebans and perhaps a few hundred others, most of whom were killed. However, Persian willing to die for the glory of the Persian Great King Xerxe, came up against the most efficient killing machine in history willing to die for their country. Spartans were obviously defeated, every single soldier was killed. However, the battle has been a symbol of heroic resistance. A king died and a legend was born.

Ancient Greek warrior armor Spartan Hoplites (weapon carting warriors) were armed with long spears, called doru. Doru were around 7 – 9 feet in length, although this varied. Greek warriors carried their spears in their right hands and their shields

strapped to their left. Holding the spear underarm may have been optimal for the front line of the phallanxs while Hoplites in the second and third ranks would almost certainly have made overarm thrusts. The rear rows held their spears in an underarm grip, and raising them upwards on an angle to provide an extra defense against incoming missiles. It was also used by the back ranks to dispatch fallen enemies as the phalanx advanced over them when they held their spears in the upright position.

Ancient Greek warriors also carried short swords, called xiphos, as a secondary weapon. They were used when spears snapped or were lost in combat. The xiphos usually has about a 2 foot blade; however the Spartans blades were often only 1 – 1.5 feet long. This shorter xiphos would be advantageous in the press that occurred in the front row when two phalanxes smashed together. In this crush of men there was no room to use a longer sword; however a short sword could be thrust through gaps in the enemy's shieldwall and into an unprotected groin, armpit or throat. Smaller xiphos would have been particularly useful during the Peloponnesian War (431 BC - 404 BC) when many hoplites began using lighter armor, even abandoning it, in favor of mobility.

Comparison of Spartan soldiers and Samurai Both Feudal Japan and Ancient Sparta are renowned for their outstanding soldiery. Each had distinctly different military styles owing to the differences in their lifestyles and beliefs. Both


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techniques were extremely successful in developing a fighting force that was the elite of their times. Spartans were taught military discipline, obedience, toughness and endurance while they did not consider the arts of reading and writing necessary. Boys learned the Iliad and songs of war and religion; however, running, wrestling, and wielding a weapon with grace and accuracy were believed to be much more important. The Spartan was a professional soldier and nothing else, and his

education was directed entirely to two ends, physical fitness and obedience to authority. Within these two margins the Spartan soldier was superbly capable. Spartans viewed themselves as the true inheritors of the Greek tradition, ready to die for the state. Discipline, simplicity, and self-denial always remained ideals in the Greek word. It is interesting to note that all images of the Spartan gods are armed (Artemis, Apollo, etc).

The samurai (bushi, 武士) were not mere fighting men; they were to serve as examplars of moral virtue and symbols of the nation as a whole.7

They were held to foster fighting skills while endeavoring to literary skills (music, painting, calligraphy etc) not only for their own sake, but as means to a sublime goal: the completion, the fulfillment of one’s human potential. The philosophy of Bushido is “freedom from fear.” It meant that the Samurai transcended his fear of death. Although there were great differences in the two methods, the basic premise was the same ultimate duty. The Japanese samurai obeyed his lord unto death, the Spartan soldier obeyed his state unto death. In combat, the fear of injury or death poses a severe handicap. Warriors in Medieval Japan were seeking to transcend their corporeal fears; many of the warriors were confronted with death by means of spiritual purification such as Shugendo training centers on ascetic rites.7

In ancient Greece the religious rituals, prepared the warrior for the desired status necessary to fight effectively. Spartans had a strong belief in Oracles given by women priestess, believed to be possessed by Apollo, and in nocturnal sacrifice rituals before the battle. The distinctiveness of Spartan religion emerges from the power of prophecy, the sanctity of sanctuaries and festivals,

the threat of divine punishment. Expiation of murder and initiation into war can both be called purification. Being pure, was of significant importance to the Ancient Greek spirit and warrior’s morality.8

It is obvious that confronting death is the ultimate goal of a warrior who irrespective of different military systems or beliefs needs to be involved in the ritual of purification so as to attain self-denial in combat which undoubtedly requires soul, body and mind/spirit unification through religious faith.

The motto “freedom or death” and the Greek anthem Eleftheria i thanatos (Ελευθερία ή θάνατος), "freedom or death") is the motto of Greece. As mentioned above, it arose during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, where Greeks rebelled against Ottoman rule. The motto symbolizes the rebellion of the people of Greece


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against tyranny and oppression which has also transcended the Greek warrior ethos and the Greek way of life ("τρόπος του βίου”, 生き方), during the turbulent periods of the 20th century’s world wars and Asia Minor debacle (1922-1923).There is a popular theory regarding the use of 9 stripes in the Greek flag representing the nine syllables of the motto. It should be mentioned herein that religious faith (crucifix) is included within the Greek emblem, while blue and white are our emblematic colors of the Greek nature, the sea.

The Hymn to Liberty or Hymn to Freedom (Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν), a poem written by Dionysios Solomos in 1823, is used as the national anthem of Greece and reflects Greek ethos at its sublime existence.

Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψη I know you from the blade του σπαθιού την τρομερή, of your mighty sword, σε γνωρίζω από την όψη I know you from the violence που με βία μετράει τη γη. that scarred the Earth.

Απ' τα κόκαλα βγαλμένη From sacred bones των Ελλήνων τα ιερά, of the holiest Greeks, και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, and as the bravest did before us χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά! Hail, Hail, Freedom!

Monument of the Unknown Soldier and Yasukunii Shrine The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the bottom of a high wall surrounding the Parliament Building in Athens, has been erected in 1932 to dignify and venerate the dead soldiers from the battles of the Greek nation from the past to the present time. The symbolism of the enshrined soldiers’ sacrifice to serve institutions, democracy and freedom is obvious.

On this wall there is a relief that depicts a fallen soldier and the inscription from Pericles' funeral oration (Επιτάφιος, Epitaph/ on the grave): “ΑΝΔΡΩΝ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΩΝ ΠΑΣΑ ΓΗ ΤΑΦΟΣ” (For excellent men the whole earth is their grave).

Pericles (495-429 BC) was the most distinguished citizen in Athens and the leader of Athenian democracy for more than 30 years. Among his achievements, which established Athens as the political and cultural center of Greece was the erection of Acropolis, Parthenon etc, while his era became known as “the Golden Age of Pericles” (second half of 5th century BC).

According to an ancient custom Athenians organized a public funeral ceremony in honor of all those who had died in war. The remains of the dead were left out for three days in a tent, where offerings could be made. Then a funeral procession was held, with ten cypress coffins carrying the remains, one for each of the Athenian tribes. There was also an empty coffin dedicated to the “unknown soldier”, whose bones have not been found. The last part of the ceremony was a speech delivered by a prominent Athenian citizen, chosen for his value and excellence.


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Pericles’ speech “Epitaphios” was held in 430 BC for the public burial ceremony dedicated to the first citizens killed during the first year of the Peloponese war (civil war between Athens and Sparta 430-401 BC) which ended by Athens’ destruction).

In his speech, which was immortalized by his contemporary most famous historian Thoukidides, Pericles called Athens the “educator of Greece” and named its government prototype model “Democracy”, that copies none but it is the exemplar for the others. He said that Athens’ citizens cultivate philosophy without becoming lazy.

He went on by describing all aspects of citizen’s way of life and praised those “braves” who had a deep sense of duty, righteousness and honor in everything they undertook, and found the courage to sacrifice themselves for their country. Every one of them received immortal praise and glorious grave, metaphorically indicating their respectful commemoration by those who will honor them irrespective of their homeland grave in which they lay now, because “for excellent men, the whole earth is their grave”.

Pericles' Funeral Oration

Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社) (“Pacification of the Nation”) keeps alive memories of war and death. This edifice honors and enshrines the spirits of all those who have died in Japan’s modern wars during the last 200 years. Such as Pericles, the illuminated governor of ancient Greece, honored the citizens who died in war, Meiji Emperor, the illuminated governor of Japan (1868-1912) visited Yasukunii shrine in 1895 to honor those who died for the country from the Edo period and onwards, including the Japan-China war (2.460.000 deads / spirits, the civil war as well as the Japan-Russian war. Meiji Emperor honored all simple people were enshrined into the Yasukunii shrine by reading all their names (!). Meiji emperor was not only interested in heroes, but showed respect to every simple person who died for the country and this reflects its illuminated governance. Women warriors and their supportive role against invaders

Women strongly participated in the Greek revolution as fighters themselves. Laskarina Bouboulina, the naval commander heroine, who bought arms on her own expense, brought them secretly to Spetses in her ships, to fight "for the sake of nation." Manto Mavrogenous, a rich and very well educated woman who studied ancient Greek philosophy, history and spoke French, Italian and Turkish fluently, spent all her fortune for the Hellenic cause, while under her leadership the people

of Mykonos defended bravely their island against enemy forces. An unknown number of women participated in battles, both on land and at sea. Although Greek women knew how to use weapons to defend themselves, there were two mountain areas, Souli and Mani, where they used weapons to fight against their enemies. In the pre-revolution period, when Ali Pasha of Joannina northwest Greece (the region where I was born) attacked the villages of Souli (1792-1804), 22 women and their children singing and dancing a song of liberty threw themselves in a gorge; they preferred to die rather than be arrested and raped by their enemies which reflects the motto


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Eleftheria i thanatos. Their heroism commemorated as “Χορός του Ζαλόγκου” (the dancing of Zalogo) was a vital inspiration for women and played an important role in their participation in the Greek Revolution. Women strongly participated in "National Resistance" movements against Nazis in the period 1941–1944, during World War II. In the beginning, women resisted by playing supportive roles in the non-military sphere. They provided food and clothing for the combatants and the hungry citizens, including war orphans. During the winter of 1941-1942 women were the main organizers of food banks in many cities, and saved many thousands of Greeks from starving to death. Moreover, the women administered local clinics and public schools, and organized cultural activities and seminars on woman issues. In fact, prominent women served as role models in certain circles, and their writings in Resistance bulletins were influential, especially among the literate (Woman mobilization).9

Women of the National Resistance also took care of the wounded and buried the dead. Many of these women buried their husbands, brothers, sons and daughters who were killed on the battlefield or executed by enemy firing squads. Women also participated in armed resistance units of the National Popular Liberation Army (ELAS). In the armed units these young women had to learn how to perform military salutes, how to live

under harsh conditions, as well as how to use firearms and protect themselves from enemy fire. Some served as weapons' instructors, where they instructed other resistance fighters how to dismantle and reassemble rifles or machine guns (Woman mobilization). The movement for Greece's liberation from Axis forces and social reconstruction could not have been successful without the dynamic and enthusiastic participation of women in cultural, as well as military organizations of the National Resistance. Reflections on Bushido and its importance in the modern era As it is nicely displayed on the painting exhibited in Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery （絵画館）, a big event on the early Meiji era happened on 1868. A war, which would be a full destruction and would delay Japan’s evolution for 100 years, was avoided owing to negotiations between representatives of imperial troops and former Tokugawa Shogun. Further to a discussion/negotiation made between Saigo Takamori (imperial part, left) and Katsukaeshiu (Tokugawa part, right), it was decided not to make war, which certainly signaled the birth of a new era for modern Japan, the illuminated and prosperous era of Meiji emperor.

Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Inspired by Saigo’s Takamoto pacifistic decision, it is considered of utmost importance to examine the modern evolution of bushidō (武士道), the ethical code of a “warrior” in the modern era10, as well as to determine the effectiveness of mere sword techniques in case of contemporary war, when struggling against highly developed missile systems. To my opinion, a relatively pacifistic interpretation of bushidō (武士道) would be the cultivation of self and national consciousness nowadays. Tesshu, the outstanding samurai in Japan’s turbulent times, realized that: “As a samurai I must strengthen my character, as a human being I must strengthen my spirit”.11 Attain a true victory is broadening understanding of true virtue, exclusive reliance on technique cannot lead us

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II


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anywhere. Aiming at personal development of virtues and possessing an imperturbable mind with unyielding determination reflect the contemporary samurai’s “purity of character” challenged with the mode of living rather than transcending the fear of death. In Japanese Bujutsu (武術) the relation between mind, body and soul while applying a technique is extraordinary. Unifying body robustness (body strength), with dignity and bravery (mind/soul/intellectual power) should be the model of how to live, the behavior guide, and the absolute standard for ethics that leads to happiness and beauty.12 Current society is anesthetized and lifeless as never before; bushido by its morality and ethical code can help revive the overwhelming moral vaccum and materialism. Spiritual fortification is the way to fill society’s emptiness with meaningful orientation.

Further and beyond self development / consciousness, Bushidō presents a possibility to define a “national ethic” that is based on historical and religious ideals focused on determining its specific historical roots. The rediscovery of an ethnic past furnishes vital memories, values, symbols, and myths, without which nationalism would be powerless. But those myths, symbols, values and memories have popular resonance because they are founded on living traditions of the people and they invoke presumed kinship and residence ties to underpin the authenticity of the unique cultural values of the community.13

Patriotism should be known as the greatest of virtues, despite the fact that the term is facing a conceptual distortion by extreme nationalists. In Greece, we must understand the great urgency for reviving our ancestors’ spirit and warriors’ ethos. Illuminated leadership should re-establish national morality and unified acting against foreign threats. That could be defined as the modern “Greek Bushidō”. Personal training in Budo and relation with Shiseikan (至誠館) There has been a rich educational awakening in my life since I met INABA sensei (1999), our valuable teacher. The moral values of dignity and sincerity, along with courage, which my compassionate mother transmitted to me, were seeking a solid environment, the way (道) to be supported, and further developed. Japanese Budo conferred to me the way to defend my identity and principles, my true way of living ("τρόπος του βίου”, 生き方). Besides the cultivation of soul, mind and body, budo has enhanced my determination in life. Growing up and assessing maturation within the westernized, individualistic, mutated environment of Greece, I was often overwhelmed by demoralization. Budo has


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been the way to keep concentration (中心) on assessing my goals. Shiseikan people, represent the ideal society I would wish to live and co-operate with, where institutions and moral principles are being respected, spiritual growth is nourished, while spirit and soul are cultivated.

Budo is keeping deepening and fortifying my consciousness of my linkage with Greek heritage, our history and tradition. Now that our nation is suffering from cultural cleavage, budo is more than ever necessary as a cultural continuity awakening vehicle transmitting the Greek way of living ("τρόπος του βίου”, 生き方) to the next generations.

Part 4

Personal view on Greek nation’s metamorphosis From the illustrious ancestors to the cultural decay – Is catastrophy a chance to revive Greek nation? Often the hardships of progress deter man from continuing to advance; when the creative impetus is suppressed, demoralization, and decay destroy the nations which turn to mechanistic mode of being. Creative action imposes that man must devise ways of sustaining his self-confidence and maintaining his moral courage.4

During the ancient times, Greece illuminated the whole world with the establishment and dissemination of a “social-centric” model beyond borders. Byzantium, although dominated Ancient Greek tradition of the pluri-theistic faith and philosophical schools, conferred the Christian religious faith seeking for the truth way of life ("τρόπος του βίου”,生き方). Helladic world as a historical entity nourished pan-humanistic needs during 3.500 years. Civilization is created by citizens’ needs. During the last decades Greece has become a member of the European Union and Eurozone, and Hellenism is mimicking the Western model, mainly ego-centric; nation’s identity, therefore, has been gradually atrophied and left into lethargy. “Neo-Greeks” saturated materialistic needs; the illusionary “freedom of choice” overwhelmed our national consciousness, historical heritage and language. Contemporary historians comment on a possible historical end of Hellenism.

The problem is firstly political. Heraclitus, the most important of pre-Socratic philosophers (6th century BC), believed that the way of ruling is the way of coexisting. Aristotle in his political ethics says: “Ορθώς διανοείτε δια του ορθώς επικοινωνείν” (Orthos dianoeite dia tou orthos epikoinonein), meaning that right communication derives from right thinking/contemplation. To my opinion, the effective contemporary ruling chain should lean on right thinking nourishing right communication which ends up to right coexisting and harmonious cooperation. Individualism is the worst form of mental torture.4 Eventually right thinking derives from right education. Education is the main pillar for national eudaimonia”(happiness and beauty).

Ancient Greek language, the linguistic root of the contemporary Greek language, was very rich in its analytical as well as synthetic potentiality. New generations do not learn ancient Greek and thus they have limited knowledge of their mother language and restricted expression skills. The language is suffering from a tremendous distortion of utilitarian “Greeklish” and new generations tend to forget the language and its cultural load. It is surprising that Japanese language empowered with such a synthetic potential suffers from the same distortion!


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We need to feed Greek human spirit with nation’s symbols by teaching our history, philosophy, poetry, music; the educational system should be re-established, focusing on new generations’ maturity that is based on critical thinking and self-creative power.

Empress Shoken (1850 - 1914) not only supported the Emperor behind the scenes with the utmost sincerity and faithfulness, but also devoted herself to promoting national welfare and cultivating women's education by establishing the Tokyo National Woman’s School in 1875. She was also concerned about world affairs, and she donated a fund to the International Red Cross, which has been used for international welfare activities until today.

Women are responsible for educating their children on moral issues and character improvement, and undoubtedly play a crucial role in the foundation of new generations; the future of Greek society should focus on their education and role in the society. Great men and women’s character in the past and present has always been nurtured by the compassionate support and teaching of their mothers. Well educated women can be the initiative powerful seed in order to create a fertile society and “harvest” the social welfare for next generations. It is impressing that the Japanese language is using the kanji 女 to create words like initiate (始まる), or 安心 (peace of mind, relief), reflecting the initiative power of women or their ability to provide relief.

Excellent men leadership, endowed with extraordinary sense of dignity and virtue is certainly needed to rule out the country, aiming to create a revived, well structured society. However, women are as essential as men for the continuation of human life and development of society and can take an active part in successfully defending their social milieu, contributing to the social and economic welfare of a nation.

Religion reinforces social values, by conveying the truth. Orthodox Christianity seems altogether absent. This matter is most serious because it directly concerns the existence of the Church as such, prior to all organizational patterns and institutions. Self-denial in combat requires soul, body and mind/spirit unification through religious faith. Orthodox church needs to restore and transmit the byzantine way of life ("τρόπος του βίου”, 生き方); the church needs to replace moralization with education of ancient byzantine texts and rich byzantine music to enhance Greek nation’s spirituality and faith.

Civilization reflects the nation’s needs. The old is dying; we need to struggle to give birth to the novel. Greeks, while satisfying their materialistic needs became lazy and surrendered their souls to oblivion (λήθη). This crisis may be our opportunity to re-acquire our sincerity, α-λήθεια (absence of oblivion), our true way of life ("τρόπος του βίου”,生き方) and determination. Nation’s identity based on our strong and long cultural heritage will hopefully prevail.

Literature 1 N. Malkoutzis. The Greek Crisis and the Politics of Uncertainty, 2011 2 Ch. Giannaras. The Historic Horizon, article in Greek 3 The History of Greece, Hellenic Foundation for Preservation of Greek history and culture. http://www.hellenicfoundation.com/History.htm)


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4 J.W.T Mason. The meaning of Shinto 5 Aristotle’s Physics. 193b21-22 6 Keller ML. The Ritual Path of Initiation into the Eleusinian Mysteries. Rosicrucian Digest, 2009; 2:28-42 7 K. Friday with Seki Humitake. Legacies of the sword, 1997 8 DW. Croft. The Practice and Function of Religion in the Military of Ancient Greece, 1988 9 PD. Chimbos. Women of the 1941-44 Greek Resistance Against the Axis: An Historical and Sociological Perspective. Atlantis, 2003; 28:1 10 Benesch O. Bushido: the creation of a martial ethic in late Meiji Japan. Thesis in the Faculty of Graduate Studies (Asian Studies), University of British Columbia, Vancouver. 11 J. Stevens. The Sword of No-Sword,1994 12 Inaba Minoru. Researching Japanese Budo, Meiji Hingu Budojo Shiseikan textbook no 5, 2006 13 A. Danos. Nikolaos Gyzis's The Secret School and an Ongoing National Discourse.

Documents

to resist ethnic calamities and maintain national integrity · the 18th and 19th centuries, the shrine becamea central place of pilgrimage. Located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, close