Nakashima Sensei: May She Rest In Peace

Nakashima sensei (center)

It was during the fall of 1996. After several months of looking for a credible person to teach me about Japanese gardens, a store owner of a local bonsai store gave me the phone number of a lady, who did a presentation about Japanese gardens at the University of Illinois. Her name was Dr. Ikka Nakashima.

I vividly remember my first conversation with her on the phone. Her Japanese accent was difficult to understand at first, but I managed to understand most of what she said. I was disappointed to hear she no longer did Japanese garden presentations at the university. Instead, she taught Chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) at her house. When she detected my disappointment, she told me I could learn much about the gardens through Chanoyu.

“Chanoyu and Chaniwa (tea garden) same spirt,” she told me several times. “Both are harmony,” she continued. “You come next week to see, I no charge tuition first time,okay?”

Without hesitation, I accepted her invitation and attended my first Chanoyu class that following week .

It took me a little more than an hour to reach her house in Chicago’s north side, but it seemed much shorter because of my combined excitement and anticipation. With my Zafu (Japanese Zen meditation cushion) under one arm and my Zabutan (meditation mat) rolled under the other, I pressed the doorbell. Nobody answered. After a minute or so, I pressed it again. Still nobody answered. I clenched my fist to knock on the door when suddenly, it slowly opened.

A short lady with dark black hair and very pale skin appeared as the door opened. She looked up at me with a big smile, bent forward and nodded. Awkwardly, I nodded in return.

    

“Hello Mrs. Nakashima,” I said. “I’m Rex, the one who talked with you on the phone last week.”

    

“Ahso, Hai,” she replied in Japanese. “Please come in Alex.”

“Did she not hear me correctly?” I thought.  It wasn’t until she repeated my name several times more that I realized she couldn’t pronounce the letter “R” with words that began with “R.”  Instead, she pronounced the letter “L” with a brief “Ah” in front of it, much like how Filipinos interchange their “F” and “P”s.

She looked at what I was holding under my arms and smiled. “You won’t need those,” she said. “Chanoyu is not zazen. Our meditation is not sitting. It is moving meditation,” she continued as she smiled.

She had me take my shoes off and instructed me to place them neatly against the wall facing outward so that I can easily slip back into them on my way out. We then entered the house and sat down as she gave me a brief introduction to Chanoyu. After about twenty minutes, her students began filtering in to attend class.

There were five people including myself that night. Four of us were the guests and the fifth person was the host. He was the person who performed the actual ceremony, which included the making and serving of tea.

Inside the tea room, us four guests sat on our knees next to each other as we watched the host carefully and gracefully prepare tea like I’ve never seen before. Every movement he made was precise and graceful. I knew right then that Chanoyu involved a great level of discipline. Unfortunately, just when I began experiencing the serenity of the ceremony, a million ants seemed to fill every crevice of my feet.

I was not used to sitting on my knees, so after only ten minutes, the discomfort associated with one’s legs falling asleep overtook me. Thankfully, I was allowed to sit cross legged for the remainder of that night. At the end of the evening, I was so impressed that I enrolled in her classes.

Two years into my training with her, she helped make it possible for me to travel to Kyoto, Japan to attend an intensive course on Japanese gardens geared specifically for international students. After returning from Japan, I continued with my Chanoyu training. After my third year of training, an opportunity to work for master gardener, Hoichi Kurisu, in Florida came my way. Naturally, I seized the opportunity and move my family to Florida.

With the new opportunity, also came the end of my Chanoyu training with Nakashima sensei. I kept touch with her through hand written letters and an occasional visit or phone call. Of the several people who made an impact in my life, she is definitely one I will never forget. Sadly, I learned today of her recent death.

She was more than a Chanoyu teacher to me, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for her. When we first met, I was still dealing with the fresh and heavy pains of losing my parents and sister. She was there to both comfort me and encourage me to move forward in life. She always referred to me as her “boy.” When she asked me how I was, she would say, “How’s my boy doing?” Even with others, I heard her refer to me as such.

She taught me about the importance of living what we believed through our actions, living each day in the present moment, choosing a path in life that serves others, selflessness, compassion, dedication, and discipline. She was a living example of someone who lived a life of vocation; a life that centered on helping others.

She will be missed, but never forgotten. Her spirit will continue to live on through the good things she passed onto me and many others. May eternal rest be granted upon her, and may perpetual light shine upon her forever.

Inspirational Artifacts for Today’s Generation

My debut novel, “Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within,” is based on the premise that one’s cultural heritage could be a catalyst for personal and spiritual development. It combines real historical events and fictional storytelling to inspire readers towards realizing this idea. Recently, these ideas of connecting cultural heritage to personal development found their way into the world of historical artifacts. 

A few days before my book’s release in November, I learned about 10,000 Filipino artifacts inside the hidden vaults of the Chicago Field museum.  To my amazement, I discovered that roughly 4,000 of them are of Cordillera / Igorot origin. It happened during an event at the Chicago Field Museum called “Marae Encounter,” where the Chicago Filipino-American community met with the museum staff in the tradition of a Maori Marae encounter. During the event, I met Nepia Mahuika, an indigenous Maori from New Zealand. I never met a Maori, but what I knew of them earned my utmost respect.

Last year I helped promote the fund-raising event to helpthe indigenous Ainu of Japan travel to New Zealand so they can learn from the Maori how to better revitalize and ensure the survival of their dying culture. The thought of one indigenous culture learning from another intrigued me so much that I began doing some research on the Maori. I quickly became impressed by the Maori and their successful efforts to preserve their culture.

After listening to Nepia Mahuika’s inspiring speech that night, I had a conversation with him that followed with a haka lesson. He complimented me on my efforts to promote my Igorot heritage. I was so moved that I gave him my very first signed copy of my book. Because of him I became inspired to take an active role in promoting the artifacts that came from the land of my ancestors. On my way home, I began mentally forming what is now the 4K Breaths of Heritage Crusade.

With the help of my cousin, Maria Luz Fang-asan, and friends from abroad; I steeped myself in researching the first few artifacts featured in our website’s first gallery. In the process, I was surprised to discover that many present-day Igorots either have little knowledge of old artifacts or lack the interest to learn about them. Though surprising, the first doesn’t bother me because I know ignorance is simple to solve through education. The latter, however, is quite disturbing simply because “interest” is the foundation of anything worthwhile.   

I believe the greatest obstacle this project has in gaining the interest of many Igorots is the fact that they come from and represent our “old ways.” In general, society discourages traditional ways by labeling them “old fashion.” As a result, people easily to fall into the false notion that there’s no room in our modern society for the old ways. To combat this, I created Alex, my book’s main character.

Alex was anything but old fashioned. He was a contemporary and progressive man surrounded by material success. It took head-on collisions with events of old for him to realize how unsuccessful he truly was. By connecting with the historical past, he discovers the enlightened warrior within him and thus, becomes a better person.

Like the historical events in Alex’s journey, the 4,000 Cordillera / Igorot artifacts posses valuable things that can also help individuals connect with something within, thus helping them become a better person. It’s this “inward” connection that counts most. On the “outside” one can appear connected to their culture by their ability to speak, eat, and dress the part, but if they are disconnected from the core values and virtues of their heritage; they are essentially disconnected.  The artifacts can help us discover and connect with new meanings in our lives.

For example, some of my favorite artifacts are those that relate to the art of weaving native textiles. Things like the enabel (backstrap looms) and lilidsan (cotton gin), and pinakpagan (blanket) speak of a culture in where identity and meaning are woven into the mere fabrics of their souls. This is what sets them apart from today’s textile world. Personally, I draw particular inspiration from the symbols woven into the Bontoc fabrics. In fact, these symbols are the primary inspiration behind the magic blanket that takes Alex through his journey in my book.

Historically, the eye, human figure, spear, lizard, snake, and star have their own traditional meanings, but I applied a fictional touch by having them represent certain characteristic traits of Igorots. The eye represents cultural heritage, the human figure – life purpose, shield – courage, lizard – resilience, spear – bravery, snake – fortitude, and star – virtue. All of these things are important in life, yet are all too often ignored or taken for granted.

Another artifact that inspires me is the simple farming tools such as the Tinguian planting stick. In my book, I describe a group of women turning soil and how they find joy in it. How many of us can truly say we enjoy our work? Statistics in America say that the majority of Americans hate their jobs. Forbes says that 70% of Americans hate their jobs. This shouldn’t be. We should all strive to work hard and enjoy doing what we do.

In addition, the simplicity of life that these planting tools imply is desperately needed in today’s society. How much material “stuff” do we really need? We keep collecting stuff upon stuff upon stuff. Parents work double jobs just to keep up with the payments of their stuff, while quality time for children and spouse are unnecessarily sacrificed. It’s sad to see how materialism often plays a major role in the number of broken families and marriages today.

Strangely, as a devout Catholic, I also find inspiration in the artifacts that relate to our pagan origins such as the carved anito, bulul spirits and deities.  Many Cordillerans have converted to Christianity since the turn of the twentieth century. My mother was one of them. In fact, she was the first Christian in her family. Her father, a pagan priest, was the second as he was converted by my mother just prior to his death.  She rejected the old pagan practices and wanted nothing to do with them.

For a long time, I too shared her feelings, but the more I learn about our pagan ways; the more I appreciate the old adage “something is better than nothing.”  When I consider the rampant spread of narcissism, selfishness, and rejection of a supreme being in our society; I find consolation that my ancestors recognized something other than themselves. In fact, their beliefs and spiritual nature helps me appreciate the old ways while strengthening my personal Catholic faith.

If people allow themselves to appreciate these artifacts, they can discover new meaning and inspiration that not only draws them closer to their cultural heritage, but can ultimately help them become a better person. These 4,000 hidden Cordilleran / Igorot artifacts need the support of the generations that followed so that our indigenous cultural heritage can thrive as that of the Maori.

Kindly, take this moment to view the 4k Breaths of Heritage Crusade website to see how you can support their efforts.

The MLK of Igorotdo

When it comes to speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., most people only know his “I Have a Dream” speech.  They don’t know the other lesser-known, yet powerful ones. One of his most underrated speeches is the one about the “Three Dimensions of Life that Make Life Complete.” The three dimensions come from the twenty first chapter of the biblical book of Revelation. They are: 1) the length of life, 2) the breath of life, and 3) the height of life. 

MLK describes the length of life as “accepting ourselves and our tools.” The breath of life is the “outward concern for the welfare of others,” and finally, the height of life is the “upward reach for God.” In his words, “Now you got to have all three of these to have a complete life.”

Upon listening to his speech, which I’ve heard many years ago, I couldn’t help but reflect on my novel, “Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within.” Throughout the entire process of writing the book, MLK’s speech never came to mind. Yet, like the ebb and flow of tides; its words splash onto the literary shores of my story and pull its themes back into its body of meanings. When seen through the perspective of MLK’s speech, the novel bears strong similarities to the three dimensions of life.

In the book, Alex, the protagonist, encounters and inhabits various characters. These people help him re-connect to his estranged cultural heritage, resulting in the understanding of his “length of life.” These same characters, particularly the enlightened samurai, also help him discover the self-centeredness of his being and guide him to his “breath of life.” As both dimensions become a part of him, Alex’s “height of life” comes naturally, thus allowing him to become “complete.”

Read MLK's "Three Dimensions of a Complete Life" here.

The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life from Sweet Speeches on Vimeo.

Give the Gift of Culture and Positive Inspiration

Looking for something special to give to those special to you? Something other than the normal expected gift? How about a book that entertains, inspires and promotes the Igorot culture? This year, give "Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within."

Available online at:

Amazon.com (printed version)

Barnes & Noble .com (printed version)

Amazon.com (kindle eBook version)

Nook (eBook version)

Kobo (eBook version)

For more information about the book: 

www.rexcrisanto.com 

Reviews

"Part mystery, part moral tale and full-on adventure story . . . . unique read . . . a new and authentic genre-bending narrative: a spiritual adventure with a contemporary voice."

- Portland Book Review

Sometimes a book, no matter how well-written and easily read, is hard to pigeonhole. Is it a philosophical novel? A spiritual mystery? A fantasy? An examination of what it means to be human?

Rexcrisanto Delson's "Igorotdō: The Enlightened Warrior Within" is all of the above and more—a many-faceted character study of the value of cultural heritage and, ultimately, what it means to be a good person. It's an easy and fascinating read, which entertains as it broadens your mind.

- Anthropogist Floyd Largent Jr.

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A Trio of Inspiration

Ever since I began writing my book, Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within, I've wanted to inspire others to take stock in their own cultural heritage, whatever it may be.  When it comes to my own heritage, I've come to realize that many Igorots in America seem content with keeping our rich heritage to themselves or within their small Igorot circles of friends.  Every now and then, however, I am encouraged when organizations such as the BIBAK Youth San Diego organize events and activities that are geared to sharing their culture to the American public.  Knowing fully the difficulties involved in rallying others to share their cultural heritage; I find people such as those youth in San Diego more than inspiring.

The Trio behind The Connection Art Project:
Maggie Rife Ponce, Agustina Diez Sierra, Jaycee Gossett

I used to say, "What can be more inspiring than hearing about fellow Igorot-"Americans" sharing our culture with the world?"  Well, I stumbled upon an answer to that question two days ago when I attended the Connection Art Project cultural event by a group of three non-Igorot women.  I was simply amazed by their interest to promote both the Filipino and Igorot culture here in Chicago.

Can you imagine how I must have felt when I stepped out of the elevator to enter the event, only to receive the silent greetings of Kalinga Igorot women adorned in their tattoos and dressed in their native tapis? Even though they were on photo canvas, I still felt their welcoming greetings through their eyes and smiles.  As the event unfolded, I saw the Igorot culture through the eyes and vibrancy of these three women who traveled to Manila and Kalinga and put together the artistic documentary displayed that evening.

Two things impressed me most that night. First, I was taken by the story of Johann Oro, a Filipino-American, who like me, grew up in America and waited many years before connecting to his roots in the Philippines.  It's a story I know all too well.  Assimilation in America has a powerful way of ripping our roots out from under its indigenous soil. Every time I meet a Filipino kid here in America, I seem to always wonder if they would fall victim to the estrangement of their culture, like I once did.

The second most adoring thing was the pictures and video portraying the people of Kalinga.  As I watched a video of the three women with the tattooed Kalinga women dancing both native and Latin dances in their video documentary, the same ancestral feelings I once experienced back home in the Mountain Province resurfaced.  I was so inspired that evening that I immediately wrote a quick article on Examiner.com once I arrived at my home.

More information about The Connection Art Project can be found on their website and Facebook page.  Also, please help spread the word about their Kickstarter Fundraiser, of which a portion of the funds will go to the people in Kalinga.

 

Miss America 2014: Nina Davuluri - A Celebration of Cultural Heritage

The 92^nd Miss America pageant took place recently, and with it came the first Asian-American to ever win the crown.  Miss New York, Nina Davuluri, became the first Asian-American and Indian-American to hold such honor.  Not since Vanessa Williams became the first black Miss America in 1983 did ethnicity make such headlines.  In fact, this year’s pageant included five Asian-Americans – the most in its history, including Chinese-American runner-up Crystal Lee. 

As a daughter of parents who are originally from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, Nina Davuluri made it clear that her heritage is important to her by performing an Indian-fusion cultural dance on stage for the world to see.  she stood with Crystal Lee moments before the announcement of her victory and said, “We’re both so proud. We’re making history standing here as Asian-Americans.”

Davuluri, whose pageant platform was “celebrating diversity through cultural competency,” became a testament of ethnic pride when she was asked in her interview question what she thought about CBS’ Julie Chen’s admission of having plastic surgery to look “less Asian.”  She responded, “Unfortunately I don’t agree with plastic surgery, however, I can understand that from a standpoint, but more importantly, I’ve always viewed Miss American as the girl next door, and the girl next door is evolving as the diversity in America evolves.” She went on to say, “. . so I wouldn’t want to change someone’s looks or appearance, but definitely be confident in who you are.”

Unfortunately, her ethnicity and cultural platform is being rejected by many. Immediately after the announcement of victory, racism raised its ugly head in the social media world as people expressed their disapproval.  This is nothing new though.  The pageant has been down this road before when the first Jewish Miss America, Bess Meyerson, won it in 1945 and Vanessa Williams won it in 1983.  Nina Davuluri’s victory just goes to show how much more work needs to be done in America to rid it of hate. 

Nonetheless, her example and message is a great inspiration for countless of girls, the Asian-American community and most important – all ethnic backgrounds that make up the United States of America.  We should all be proud of being American, but we should never forget the positive aspects of ancestry that makes up our identity. 
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Photo Gallery of Nina Davuluri

This has been a cross publication from an original article published on Examiner.com

Important Lessons from the Ainu of Japan

At times it can be a challenge for Igorots who still live in the Philippines to maintain their ethnic identity, but their challenges are nothing compared to those who immigrated to America and other western nations. This is mainly because the assimilation factor for small ethnic groups that exists in these countries is two-fold.  For example, a Filipino from the major metropolitan city of Manila is faced with the challenge of assimilating into the American culture, whereas an Igorot not only faces the same challenge, but also faces the challenges of assimilating into the general Filipino populace without losing their connection to their true ethnic identity.

I thought about this recently when I was in a church filled with over a thousand Filipinos attending the Filipino Christmas tradition called Simbang Gabi.  I wore a traditional Igorot vest over my dress shirt to express my ethnicity, but more importantly so that my children could see that I am proud of being an Igorot.  There were also a handful of other Igorots there, but they wore the traditional Filipino dresses and Barong Tagalog shirts.  Since it was a Filipino event that called for Filipino tradition, it made sense to me.  There was also a time when I wore my Barong Tagalog to Simbang Gabi, but the more I learn about my heritage; the more I realize how important it is for me and my children not to lose our connection to it.  This is why a simple act of switching from the Barong Tagalog to my native attire makes so much sense.

Imagine a long-time Chicagoan who moves to another country and is asked by its people, “Where are you from?”  Does he emphasize Chicago or America?  Does he talk about the unparalleled pizza, hot dogs, sports teams, ethnic diversity, culture and all that make Chicago wonderful, or does he talk in general about America?    I realize comparing this to ethnic cultures is like comparing apples to oranges, but I think the point can be made that smaller ethnic groups are faced with more challenges when it comes to maintaining their ethnic heritage.

So how then can small ethnic groups successfully assimilate in western nations and still keep their heritage alive for many more generations to come?  The answer is both simple and difficult.  Simple in that all we need to do is practice and teach about the importance of our heritage to our children, but difficult because human nature tends to want to be part of mainstream society – in my case: Filipinos and Americans.  This is why it is important for people of smaller ethnic groups to form close bonds with others who share and practice the same cultural beliefs and practices.  

I recently learned about a small indigenous group in Japan known as the Ainu people.  As recent as 2008, the Japanese government officially recognized them as indigenous people.  Prior to that, they have been referred to as “former aboriginals,” according to the Aoteaora Ainumsor Exchange Program (AAEP).

Ainu dancing traditional Tapkaara Dance

The Ainu were forced to assimilate into the Japanese culture many years ago and as a result, many are no longer connected to their Ainu heritage because of deeply rooted discrimination that pervades the Japanese society, or the inability for people to discover meaning in being Ainu. Either way, there are still many people who have yet to assert their Ainu identity.  Surprisingly, a Hokkaido government survey points out that:

There are about 24,000 Ainu people, however in reality there are several times more Ainu people than that figure leads us to believe.  Out of 5,000 to 10,000 Ainu people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area alone, only around 100 of them are active as Ainu.

It’s sad that only 1 to 2% of the Ainu in Japan are active as Ainu.  Now just imagine how much less of a number that would be if they had to assimilate into two cultures like the Igorots in America.  Fortunately for the Ainu, there are many who are trying to revitalize their heritage.

I was inspired to learn about a campaign that is trying to raise funds to send Ainu students to Aoteroa (New Zealand) to learn how its indigenous Maori people have been working to ensure the survival of their culture.  The students will learn how the Maori have advanced their rights as indigenous people of New Zealand since the 1970s.  More important, they can see how the Maori are significantly contributing to the development of New Zealand’s economic, political, cultural and social landscapes.  It is a worthy cause that will raise the consciousness of the Ainu heritage and will help inspire more Ainus to re-connect with their estranged heritage.

The Ainu teaches us two very important lessons.  First, it teaches us that unless a conscious effort is made to preserve our own ethnic heritages, the dreadful decline of one’s heritage is certain.  Fortunately for them, it’s not too late. Second, we can always benefit by reaching out to another culture to better ourselves. We here in Chicago are fortunate to have so many different ethnic cultures that it would be a shame if we didn't try to take the time to learn something from any of them.

This post is cross-published from Examiner.com. Read full article HERE.

You can help send Ainu students to New Zealand by contributing to their fundraiser campaign: