月山館
The Gassankan is a training activity in the Pacific Northwest focused on classical internal martial arts and associated movement and mindfulness practices led by Mark Raugas. It was after visiting Gassan Dai-jinja and Haguro Shugen Honshu Kotaku-ji Shozen-in in 2005 that I made the decision to focus my training efforts exclusively on classical and traditional martial arts; this is why I chose the name Gassankan.
For bodhisattvas who see selflessness, all phenomena - what is cut, the cutter, the time of the cutting, the method of cutting, and so on - are seen to be like a reflection. Therefore they have patience.
the Karmapa's Middle Way
Visiting the root temple of Honzan-ha Shugendo in 2024, I renewed my dedication to cultivating mindfulness and awareness through shugyō ( 修行 ). This is also at a time when I am renewing my dedication to yoga and continue to slowly deepen my understanding of Taoism and esoteric Buddhism.
Mark Raugas
Seattle, WA