Heaven's Wind-The Life and teachings of Nakamura Tempu-A Mind-Body Integration Pioneer

For the first time in English, Stephen Earle tells the epic story of Nakamura Tempu, one of Japan's most inspirational twentieth-century thinkers and teachers, whose mind body approach to personal transformation influenced hundreds of thousands, including prominent leader in government, industry,

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and the arts. Earle chronicles Tempu's origins in the samuai tradition, his genius for martial arts, and his work in Manchuria as a spy during the Russo-Japan War of 1904-1905. He relates how, after escaping a Russian firing squad, Tempu contacted tuberculosis; how he embarked on a search for a cure that lead to the halls of Columgia University, the salons of Paris, and the foothills of the Himalayas, where he practiced yoga under the tutelage of an Indian guru: and how he not only regained his health but also underwent a spiritual transformation. This transformation laid the groundwork for the secular and practical methodology for self-realization and the cultivation of will thatTempu developed and disseminated to the sick and socially disenfranchised, as well as to princes and prime ministers. Over the course of nine decades, Tempu's philosohy of mind body unification has charted a clear and accessible path to mastery over hardship and the ability to meet life's challenges head-on. Yet, the man, his story, his teachings, and his legacy remain almost unknown outside of Japan-until now. In additon to demonstrating how Tempu's teachings were significant to Japan's reconstruction and economic rise following the devastation of World War II, Heaven's Wind is also an historical narrative, an account of personal transformation, and a clear guide to the practical philosopy of mind-body unity.

'Nakamura Tempu's story is an inspriation. This book is both a great read and a valuable contribution to the conversation regarding the effects of mental attitude on health and well-being.'-Miriam E. Nelson, PhD, New York Times best selling author of the Strong Women book series.

'Many years ago, in Japan, I was very fortunate to study directly with Nakamura Tempu. His teaching has given my life a strong base, and at difficult times of my life abroad I have drawn strength from ii. I congratulate Stephen Earle on an inspiring and carefully researched biography, which relates Tempu-sensei's life to the turbulent times in which he lived and outlines his martial philosophy of the unification of mind and body.'-Naoko Matsubara, internationally acclaimed woodcut artist.

'Nakamura Tempu is known in the West as teacher of the aikido master Tohei Koichi (1920-2011), who took from him the rallying cry 'unification of mind and body.' Stephen Earl's stimulating biography draws together the many strands of Nakamura's life, and sets this fascinating figure against events and personalities of the day in Japan, China, Europe, and the United States.'-David Waterhouse, Professor Emeritus, Department of East Asian Studies, University College, University of Toronto.

Contents

Foreword by Robert Frager
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Japanese and Chinese names and terms
Part I One improtant thing
1 Thrid male child
2 In service of country
3 Harbin
4 War's toll
5 A crisis of mind
6 'Certainly' Interlude: The search for Karlappa
7 The voice of heaven
8 Kumbhaka
Part II Ever mount Fuji
9 China
10 The prodigal's return
11 Tigers and miners
12 The turning point
13 The unification of mind and body
14 Evil close to the throne
15 A new beginning
16 The years of fulfillment
Epilogue: The legacy
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the autho

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