since this is my first post... some notes: i am not a native english speaker, and i am dyslexic. i hope you will forgive my frequent spelling errors, and incorrect use of words, - and i hope that you will try to understand, and contribute to, the meaning or the spirit of what we talk about rather then be to disturbed by the flawed delivery.
which brings me to the first content.
Du act in, and be true to “ the spirit of the law”.
Our art is bound deeply in japanese culture and formal conduct especially when it comes to our conduct within the dojo, but also within the social unit which is represented in the relationships within the dojo which exceed the bounds of the physical space in which we practice. Those forms of conduct are just as a iaido waza a teaching/trainings tool. They are without any value if we neglect there true purpose. Those formal ways of behavior can become toxic if used as an empty shell.
Esaka Sensei has often insisted that iaido is about “getting along”. At the heart of our practice stands its overriding purpose of giving us the opportunity to become more capable human beings. More human, more able to relate, to perceive our self and others - and to act in support of our community. The dojo is the sandbox where we practice the principles that we can then apply in the greater society to make this world a better place. Formal behavior will have to give way when it is not serving this purpose. - so lets practice.