10/28/2025
An Introduction to Tempu Philosophy
"Even if there’s illness in the body, don’t let it trouble the mind. Even if destiny brings misfortune, don’t let it weigh on your mind. No, let the mind hold the strength to turn all suffering into joy."
These are the words left by Nakamura Tempu Sensei. During the Russo-Japanese War, he braved life-threatening situations as a military spy across the plains of Manchuria and Mongolia. Struck by virulent pulmonary tuberculosis, he faced death itself. Even after seeking answers about the meaning of life from philosophers and religious figures across Japan, Europe, and America, he found nothing that could truly satisfy him. In despair, a chance encounter with a yogi during his travels changed everything. Guided by this master, Tempu Sensei spent three years in rigorous training at the foot of the Himalayas, ultimately overcoming his illness and charting a new path for his life. His life reads like the adventures of a hero in a novel or the epic journey of a fantasy protagonist, full of trials, near-death experiences, and ultimate triumph.
Soon after returning to Japan from the Himalayas, Tempu Sensei devoted fifty years to teaching Shin-shin-toitsu-ho, the Mind and Body Unification Method, a system he developed by blending his personal experiences with insights from multiple fields. He passed away in 1968 at the age of 92, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.
His teachings influenced a remarkably diverse group of people, including Heihachirō Tōgō, Takashi Hara, Seibō Kitamura, Konosuke Matsush*ta, Chiyo Uno, Futabayama, Kazuo Inamori, and Tatsurō Hirooka. These individuals applied Tempu Sensei’s teachings to their lives, leadership, and business, showing the universal relevance of his philosophy.
Even a century after he began preaching publicly, and fifty years after his passing, Nakamura Tempu Sensei’s teachings are still sought after. What makes them so compelling?
Though often called “Tempu Philosophy,” it’s not a set of abstract theories. It’s a living, practical teaching born directly from his extraordinary experiences, full of vitality and authenticity. That’s why his words continue to resonate, offering truths that are immediately applicable to life.
"I am power! I am the crystallization of power!"
Tempu Sensei taught that humans are inherently strong.
"Humans aren’t meant to be constantly plagued by illness or misfortune. Throughout life, health, destiny, and happiness can flow smoothly, letting each person live joyfully until the natural end of life."
At the heart of his teaching is a celebration of humanity. Humanity, called the pinnacle of all life on Earth, possesses immense, innate power. The first step, Tempu Sensei said, is to truly recognize your own value. Belittling or abandoning yourself is just a misjudgment of your potential.
Yet, even when this power exists, it often stays dormant. Tempu Sensei explained that it’s because people don’t handle their lives correctly. But what does it mean to handle life correctly?
It means reassessing the mind and body according to the laws of nature, then maintaining and training them deliberately. This is the essence of the Mind and Body Unification Method. Tempu Sensei explored the relationship between universal laws (which he sometimes called universal truth) and human life in what became known as Tempu Philosophy in Japan. The practical methods he developed to live according to these principles form his Mind and Body Unification Method.
Central to his teaching is the mind. Its state influences the nervous system, affects physical health, and ultimately drives whether life moves forward positively or negatively.
Even when faced with the same situation, people perceive it differently. One person may see a half-filled bottle and lament, “It’s only half full,” while another rejoices, “It’s still half full.” The difference comes from whether you view life from a negative or positive perspective.
Tempu Sensei said:
"Look to the right, and you see a splendid garden of flowers; look to the left, and there are graves and corpses. If all you see is the left, why not turn your gaze to the right? The flowers on the right can bring joy, yet some only see the left and complain about how cruel life is. Would you praise someone like that?"
He also said:
"Life depends entirely on the position of the mind."
This was another of Tempu Sensei’s guiding principles. A mind that’s positive or negative shapes every aspect of life. So, cultivating a positive, strong, and flexible mind in all circumstances is the key to unlocking your inner power.
“Being positive” is a crucial concept in Tempu Philosophy. But it’s not the conventional idea of being proactive or ambitious. Tempu Sensei defined being positive as:
"In any situation, your mind remains calm, unshaken by fear or panic, and you respond naturally as you would in ordinary life."
It’s not about competing with others or stubbornly asserting yourself. When your mind is in this positive state, power, courage, and conviction naturally arise. Life becomes energized, and a virtuous cycle begins.
"Humans aren’t just creatures of emotion; they’re beings capable of mastering their emotions."
This was a statement Tempu Sensei made with unwavering conviction. Managing negative thoughts and emotions is a universal challenge, and it’s even harder than controlling the body. Tempu Sensei himself faced this struggle, having suffered hypersensitivity, despair, and illness. The original Shin-shin-toitsu-ho is filled with his life lessons and practical guidance on overcoming these states.
Behind his strict words shines an immense love for humanity. His teachings are a source of encouragement, warmth, and inspiration that transcend time.
For those whose minds feel trapped, those seeking purpose or meaning, or those wanting to contribute to the world, authentic Shin-shin-toitsu-ho can ignite your spirit. In pivotal moments, it can light the flame of hope, showing the path forward.
Studying Nakamura Tempu Sensei’s teachings in H.E. Davey’s worldwide online classes lets anyone access this transformative wisdom. It’s a chance to experience firsthand how Tempu Sensei’s methodology can empower the mind, strengthen the body, and illuminate a life of courage, clarity, and purpose.
And you can get started today. Just drop by www.TempuYoga.com.
