JMAC Traditions
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Zen in the Martial Arts
| Zen refers to Zen Buddhism, a system of thought that is widely misunderstood to be a religion. Instead, Zen, in its purest form is a systematic method for improving one's ability to perceive reality. The primary tool used by Zen practitioners is zazen, sitting. One attempts in zazen to quiet the mind - to decrease or stop the constant internal chatter most of us experience - in order to more directly experience ourselves and the universe. Martial arts training can sometimes be useful for cultivating a zen-like mindset. By focusing fully on a martial arts technique or a sparring match, martial artists are often able to eliminate or reduce the constant mental chatter that most of us experience. Under very unique circumstances, this can lead to a clearer perception of reality. One commonly used example is that a still mind doesn't anticipate an attack (thereby risking an ineffective counter-technique), but simply reacts to the actual attack as it occurs. Just as martial arts can promote the Zen mind, Zen can help martial artists. One who has successfully cultivated the Zen qualities of stillness and detachment can become a better warrior. As we stated above, a mind that directly perceives the intentions of an opponent and that doesn't pre-conceive a defense is more likely to prevail. At a higher level, Zen can help people clarify who is and is not an enemy, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for conflict. Martial arts and Zen practice share the goals of making their practitioners more positive, clearer thinking people. |  |
