Budo
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/1/0/25109947/_3267338.png)
There are
few countries like Japan which can boast a documented warrior history which is
almost seven centuries old. During such
a long period of time, the development of different martial strategies and
techniques has been systemized. During the time of feudal Japan, warrior
techniques were called Bujutsu (Bu-warrior, Jutsu-technique, just like Kenjutsu
or swordsmanship, Katana)
Shogun Tokugawa succeeded in reconciling numerous warring Japanese states within the country, and maintaining peace which lasted for two and a half centuries. Even though there was no immediate danger of war during this period, warrior techniques were still intensely practiced. Bujitsu grew into Budo, that is (technique) or Jutsu which grew into the technique Do-Path.
That is how Kenjutsu became Kendo, Kyujutsu became Kyudo, Aikijutsu became Aikido, Jujutsu became Judo, Karatejutsu became Karate-Do.
While in Bujutsu technical aptness which promotes warrior efficiency is insisted upon, Budo 'required' that warrior techniques be used as a method, medium or path which would lead you even further, to the level on which you could have great insight into your personal character.
In other words, practicing Budo had as a goal to reach higher values of those gained while practicing Bujitsu. Kenjitsu became Kendo, that is, swordsmanship became the Path of the Sword, evolving into the need to overcome physical and technical qualities and achieving the highest mental and spiritual values. Katana, which is a symbol of the Samurai's spirit, serves not to cut down one's opponent but to rather cut down one's personal prejudices, ignorance, arrogance and egoism.
Classical Budo as well as Bujitsu, were well rooted in the culture of feudal Japan, but it has to be noted that Budo skills were not created as a form for simple recreation, sport or theatrical aesthetic presentations. Budo skills were devised as strict and even stringent disciplines for awareness training through the daily training of martial arts.
It is impossible to understand the essence of Budo if you approach it superficially. Budo is a life philosophy which is based on practicing martial arts. However, the ideograph BU means discontinuing combat, and so, the essence of Budo is not just about achieving warrior capabilities and readiness but it is about being able to find peace and self-mastery.
Self-cultivation requires persistence, patience and time, and while travelling that path it is much more important to think about decisions rather than acting hastily. The secrets of Budo are available only to those who are dedicated in their attempts to surpass obstacles of their physical and mental capabilities, for the rest, the Do (Path) or 'Door of Truth' is closed.
It should not be forgotten that, even though all Budo skills are based on the practice of technique, this only represents the visible, external or physical aspects.
The spiritual aspect is more important.
Technique, that is, the body, is only the materialisation of consciousness or spirit, and the aim of Budo training is to find the essence which is above technique or form. There is no sense in practicing martial arts just for the form itself. Form is only a medium, an obstacle course, for training of the consciousness.
Mastering technical skills even though being crucial, only represent one aspect of The Path. The final aim lies in rejecting form and achieving perfection of character.
That is why, Karate-Do practice will leave a significant impact on those practising it. By attaining the highest technical and physical skills and not developing moral and ethical values, means deviating from the authentic essence of Karate-Do.
The development of martial arts inevitably lead to the creation of a code of moral principle of the Samurai, called Bushido. The Bushido code was under the influence of different teachings and doctrines but Zen was of most influence in its formation as well as the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius and Shinto (native Japanese religion which is a type of animism, because the belief is based on the existence of a powerful spirit which can change shape from people into things in nature).
Extreme Shintoism had its part to play in the extremity of the elements of the warrior principles. Zen was a medium to form one's awareness and character, as well as to achieve such an important level of undeterrable and untouchable peace. Moral and ethical values as well as emphasized loyalty and belonging were created under the influence of Confucius.
That is how a unique ideology was created influencing the entire Japanese nation was formed. The ideal of the Samurai was created. The Samurai is honest and brave and who, above all else, has a sense of justice. In the defence of honour and dignity, he will not hesitate to sacrifice his own life for the cause.
Shogun Tokugawa succeeded in reconciling numerous warring Japanese states within the country, and maintaining peace which lasted for two and a half centuries. Even though there was no immediate danger of war during this period, warrior techniques were still intensely practiced. Bujitsu grew into Budo, that is (technique) or Jutsu which grew into the technique Do-Path.
That is how Kenjutsu became Kendo, Kyujutsu became Kyudo, Aikijutsu became Aikido, Jujutsu became Judo, Karatejutsu became Karate-Do.
While in Bujutsu technical aptness which promotes warrior efficiency is insisted upon, Budo 'required' that warrior techniques be used as a method, medium or path which would lead you even further, to the level on which you could have great insight into your personal character.
In other words, practicing Budo had as a goal to reach higher values of those gained while practicing Bujitsu. Kenjitsu became Kendo, that is, swordsmanship became the Path of the Sword, evolving into the need to overcome physical and technical qualities and achieving the highest mental and spiritual values. Katana, which is a symbol of the Samurai's spirit, serves not to cut down one's opponent but to rather cut down one's personal prejudices, ignorance, arrogance and egoism.
Classical Budo as well as Bujitsu, were well rooted in the culture of feudal Japan, but it has to be noted that Budo skills were not created as a form for simple recreation, sport or theatrical aesthetic presentations. Budo skills were devised as strict and even stringent disciplines for awareness training through the daily training of martial arts.
It is impossible to understand the essence of Budo if you approach it superficially. Budo is a life philosophy which is based on practicing martial arts. However, the ideograph BU means discontinuing combat, and so, the essence of Budo is not just about achieving warrior capabilities and readiness but it is about being able to find peace and self-mastery.
Self-cultivation requires persistence, patience and time, and while travelling that path it is much more important to think about decisions rather than acting hastily. The secrets of Budo are available only to those who are dedicated in their attempts to surpass obstacles of their physical and mental capabilities, for the rest, the Do (Path) or 'Door of Truth' is closed.
It should not be forgotten that, even though all Budo skills are based on the practice of technique, this only represents the visible, external or physical aspects.
The spiritual aspect is more important.
Technique, that is, the body, is only the materialisation of consciousness or spirit, and the aim of Budo training is to find the essence which is above technique or form. There is no sense in practicing martial arts just for the form itself. Form is only a medium, an obstacle course, for training of the consciousness.
Mastering technical skills even though being crucial, only represent one aspect of The Path. The final aim lies in rejecting form and achieving perfection of character.
That is why, Karate-Do practice will leave a significant impact on those practising it. By attaining the highest technical and physical skills and not developing moral and ethical values, means deviating from the authentic essence of Karate-Do.
The development of martial arts inevitably lead to the creation of a code of moral principle of the Samurai, called Bushido. The Bushido code was under the influence of different teachings and doctrines but Zen was of most influence in its formation as well as the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius and Shinto (native Japanese religion which is a type of animism, because the belief is based on the existence of a powerful spirit which can change shape from people into things in nature).
Extreme Shintoism had its part to play in the extremity of the elements of the warrior principles. Zen was a medium to form one's awareness and character, as well as to achieve such an important level of undeterrable and untouchable peace. Moral and ethical values as well as emphasized loyalty and belonging were created under the influence of Confucius.
That is how a unique ideology was created influencing the entire Japanese nation was formed. The ideal of the Samurai was created. The Samurai is honest and brave and who, above all else, has a sense of justice. In the defence of honour and dignity, he will not hesitate to sacrifice his own life for the cause.
Zen
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/1/0/25109947/_4890284.png)
Zen means
meditation, contemplation. Zen is about insight into our personal daily lives.
Zen is the path to learning about ourselves and the world around us.
Zen is not religion.
Zen is a way of comprehending life while actively searching for the right path.
Zen cannot be accurately described in words nor theoretically explained. Zen can be understood only through practice, because its essence is held in practice and the immediate experience at the time of practising it.
It is said that Zen has its roots in India, its trunk in China and that it blossomed in Japan. Zen developed from a very radical branch of Buddhism (Hinayana Buddhism). Later, depending on the area where it was practiced, different styles and practices were formed. One of those which was popular in India was known under the name of Dhyana. It developed in China under the name of Chan and got its final form as the Japanese Zen.
A typical representation of Zen is a picture of a monk, kneeling in silence in front of a mountain temple and meditating. This is a typical way of practicing Zen. Apart from that typical kneeling position which is known as the Zazen position (Za meaning 'sit' and Zen meaning 'meditation'). It can also be practiced in a standing position called Tachizen (meditating while standing) as well as Ugokizen or Zen in motion (meditating while moving). The traditional approach to practicing Karate-Do is by practicing Zen in motion.
The idea of training is of more importance than body posture. The aim is to release oneself of the control of the conscious mind and reach a state of emptiness or 'clear mind' called Mushin (calm spirit). According to the words of a world renowned expert on Japanese culture and Budo philosophy, professor D. Suzuki, Mushin is a mental act in which conscious thinking ceases and that itself is the essence of Zen.
In Japan, Zen is known as the philosophy of the Samurai. During combat, one slash of the katana could mean life or death, as time as an element does not exist. There is only which allows for action and avoiding danger. That is only possible when the mind is clear. Being able to achieve such a stadium of clarity of mind is the pinnacle in Zen training, and so it is logical why Zen became such an integral part of the Samurai tradition. That is why the Samurai principles of behaviour, Bushido, is based on aspects of Zen training.
Zen is the path to learning about ourselves and the world around us.
Zen is not religion.
Zen is a way of comprehending life while actively searching for the right path.
Zen cannot be accurately described in words nor theoretically explained. Zen can be understood only through practice, because its essence is held in practice and the immediate experience at the time of practising it.
It is said that Zen has its roots in India, its trunk in China and that it blossomed in Japan. Zen developed from a very radical branch of Buddhism (Hinayana Buddhism). Later, depending on the area where it was practiced, different styles and practices were formed. One of those which was popular in India was known under the name of Dhyana. It developed in China under the name of Chan and got its final form as the Japanese Zen.
A typical representation of Zen is a picture of a monk, kneeling in silence in front of a mountain temple and meditating. This is a typical way of practicing Zen. Apart from that typical kneeling position which is known as the Zazen position (Za meaning 'sit' and Zen meaning 'meditation'). It can also be practiced in a standing position called Tachizen (meditating while standing) as well as Ugokizen or Zen in motion (meditating while moving). The traditional approach to practicing Karate-Do is by practicing Zen in motion.
The idea of training is of more importance than body posture. The aim is to release oneself of the control of the conscious mind and reach a state of emptiness or 'clear mind' called Mushin (calm spirit). According to the words of a world renowned expert on Japanese culture and Budo philosophy, professor D. Suzuki, Mushin is a mental act in which conscious thinking ceases and that itself is the essence of Zen.
In Japan, Zen is known as the philosophy of the Samurai. During combat, one slash of the katana could mean life or death, as time as an element does not exist. There is only which allows for action and avoiding danger. That is only possible when the mind is clear. Being able to achieve such a stadium of clarity of mind is the pinnacle in Zen training, and so it is logical why Zen became such an integral part of the Samurai tradition. That is why the Samurai principles of behaviour, Bushido, is based on aspects of Zen training.