What Do Samurai, Shoalin Monks and Martial Artists All Have in Common?
At first sight meditation and the martial arts may seem opposites. Indeed, the two images can create thoughts of a monk in a temple meditating and saying his mantra. Whilst the other, a determined martial artist such as a kararteka with his heart pounding, sweating and kia screaming whilst performing explosive movements. On the surface it would appear these two imaginary figures have nothing in common. However, meditation has long been closely linked with the martial arts. From the beginning Bodhidharma to China’s Shoalin monks and Japan’s Shinto religions meditation has been part of the martial arts training regime. Even today, martial arts and mysticism are tied in the minds of the eastern world. The connection between the Samurai and Zen are legendary and that spirit continues today in several Japanese fighting arts. Most of us who train in traditional martial arts are familiar with idea of using meditation to further our progress as a well-rounded karateka. Meditation works on your
