Expert: Justin Choo - 7/11/2011

Question
I've been browsing around seeking out Buddhist beliefs on sports - both team & individual.  I noticed you had a video posted on your one blog showing a woman mountain climber which has prompted me to write you.
Spiritually - do Buddhists see the value in sports or physical activity?
Emotionally - it can get pretty intense and emotions can run pretty high (fights breaking out) even if the intent isn't to harm the other (as in boxing or other combat sports).  What is the Buddhist take on this aspect?
Team vs. individual - is there a difference between team & individual pursuits?  Hockey vs. running, rubgy vs. mountain biking.

I've always been athletically inclined and have tried many sports.  In discussing my pursuits, I've often likened running/jogging to my meditation: how I achieve my zen-like state and quiet my mind.  It's similar with other sports I've played/do play in that my mind is focused on the task at hand.  Does this mindset then play well with Buddhist beliefs?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tara,

The Buddhist spiritual pursuit emphasizes on peace of mind.  Any competitive sport requires a scenario of win-lose atmosphere.  As such it is not conducive for those who are trying to tame the mind.  We even see mass hysteria by supporters, let alone the psychological demand of the participant(s) in wanting to win, no matter how "friendly" the match may be.

On a more mundane consideration, it is no harm to particpate in competitive sport. We cannot say that to be a winner or a champion is bad.  With a competitive spirit, it can encouragement improvement in the person's performance.  If we tread in moderation, there is no harm in competitive sport.  In anything we do, it is when we become extremists that problems arise.  Take for example, look at the extreme methods China prepares her people for the Olympics, especially gymnastics where they start training children as young as 5 years old!  I think this is cruel.  The Olympics to them is no longer a sporting event anymore, but winning gold medals.

Running or jogging by yourself doesn't involve any competitiveness.  As you rightly said, you can even achieve full concentration of your mind while jogging, because you are not competing with anyone.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo