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Expert: - 11/28/2005


Question

Hello

Many or most martial arts are in a way connected with Buddhism. Do you think that doing martial arts is a good spiritual training? What's your opinion?

thanks!  

Answer
Hi Luke,

Thank you for asking me.

It is only the Shaolin school that is connected with Buddhism, simply because they are Buddhist monks.  They were (and still are) exclusively Chinese monks for whatever reasons had taken up traditional pugilistic excercise and self-defence training.  Perhaps for self-discipline, exercise, and self-defence.  Apart from that, martial arts have nothing to do with Buddhism.  Long before the Shaolin school, there were already existing numerous pugilistic clans practicing various styles of "kung fu".

Buddhism means the teachings of the historical Buddha who taught truth and peace; absolutely nothing to do about martial arts.

To be an expert in martial art one needs a very high degree of self discipline.  It also involves the training of the mind.  In that respect, it helps in spiritual training.

Smile from justinchoo:-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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