What is Zen

What is Zen?

Zen cannot be explained in words. True understanding can only be arrived at by the student himself, through the practising of it. Some misconceptions regarding Zen, however, can be dispelled:

Zen is not a religion or philosophy. It does not conflict with any religious beliefs the student may already hold. Rather, it is a set of simple ideas. Zen pervades all true Budo and Bujutsu. It is what gives them their greater depth. Without it they would be no more than purely physical systems of fighting. It is what distinguishes Zen Chi Ryu and other oriental martial arts from Western sports and systems of combat.

There is a lot that Zen can give the martial artist..... Increased powers of concentration, the ability to focus mind and effort on a single goal or action. sharper awareness of oneself and one's surroundings, faster reaction time, a more stable mind less likely to be panicked or disturbed by stray thoughts and emotions and deeper insight.

Zen is a critical and essential part of Zen Chi Ryu. It not only helps develop the whole personality, but is a definite aid in perfecting fighting technique.

"To practice Zen or the Martial Arts, you must live intensely, wholeheartedly, without reserve - as if you might die in the next instant" - Taisen Deshimaru

Zen is not an intellectual philosophy or pursuit. Zen training emphasises daily life practice, along with intensive periods of meditation. Practicing with others is an integral part of Zen practice. In explaining Zen, Japanese Zen teachers have made the point that Zen is a "way of life". D.T. Suzuki wrote that aspects of this life are: a life of humility; a life of labor; a life of service; a life of prayer and gratitude; and a life of meditation.

To be completed..............................

(Based on the teachings of Shihan John Duncan & Shihan Tim Reilly)

One of my favourite Zen Stories.......

Without Fear

During the civil wars in feudal Japan, an invading army would quickly sweep into a town and take control. In one particular village, everyone fled just before the army arrived - everyone except the Zen master. Curious about this old fellow, the general went to the temple to see for himself what kind of man this master was. When he wasn't treated with the deference and submissiveness to which he was accustomed, the general burst into anger. "You fool," he shouted as he reached for his sword, "don't you realize you are standing before a man who could run you through without blinking an eye!" But despite the threat, the master seemed unmoved. "And do you realize," the master replied calmly, "that you are standing before a man who can be run through without blinking an eye?"