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A collection of parables and teaching stories from the martial arts
traditions of Japan and China that emphasizes their spiritual
foundation.
- The teaching stories in this book are based on the lives of
martial arts masters and are meant to inspire questions and
insights for the student.
- Written for martial artists and anyone interested in Eastern
religions such as Buddhism, Zen, and Taoism.
True martial arts should never be confused with simple combat
techniques. Rather, martial arts are a way that an individual,
after a long and difficult apprenticeship, can gain a profound
understanding of the true nature of reality and one's place in it.
Over time the apprentice discovers the laws governing the subtle
forces of life and realizes that their mastery is only possible
after one has mastered oneself. "He who has mastered the Art
doesn't use his sword: he compels his adversary to kill himself."
This quote from renowned sword master Tajima no Kami perfectly
expresses the paradoxical nature of martial arts teachings in China
and Japan. These teaching stories are not moral fables; in fact
they have nothing to prove. Their purpose is actually to inspire
questions and insights that will aid the student to achieve
self-realization.
Most of the stories in this book are based on actual events in the
lives of martial arts teachers who have achieved legendary status.
The almost superhuman abilities of some of the masters described
here are evidence of the secret powers that can be wielded by those
whose martial arts training is not simply the learning of physical
techniques but involves the mastering of the subtle energies of the
mind and body. Master of the Art of Archery Kenzo Awa could hit the
center of a target even when shooting in total darkness. Assailants
of Tai Chi master Yang Lu Chan found their blows did more damage to
themselves than to their would-be victim. By reading--and
comprehending--the tales in this book, we can acquire the same
essential knowledge that these masters had--that extraordinary
forces are within the grasp of those who have achieved inner peace
and self-mastery.
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