The word "tao" is usually translated as "way", "road", "method", "technique" or "principle". As a concept, Tao is the most important topic in the philosophical Taoism (tao-chia).
The Chinese character for tao is made of 2 signs: head and foot or walking. That is the conscious walking
or the ancient (way of) walking |
There was something undefined and complete, coming into existence before Heaven and Earth... (Tao-te ching, chap. 25, Legge)
The word "tao" points further to the skills of some people such as: a good archer, musician, painter or writer it was supposed to have his/her own tao. Chinese sovereigns showed very much interest in the gifted people - they were invited at the court, put to the test, and rewarded properly when they proved their skill.
Finally, the Tao concept may be found at Confucianists as well. In this case it points to the art of ruling of the ancient Chinese sovereign taken as models of virtue by Confucius himself.
Taoism literally translates as ‘the way’ and traveled from China to Japan in the 6th century. Never established as a religion in its own right, it did go a long way toward influencing elements of other Japanese religions both philosophically and religiously. Shinto practice, Shugendo disciplines, Shamanism, and Buddhist practice (especially Zen Buddhism) are just a few of the areas affected deeply by Taoism in Japan. Some of the Taoist traditions submerged into Japanese culture, mythology, and folk beliefs include:
- Taoist Immortals and Taoist Paradises.
- Mystical and medicinal practices.
- Koshin-machi – a longevity discipline exercise in the form of an all night vigil
- Onmyodo – astrology, Five Element theory or yin yang, disinterest in an afterlife.
- Lunar calendar and auspicious day selection.
Looking at the history of
jiu-
jitsu, legend states that Buddhist Monks created
jiu-
jitsu in order to protect themselves during their travels with out doing any serious harm to their attackers. We have heard about the Kung Fu Masters, and their extrodinary powers of concentration, and will power. The Taoist Masters and their Tai Chi, and, again, the pattern continues with Zen and the Samurai.
For us to get a good understanding of the importance of meditation, not only in martial arts but in all aspects of our life, let us first look at what meditation is.
Meditation is a holistic discipline by which the practitioner attempts to get beyond the reflexive, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation is a component of many religions, and has been practiced since antiquity. It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual or psychophysical practices that may emphasize different goals—from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.
