Karate is not a religion or a religious subject.
But the training of Karate-do directs to the refinement
of the spirit.
It is not request you to follow any religious doctrine
, but you must spiritually open your mind.
Karate-do and Zen Buddhism has a close relationship. Some great masters used to call
Karate do as "Moving Zen". "Zen" is a kind of philosophy more than a religion.
It added a spiritual aspects for many fine arts including martial arts, Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy),
Bonsai, Ikebana ....
Some Japanese "Kanji Letters" gives a deep meaning of a Zen Principle. For example the word "Kara"
gives the meaning or describes the principle of "the complete emptyness of mind" or the
principle of "Mushin" (no mind). I feel this level describes the "dhyana" called
"akinchangnayathana" in Theravada Buddhism" we practiced here in Sri Lanka.
The "Do" aspect of Karate gives a deep meaning or vision. "Do" or the
path in Karate has no limits. Motto of the Kyudokan School "Kyudo Mugen" describes this.
"...the study-trail is neverending. The karate pathway is as immensely vast, profound and bondless
as the heavens that go on for ever beyond all limits"
You can read some articles related with the spiritual aspect of Karate-do through the links below;
Karate is not a religion or a religious subject.
But the training of Karate-do directs to the refinement
of the spirit.
