Code of Fighters and the Peaceful

The Shaolin Code is an ancient code of ethics taught to all Shaolin monks.  This code is great for a marital artist, but also great for a Buddhist.  With a little tweak of the words, it perfectly matches what every Buddhist should live by.  I'll give the original translation, then the "tweaked" version so you can see the connection for yourself.
Original:
Remain disciplined: uphold yourself ethically as a martial artist.
Courtesy and righteousness: serve the community and honor your family.
Respect your fellow students: be united and avoid conflicts.
Curb your desires and pursuit of bodily desires: preserve your proper spirit.
Train diligently and make it a habit: maintain your skills
Strive to develop spiritual tranquility: abstain from arguments and fights.
Coordinate in society: be conservative, cultured and gentle in your manners. 
Protect the weak and very young: use your martial skill for the good of humanity
Maintain the tradition: preserve this Chinese art and its Rules of Conducts. 

Now with a little adaptation to this code, here's how I believe it connects to Buddhism with only a little switch of the terms.
"Buddhist Version":
Remain disciplined: uphold yourself ethically as a Buddhist. (uphold the precepts)
Courtesy and Righteousness: Serve the community (Sangha and all beings) and honor your family (teachers/lineage)   
Respect your fellow students: be united and avoid conflicts (not much else needs to be changed here- learn from each other and keep an open mind)
Curb your desires and pursuit of bodily pleasures: preserve your proper spirit (again, not much needs changing here- keep the precepts and preserve your path of the Way)
Train diligently and make it a habit: maintain your skills (Continue your practice and meditation regularly, make it a part of you)
Strive to develop spiritual tranquility: abstain from arguments and fights. (Keep a tranquil mind and practice compassion)
Coordinate in society: be conservative, cultured and gentle in your manners. (Compassion again plays a major role here, also, teach people on their various levels)
Protect the weak and very young: use your martial skill for the good of humanity  (The practice is Buddhism is for all beings, we don't only practice for ourselves)
Maintain the tradition: preserve this Chinese art and its Rules of Conducts. (Teach those who do not know the Way and uphold its precepts diligently)

Gassho

Martial Motivation

One of the best benefits I have gained from practicing martial arts is self motivation.  I'll be honest, in my early 20s, I hated working.  I called in all the time, didn't show up at all...you get the idea.

But since my martial training has become more serious in the last few years, I always find myself "testing myself, " to push through that laziness or lack of motivation.   And it really has paid off.  My current job is physically demanding.  Plus it's helping me with strength training, building muscle, and I'm secluded, so techniques can be practiced on my downtime. ;)

But why would practicing martial arts make you more self motivated?  Self Discipline. A true martial artist doesn't just practice when he's at the "dojo."  He tempers his mind and body daily, at every chance possible.  Whether it's against the rigors of daily life, the heavy bag, shadow boxing, or real confrontations (mental and physical).

The discipline of motivation doesn't only apply to work either.  It applies to the training itself, to the home, the family, anything really.  If one looks deep enough, virtually any activity can be used to train oneself, be it physically or mentally.  There are no waves without a wind.


The following video is of Shaolin monks training in a variety of techniques.  Enjoy.  Amituofo.

Seven Virtues of Bushido: Rei

Rei: Respect and Courtesy

What's the use of being cruel and unkind?  Bringing suffering unto others only brings suffering to ourselves.
Treat others with dignity and they will respect you in return.  Likewise when you respect yourself, others will respect you.  It works full circle.

Bearing this in mind, why would one need to prove their strength and power to gain respect if they just respect others?

Musashi's Nine Articles

Miyamoto Musashi is believed to be the greatest swordsman who ever lived in Japan.  He lived in the 17th century and was undefeated in over 60 duels to the death.  Later in life, he devoted himself to Zen and taught select students his famous two sword style, Niten Ichi Ryu, which he created.  Musashi is also the author of the Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho), a book on strategy, philosophy, and tactics still widely read today.
What I present today is a guideline for living which he devised for himself and his students.

Miyamoto Musashi's Nine Articles
1. Do not think dishonestly.
2. Constantly forge body and mind.
3. Become acquainted with all of the arts.
4. Know something about every craft.
5. Learn to gauge the merits and demerits of things.
6. Develop an understanding of all matters. 
7. Perceive things which are not obvious.
8. Pay attention to the smallest details.
9. Do not waste time on nonessentials. 

Seven Virtues of Bushido: Gi

Gi: Right action, Justice
Honesty with all people, doing the right action for others and yourself (not because it's easy, but because it's ethically and morally correct), belief in fair justice.


Truth will out.  By sticking to our moral code of honesty and right action, what fear do we have?   As a Chinese proverb says "A clear mind never fears midnight knocking."  Also, if one tempers with correct justice, one doesn't "lose face."  
Believe in justice for those who fall victim to the evil of others.  Remain loyal to your family, spouses, friends, and brethren.  

Interview: Mr. Hahn

I've known Mr. (Justin) Hahn since high school.  He has achieved black belt in multiple arts, and has agreed to a short interview with me.  Mr. Hahn currently lives in Colorado.

How were you introduced to martial arts and what is your background/experience with martial arts? (include styles)
I was introduced to the martial arts when I was a little kid and watched the Karate Kid movie. I think that was my first real influence into the world of martial arts that wasn't purely action based. Since then I have studied many styles Seishin Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Hung Gar, BJJ, Judo, Kickboxing, Aikido, The Sanjuriu samurai system which includes Jujutsu, Akijutsu, Karate, and Kenjutsu, Krav Maga, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Shudokan, and currently studying Filipino arts Kombatan.

Why do you practice martial arts?
I practice for the same reason some people lift weights, ride a bike, rock climb, run, play video games, make music, or do whatever it is they do. I love it, it's the one thing I knew I loved before I even knew what love is.

What do you feel is the importance of martial arts training?
Martial Arts can help with confidence, conquering fear, Self Defence, finding peace, or even fitness. It helps you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Especially the spiritual aspect, many martial arts out their may not be as effective in true combat as others, but I don't believe that makes them any less significant. To punch somebody, Kick them, throw them down, choke them, are all primitive in today's world. As a former soldier from an army combat unit I know. I believe their is a wisdom in martial arts, and that's where the true value of training is.

How has being a martial artist influenced your daily life? 
I have found myself at home in the martial arts, It's an outlet and way of life for me. I practice everyday, even the day's I don't go to the school. Because of my training I am a stronger person in all respects. As my former Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan instructor Steve Decker used to say, "You can lose your job, your house, even your wife, but you'll always be a black belt, no one on earth can take the knowledge of your training from you." That is how I look at my training day in and day out. It's the one thing that is for you and you alone.

What advice or guidance do you have for other martial artists? 

My advice would be to make your art your own, know what works for you and what doesn't. Some people may want to only learn the most effective techniques to help them in a fight, some may want more of a spiritual experience, and some may want both. Know why it is you want to train before you start. Let the instructors you talk with know the reasons before you start, most will either teach you primarily in what you want to know or send you to some one who will.

 

Many thanks to Mr. Hahn.  Best of luck on your journeys.  Amituofo 

Twenty Rules for Lifelong Training

The following is an excerpt from a book titled Budo Secrets (order a copy here).  Not only is this important for a martial artist, but it is something we can all benefit from in our daily lives.

1. Never Lie
2. Never forget to be grateful to one's lord.
3. Never forget to be grateful to one's partents.
4  Never forget to be grateful to one's teachers.
5. Never forget to be grateful to one's fellow human beings
6. Do nothing to offend gods, Buddhas, and one's elders.
7. Do not begrudge small children.
8. Do not burden others with your own troubles.
9. There is no place for anger and rage in the Way.
10. Do not rejoice at the misfortune of others.
11. Do your best to do what is best.
12. Do not turn your back on others and only think of yourself.
13. When you eat, be mindful of the hard work of the farmers who grew the food.
14. Do not dress in fine clothes, or waste time on superficial appearances.
15. Always behave with good manners.
16. Always treat everyone like an honored guest.
17. To overcome ignorance, learn from as many people as possible.
18. Do not practice and study the arts just to make a name for yourself.
19. Human beings have good and bad points.  Do not dismiss or laugh at anyone.
20. Strive to behave well but keep good actions hidden and do not seek the praise of others.