Philosophy and The Mind (Buddhist Martial Arts Philosophy)

[Tribesage]

Philosophy and The Mind (Buddhist Martial Arts Philosophy)

In pursuing the highest levels of martial art through meditation, one is constantly confronted with the mind's inability to relax. When the mind is beyond the control of the practitioner and refuses to be quiet, it is impossible to concentrate fully on meditation practice.

All too often in meditation practice, we find ourselves struggling to redirect the mind from its wanderings abroad back to its focus on breathing and concentration points. It is at this time we must recognize that the mind is either distracted or in a state of discord.

The mind, given the opportunity for reflection in the quiet of our meditation practice, naturally gravitates towards solving the most basic problems of our lives. It is as if the mind's wandering is telling us, "You aren't ready for meditation...give me a chance to relax by putting your life into some kind of order."

How many times have the visual pictures of the problem areas of our lives forcefully invaded and redirected our concentration away from the breathing patterns and the energetic flow of standing meditation practice? Likewise, how many times has an angry or rattled disposition prevented a meditative and, hence, relaxed rendition of martial arts practiced in class?

When sitting meditation, the ultimate practice of Martial Art and Yoga training, is attempted, this problem will only be compounded. It has been said in the Yogic traditions that controlling the body is easy; controlling the mind is like controlling a heard of stampeding elephants.

We practice martial arts with the ultimate goal of training the body and the mind together. Through a well thought out philosophy and meditation practice, the mind reaches its highest level and strengthens the body's purpose.

However, if the philosophy that guides our daily lives is lacking and the problematic areas of our life interfere with our meditation experience, we are effectively limiting ourselves to a very low level of accomplishment in the ultimate practice of our art.

Why wait for meditation practice to let the mind struggle in this way? It is possible to consciously clarify these issues, take steps to rectify them, and enjoy a quiet mind during meditation and martial practice, if you have a functional philosophy at your disposal.

It is really not that difficult to be confident that our lives are in order and that we are successfully relating to our fellow humans. A coherent, well organized philosophy can provide aspiring martial artists with the criteria necessary to analyze their current state of affairs and identify the problematic aspects of their lives.

After a thorough critical evaluation has been made, the attitude of self-cultivation and discipline that has been developed in one's martial practice should be vehicle enough to make the necessary corrections. Then, the mind can enjoy true "quiet."

With this thought, please consider the following. The first step to true wisdom is to listen to new concepts with an open, yet discriminating mind.

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Believe nothing.
No matter where you read it,
Or who said it,
Even if I have said it,
Unless it agrees with your own reason
And your own common sense.

-Buddha

Levels of Human Existence

"Animals"- Animalistic Humans, 5-6% of the population
"People"- Undeveloped Humans, 92-93% of the population
"Humans"- Developing Humans, 2-3% of the population
"High Ones"- Evolved Humans, less than .1% of the population
Each of the four levels of mind in the human hierarchy have distinguishing characteristics that separate it from the other three. Understanding these differences allows the student of this philosophy to elevate his/her behavior upwards to the higher levels of mind.

The defining thought for each level is in BOLD.
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"Animalistic Humans":

Behave like unrepentant, recidivist criminals, whether serving time in prison, serving on the board of large corporations, or serving in government positions.

Consume without regard for others. BOLD
Abandon their family and friends to suit their own interests.
Cannot control their sexual desires.
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"Undeveloped Humans":

Cycle through a never-ending mind loop that brings only suffering.

Are incapable of true "listening" and, thus, are shut off from understanding themselves, as well as higher concepts. BOLD
Cloud their mind with concepts that reflect some sort of idealistic situation, i.e. material wealth, paternal love, etc.
Attach themselves to those concepts through desire.
Become angered when the mind reflects on the past, inasmuch as their desires have not been actualized.
Become worried when the mind reflects on the future, inasmuch as their desires may never be actualized.
Become depressed, brokenhearted, and pain-stricken, which impedes their ability to listen.
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"Developing Humans":

Open the "Nature Channel" to learn. Opening the "Nature Channel" means that you must:

Listen to new ideas BOLD(To "listen" is not only to hear what is being said, but to be completely open to new ideas, ideas that may contradict everything you believe in).
Think about those ideas.
Question the idea's validity.
Record any new knowledge gained through this process.

Follow the "Five Principles for Quieting the Mind":

Love one's Mother & Father so that you can love yourself and other human beings. BOLD
Replace anger and violence of any kind with a higher understanding.
Do not steal or accept anything that is not freely given.
Don't lie, give excuses, or engage in harmful speech.
Don't engage in compulsive behaviors, such as alcohol or drug abuse, gambling or sexual addiction.
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"Evolved Humans":

Follow the "Four Principles to Build Power."

Donate time, money, and wisdom. BOLD
Forgive others.
Are not jealous of others.
Walk the "Middle Path".
Walking the "Middle Path" means to:

Seek out meaningful employment.
Engage in higher learning.
Train the body and mind.
Cultivate successful relationships.

[whiteoracle]

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Believe nothing.
No matter where you read it,
Or who said it,
Even if I have said it,
Unless it agrees with your own reason
And your own common sense.

-Buddha

i love Buddha speaches, it it so wise even centuries have passed