SHORINI kempo is a martial art developed simultaneously with seated Zen meditation for the sake of both self-defense and health by the monks at the temple Shorinji in Hunan Province, China. It was first introduced to this temple by Bodhidharma, a sixth-century Indian monk who traveled to China to spread the Buddhist faith. A profoundly meditative martial regimen, Shorinji kempo was for many ages never laught to any but those who had entered the Buddhist priest-hood. Though deeply imbued with the theory of calm in action-seated Zen meditation represents the calm, and kempo the action-Shorinji thought maintains that neither of these aspects of the whole can exist independently. Other martial arts, how-ever, tend to overemphasize one or the other of these elements: in judo, the softer side of kempo is foremost; whereas karate stresses the powerful and violent. Only in Shorinji kempo are both facets given equal importance; therefore, a student having embarked upon a serious study of Shorinji will begin to sense its deep spirituality, will then begin to pursue its philosophy of action, and ultimately will set out on the fascinating path of spiritual training. Furthermore, since all Shorinji training requires the cooperative effort of two people, practicing its techniques encourages mutual respect, understanding, and growth.
The truc form of Shorinji kempo is a combination of the mighty spirit of benevolence that can, through human effort and the manifestation of the mystery of the forces of yin and yang, which are the meaning of heaven and earth and the reality of the cosmos, create a heaven on earth and the parallel pursuit of both calm meditation and active physical training. The ultimate aim of the pursuit of kempo is the Dharma spirit, the true object of Shorinji kempo faith. This book, written by the head of the Shorinji, Doshin So, is a classic embodiment of the strictest of training systems with the humanitarian love of the teachings of Kongo Zen. A thorough introduction to this im-portant and ancient martial art, it combines detailed photo-graphic explanations of all basic techniques with some of the profound philosophical truths of Shorinji thought.
At the present time, the 800 Shorinji kempo training halls in Japan have a membership of over 300,000. In addition, it is being taught in colleges and high schools throughout the country. Probably the spiritual aspects of Shorinji kempo, which are both stronger and more appealing than those of other martial arts, have captured the hearts of young Japanese people. Unfortunately, however the international reputation of Shorinji kempo has heretofore rested on its importance in the carly development of karate. This book, however, successfully establishes this important martial art on its own rights. It is a vitally important work for all people interested in the truest meanings of Oriental self-defense and philosophy.
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