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From: djo@sdchema.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.sport
Subject: The Tao of Martial Arts (part 2)
Message-ID: <104@sdchema.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 26-Apr-84 12:53:21 EST
Article-I.D.: sdchema.104
Posted: Thu Apr 26 12:53:21 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Apr-84 10:06:52 EST
Organization: UC San Diego Chemistry Dept.
Lines: 32

Historically the warrior-priests of Vedic India, imperial
China and feudal Japan were preservers of spiritual truths 
that form the foundation of martial arts philosophy.  The
teachings of Yogic, Taoist and Zen Buddhist traditions all
stress that spiritual enlightenment - the highest level of
martial skill - depends upon giving up one's fear of death
(and attachment to life), in order to realize true freedom.
As the Yaqui sorcerer-warrior Don Juan says, "A warrior 
thinks of his death when he become confused".  It is clear
that the martial arts teach more than kicks, blocks and
punches.  They teach us the discipline of living totally in
the moment, without regard for death's constant presence.  
With our relationship to our own mortality in its proper
perspective, we can experience life fully and without the
burden of fear.

In contrast to the oriental super-hero mythology that has
been popularized in the west the ultimate goal of martial
excellence, according to the Taoist sage Sun Tzu, is to win
without fighting.  With the clarity of mind that comes with
physical prowess, the warrior can defeat an opponent's strategy
before violence occurs.  Paradoxically, the art of war, as it
has been handed down through the ages, is most essentially an
art of peace.

Today the martial arts continue to offer us methods of
self-empowerment.  While there are a multiplicity of styles,
generally divided into "hard" and "soft" forms, all the
martial arts are ultimately directed toward the same goal - the
attainment of a graceful, powerful posture in life.

End of Part Two.