Mukunda wrote:A bit of back ground on myself.
I have studied and practiced martial arts.
I have owned weapons, including guns.
I have rationalized the practice of martial arts and use of weapons with the knowledge of archery in Zen, Kung Fu in Chinese Buddhist temples, etc.
And then one day it hit me like a bolt of lightening - One who is truly committed to non-violence and non-harming doesn't engage in activities whose origin is violence and harming. There are other arts to appreciate, other practices for physical fitness, other ways to compete, without the need to condone, glorify, and even give a spiritual "alibi" to practices and implements whose original purpose was the harming and killing of fellow sentient beings.
As much as I liked telling myself I had guns for target practice, I collected martial arts items in appreciation of their artistry and craftsmanship, or I engaged in judo and karate for the sport and for fitness, the fact of the matter was, I was still attracted to these things because I got a vicarious thrill out the violence they represented. There was no way to escape what the original intent of these items or practices is, regardless of what I told myself my intent was. Every time I looked at or handled weapons, or practiced katas or sparring, I was watering seeds of violence in my mind.
So now all of my weapons are gone, and I no longer practice or compete in martial arts. I even quit Tai Chi, and now practice yoga, walking and other forms of exercise. And since then, I can't remember getting angry enough at some one to even yell at them.
How many Glocks or long bows you figure the Buddha owned (after he left the palace that is)?
I guess it all depends on ones attitude and approach. Also, it's true that certain martial arts or teachers may not emphasize personal character development or when or when not to use violence. In my martial art, violence and conflict is heavily, strongly discouraged. It is better to run from a fight than to engage in one.
Here is the 14 point code of action from the martial art I study, To-Shin Do, which was developed by Stephen K. Hayes, black belt hall of famer, and Bujinkan 10'th Dan (tenth degree black belt).
Each rank has a code of action to develop and train in.
(note the belt colors may seem strange but in To-Shin Do the learning is structured around learning tactics for the five elements in order and the main belt levels have colors associated with them based on traditional color attributes to those elements, so for example, the belts start with yellow for earth. To make matters more complicated, different colored stripes are needed to indicate the stages within each elements training).
Yellow Belt
I protect life and health,
I avoid violence whenever possible.
Yellow & Black Belt
I respect the property and space of all,
I avoid taking what has not been offered.
Blue & White Belt – Ju-ni-kyu 12th Class
I develop significant relationships,
I avoid abusing others for selfish gain.
Blue Belt – Ju-ik-kyu 11th Class
I thoughtfully express the truth,
I avoid the confusion of dishonest words.
Blue Black Belt – Ju-kyu 10th Class
I cultivate a positive attitude, a healthy body and a clear mind,
I avoid whatever would reduce my physical or mental well-being.
Red & White Belt – Kyu-kyu 9th Class
I communicate health, happiness and peace of mind to everyone I meet,
I avoid violent, disturbing, and unduly critical speech.
Red Belt – Hachi-kyu 8th Class
I promote harmony and positive momentum to bring the best in everyone,
I avoid causing alienation, doubt, and division among others.
Red & Black Belt – Nana-kyu 7th Class
I encourage all to speak purposefully from the heart,
I avoid the dull contentment of gossip and small talk.
Green & White Belt – Rok-kyu 6th Class
I am as enthusiastic about others fulfillment as I am about my own,
I avoid treating others’ successes as the cause of my lacks.
Green Belt – Go-kyu 5th Class
I promote the enjoyment of life, and encourage others with my smile,
I avoid setting myself against the world.
Green & Black Belt – Yon-kyu 4th Class
I promote the search for personal realization of truth,
I avoid the seductive comforts of narrow-mindedness.
Brown & White Belt – San-kyu 3rd Class
I accomplish what must be done in a timely and effective way,
I avoid putting off doing that which will benefit me and my world today.
Brown Belt – Ni-kyu 2nd Class
I strive to be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind,
I avoid the negative effects of worry, doubt, and regret.
Brown & Black Belt – Ik-kyu 1st Class
I work to build love, happiness, and loyalty among all members of my family,
I avoid putting temporary personal benefit ahead of the welfare of those I
love.
Also, I think that arts that focus mostly on striking or grapling may give one more of a feeling of fury, while arts that focus more on body movement, skill, balance, and so on give one a different feeling altogether. But that is just my opinion.
Kevin