 Zen began in China in the sixth
century as a meeting of Indian Buddhism with Taoism, merging the
speculative with the practical, the metaphysical with the earthy.
Called Ch'an in China, it stressed meditation over teaching as the
shortest, and the steepest, way to realizing the Buddha-mind inherent
in all of us. It is said that an Indian monk called Dharma visited the Eineiji
Temple and some say that it was the Shorinji Temple in China in order
to introduce "Zen" to the Chinese people, here he
demonstrated "Zen" by sitting facing a wall for nine years.
Zen is an important concept in Kung Fu To'a, where it means growing through
inner understanding and insight.
Tai Chi Chuan
was derived from Taoism. The most important practice of Taoism was concerned
with tranquility of mind and improvement of temperament. Since the hustle
and bustle of city is unsuitable for those seeking self-discipline, the
Taoists had to search for isolated spots where they could lead the life of a
hermit. Such spots exist only in the mountains where one finds little or no
sound, no sorrow and no movement. But in reality such hermitage is an
unsuitable environment in which to dwell. The reasons for this are that the
air thought fresh, is often foggy, the winds are too strong, transportation
of food is difficult making nutrition a bit deficiency. Furthermore, there
is a constant danger of being a victim of wild beasts. Also, many diseases
when left unattended, may cause death. So, many taoists failed to reach
their Destiny -- the life of transcendental bliss. Therefore, the taoists
developed techniques of Martial Art in order to gain good health and to
protect themselves from the attacks of beasts.
|
