If Buddhists do not encourage violence then why do some teach martial Arts?

Question

I mean to contradict your own belief is pretty f***ed up.

Answer 1

Martial Arts isn't taught to be used for violence. It is an art of defending yourself. You should read a little more about it and watch less Kung Fu Movies.

Answer 2

I teach unpaid about 12 hours a week on average. I have a full time job as a research professional in the electronic materials sciences. I used to get a little resistance from some in my family for spending so much time unpaid. I told them I get more back than I give. I get to train fo free, exercise, help others, keep a positive outlook myself Occasionally I see a student flourish and change their lives in a more positive direction. When you see that and know it was you that made a difference there is no amount of money that could buy you a better feeling. I'm also a Boy Scout leader and spend one weekend a month and one week in the summer as a volunteer leader. The rewards there are the same. My wife will tell you these things have made me a better more productive person. My family has done without some of the luxuries we could probably afforded if I were more dedicated to earning more money. I can assure you they may not have been any more secure or happier. We live comfortable enough. My luxury car is a Hyundai Accent. LOL On the other hand If you open a profitable school and can earn a living doing what you love it could be the best of both worlds or the worst. I do not believe in giving away what you earned in excess to the point your family suffers. Finding balance in life is always a challenge for us all. Shower your family with love unconditional. Give to your comunity freely as your means dictates. Do not deprive youself from enough to acomplish a good productive life and healthy family. This is a dificult enough task. I can only wish you well. Having a few luxeries does not speak badly of a person. God bless your efforts. I have a couple students that pay me a nominal fee for traveling to them to cover my fuel and lunch and a small token to let them have some "skin " in it.

Answer 3

Martial arts is just that an Art. It is in self control, but never encouraged to use martial arts against someone. I don't see anything about no self defense. If violence is started by someone else, it should be ended.

Answer 4

Martial Arts in their pure form are about the Mind. Most peoples minds are full of conflict, which makes them violent on their own, and in response to the violence of others. The Art leads one to become so strong in ones Mind that not only do you bring conflict to an end in yourself, but, no one will want to be in conflict with you as you no longer offer them someone to fight with. It is essentially a "spiritual" path in its best form. However, there are those that teach and/or practice this just to break things and flex their muscles, but they are not really Buddhists who have a very deep understanding. I know this is confusing at first, but if you go deeper into it, the contradiction that you rightly see that is on the surface will fade away the deeper you look. The world is a very violent reality and this is one path that responds to those who wish to be free of the violence. Hope that is helpful.

Answer 5

Martial arts are not intended for actually causeing harm, they are intended to teach diciplin and to calm the mind as well as strengthen the body. People who are taught Martial arets are not intended to go out and beat people up, but only use what they know in situations where it may save someones life or write a wrong. It is not contradicting at all, it is just a practice, and actually promotes peace.

Answer 6

Wow, you're a little dense, huh? Martial Arts teach self defense and self discipline. They don't encourage violence dum dum, they teach you what to do if violence is casted your way. Their religion may teach peace but that doesn't mean they just have to stand there and let someone kick their *** when they can defend themselves. Perhaps you should delve deeper into things you don't know about before making a complete *** out of yourself.

Answer 7

Martial arts was meant to unify man with the earth as a whole.
The art was meant to push the human mind and body to the limit.
If you study the origins of the styles you will see that it was enthused by the natural talents of animals, the elements of life (like air, water, fire, etc.) and counteracting another human.
Thats why you'll see styles like Tiger Palm and so forth. The oldest of the martial arts came from Africa through Asia and...
When these Buddhist monks practice Kung Fu or Tai Chi its like as if they are connecting with Buddha and mankind (man and kind or man and those like or of man.)
They believe animals have spirits that can guide them. Life to them is a path we all must take that will lead to heaven, hell, or nothingness (?) Therefore they are learning to broaden their minds to make it to heaven.
To use the art of Shaolin would mean they had no other choice, lest they offend Buddha and...

Answer 8

Martial arts are a great way of getting in shape and getting to know you own body. Buddhists had wars just like any one else. I trained for a few good years of my life. I tell you the stronger you get the less you want to fight. I dont need to prove my self. Actually sometimes im scared how easy it is to brake someones nose or arm or make them bleed.

People who fight often feel weak and feel they have to show how strong they are.

Answer 9

Many devisions in Budhism.
Tibet used to have a army to before the invasion if China.

If a Budhists practice martial art its mainly for unity between Mind and Body.
And for protective purposes.

Answer 10

For self-defense ... just as many Christians, Jews, Muslims, and atheists study or teach martial arts.

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