Spiritual / Personal Growth

[YODA]

A quick question that hopefully will lead to a productive discussion...

 

We often hear than training in the martial arts can be used as a vehicle for our personal or spritual growth (Spriritual does not necessarily mean religeous - in fact for me in does NOT mean religeous).

 

So - how does this happen? What is it in martial arts training that can lead to personal growth outside of the arena of actual fighting?

 

 

[Jack]

I feel there are several answers to this. When you step into the Dojo for the first time, you are faced with a completely alien situation. Meeting new people whom you would never normally converse with can help to build confidence for some. Rigorous, hard training can help someone to realise their own limits, and push hard to increase those limits which shows a dedication to the Martial Arts which may be carried over to life. Bowing and other signs of respect can help to make a person more respectful and humble, and meditation can help in all sorts of ways, making one more in touch with their feelings, their surroundings, as well as helping people to calm themselves easily and feeling generally more happy.

 

I think that all classifies as growth.

[three60roundhouse]

Well, if you really think about it, doing a pattern is like "meditation in motion", at least for me. When I practice, it brings me to a place only the MA can get me to...I find that creating my own patterns does this for me as well.

[spinninggumby]

Yes, I would have to agree that the term 'spiritual' does not equate with 'religious'. I consider myself a born-again Christian and I feel so blessed that by repeatedly seeking out the teachings of Christianity, that carries over into my martial arts training, which in turn the values carry over and filter into every other thing in life that I do.

 

[kicker]

Well in Martial Arts when you go outside you might feel a bit safer that you know that if someone attacks you you might stand a chance of not getting badliy hurt.

 

It could affect the way you judge people or think...

 

Well I also agree that spiritual doesn't mean the same thing as religeous.

 

 

[KickChick]

Your training and experiences are not limited to the dojo. The self-improvement attitude and approaches are exemplified in the home as well in other areas of your of daily life. The etiquette exercises in the dojo, that reflect respect, care, dedication, sincerity, contemplation, effort, calm, perseverance, positive and creative initiatives, provide the student with an unusual awareness that should be used in other areas of their life. To confine the learning and practice experience to just only a single place and time diminishes the results and enjoyment you get from your martial art. Everyone needs to "open" their dojo's walls to their living environment and let the personal improvement in the physical, mental and spiritual areas generated during their training there in the dojo extend over to their workplace and at home. This will allow you to get the best results and quality of experience possible in other circles of life.

 

 

[Phantasmatic]

Your attitude really matters when you talk about spiritual growth and internal bettering. Think less about your reputation and more about chivalrous activities.

 

 

[YODA]

Good call Phantasmatic

 

 

Rather than seeking happiness & growth, just do as much good as you can, give of yourself without regard for your own progress and your growth is almost guaranteed!

 

 

 

 

[Bon]

Most definately it helps personal and spirtual growth...

 

One must remain humble, otherwise he hurts himself and stops learning, right ?

 

I don't see this any different to when I am doing math or physics, even if there is a person who does a lower level of math than me, it doesn't mean they can't teach me something, or show me a different way of looking at a problem.

 

We 'look down' on the person who isn't committed to training, might come once every couple of weeks or so.

 

Same as with school I see, everyone must turn up every day and DO the work that is set as well as additional study.

 

Everyone can do martial arts, I believe. I'm sure others of you would agree if you can do it, then others can do it too.

 

Everyone can do anything they set their mind to, whether it be school, work, etc. It is possible to make that 'A' if you work persistently and learn where you made mistakes and what you did wrong. If you learn from your mistakes, you should get that 'A' or whatever else it is that you want.

 

Anger is our worse friend when we're sparring, we lose control, coordination, timing and technique.

 

No different to with your friends, others. Get angry, you've allowed that person to control you and you end up hurting yourselves and others, lose trust, etc.

 

 

[Phantasmatic]

Thanks YODA!