The Zen training
at the Center is geared towards personal, physical and psychological
growth and development of each individual, empowering him/her to live
a happier and fuller life.
The Center defines Zen as a practical philosophy born in ancient India, developed largely in
China, and then transmitted to Japan, where it was studied, practiced
and financed mostly by the Samurai-class. Zen is comprised of static and moving meditations guiding individuals to attain enhanced levels of awareness, or enlightenment, without any specific
religious connotations. Defining and practicing
Zen as a non-religious activity carries a significant importance when we
attempt to utilize the concept and methodology in the context of general
education.
Budo is a Japanese term meaning "martial way" signifying that it is a way (passage) to attain enhanced awareness and character development. Budo differs from other so-called "martial arts" in that it is not designed to defeat external enemies in combat but rather to develop each student's character by defeating the enemies within.
Budo, originated in the arts called Bugei, or martial performance, and Bujutsu, or
martial skills, developed by the Samurai of the ancient Japan. Whereas Bugei were developed during Japan's extensive period of civil war, Bujutsu were developed during a relatively peaceful era, and practiced as supplemental to the Samurai's Zen trainings. Sporting elements, including competition, to make practices safer
and more enjoyable, were introduced into Bujutsu in the late 1800's, during the Meiji period, giving the birth to what is now known as Budo. Major Budo disciplines include kendo (fencing), judo, karate-do, aikido, iaido (sword draw) and kyudo (archery).
Profound arts and crafts, developed by the Samurai in ancient Japan, are manifestations of their Zen and Bujutsu (Budo) training. Examples of such arts are shodo (calligraphy), kado (flower arrangement), sado (tea ceremony), Nihon-ga (Japanese painting) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute).
The Center attempts to invite as many members of our
extended communities to participate and share the virtues of such arts by continuing the research, study and practice of Zen and Budo, which were very much an integral part of the Samurai's lifestyle, hoping that our ancestors' arts would benefit each individual as well as our communities as a whole.
