March 10, 2011

Body, Breath, and Consciousness

空手は型(形)で稽古する。その際,一連の決まった動きや所作を単に運動的になぞるのではなく,身体各所すべての動き一つ一つに意識を集中する。重心を意識して身体のバランスを保ちながら,身体の動きと息の出し入れを調和させる。意識は,型が始まってから終わるまで,呼吸しながら動く身体の隅々まで行き渡らせる。呼吸する身体へ意識を集中することにより,やがて自己は,自己(身体)が存在する今ここの場そのものに浸透・拡散する。


Karate is practiced through kata (a series of unitary techniques of defense and offense). While practicing kata, we should not simply trace the set series of movements and actions as a physical exercise, but concentrate on every movement of all parts of our body. Every movement of the body is harmonized with breathing, with being aware of the center of gravity and keeping balance of the whole body. Consciousness is thrown into all over the body, which moves with breathing, from start to finish of kata. In the course of time, concentrating on the breathing body makes the self penetrate or diffuse through the place here now where it presents.

2 comments:

  1. this is really great.
    my master talks about karate as a way to be enlightened

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  2. Thank you for your comment.
    I think Japanese martial arts is a way to be enlightened, but the enlightenment is not the purpose of martial arts.

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