Philosophy

Zen Stories

After practice, Japanese Karate instructors often gather their students to teach discipline and philosophy. Sometimes the instructors use Zen stories to exemplify what they are trying to teach. The teachers usually do not complete the story, or they end the story with a question in an attempt to make the students think for themselves.

I would like to give two examples of Zen stories. Please find your own answers to these questions.

There was once a family that lived in Japan many years ago. The father's profession was that of a professional thief. One day the oldest son in the family asked his father to teach him his techniques. This was important because if his father died or became old, the family would no longer have a means for providing for their expenses....

In my studies and contact with many Karatedoka, I have found two types of people at opposite poles of philosophy. On one extreme is the Karatedoka that is trying to make his own Karatedo world in which to live. These Karatedoka pay more attention to the aesthetic parts of philosophy, than goodness. This type of Karatedoka makes the mistake of invading others without permission. Of course, these Karatedoka do not know their own territory accurately, because they do not try to know it. If used the wrong way, Karatedo becomes a dangerous weapon. Not only will it destroy other people's lives, but it can also destroy one's own life....