Are their any Christian MA's out there that have a perspective on the harmony of Zen and Christianity? I am very interested in the alleged focus and insight that Zen brings one, but am also a devout Christian, and am a bit concerned. Thoughts are appreicated!

Isnt zen the focus of mind and body? What does that have to do with christianity?

sorry to say this christianMA but religion may get in your way with freeing your mind as you are already binded to set beliefs but dont let that put you off there is much to learn from zen

The topic has been discussed here a few time before and I agree that you must read the book "Living The Martial Arts Way" by Forrest Morgan. He sheds a lot of light on the topic and states that they are two seperate entities. The book is a must read for all MA's anyway.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tom2199:
sorry to say this christianMA but religion may get in your way with freeing your mind as you are already binded to set beliefs but dont let that put you off there is much to learn from zen[/QUOTE]

Blinded??!! did you ever try and explain Zen and MA to someone that is really a religous fanatic. A relative of mine and I usually end up in an arguements every time Zen is mentioned during our family dinners. I am satanic, worshipping to a false god, or idle....whatever [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif[/IMG]

sorry did not mean to say blinded, apologys for any offence
lol thats a funny one schanne [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif[/IMG]

White Tiger - Your point is well taken. I guess my concerns lie in Zen Buddism, in which guess I can seperate the two.

Tom - Freeing the mind is an interesting topic; especially in a Christian light, but that would take us down a religous track outside the scope of this thread. Thanks for the post.

Schanne - I do have that book, but haven't read it in several years. I will check it out again. Thanks for the lead!

There's a Zen center right down the street from my development, so I think I'll go see what they have to say.

Thanks folks!

Maybe your zen can be getting closer to Christ. Zen is a personal path of self discovery. Knowing yourself better enhances your relationship with others, whether it be your deity, your neighbor, or your enemy.

Zen is nothing but the japanese way of saying meditation.

Learning meditation to focus and calm the mind should not be a problem. Many christians over the centuries have in fact engaged in meditation.

Becoming a budhist on the other hand, that would definately interfere with being a christian(whole changing religion thing)

Didn't JC go out to the desert and meditate for 40 days (and nights). I think thats where the bible says he met the devil and was tempted. Maybe this gosepl story was meant as an allegory for self-awareness.

~ED