Griffith Aikido - Brisbane Martial Arts and Self Defence

Brisbane Zen

Any attempt to describe Zen is inevitably distorted and incomplete but one may perhaps indicate a common motivation. After experiencing the pleasures and frustrations of life and the constant attractions and revulsions in our monkey-mind we begin to long for mental calm, a state relatively free from the thoughts which snatch us away with them. Perhaps we begin to meditate, to regard our childish ideas impassively and let them just fade away. We want to taste some freedom at least occasionally.

The trick is not to desire to do something or become someone, for that also is a selfish attachment. As our egocentrism reduces we are perhaps receptive to ever more awareness of being, or Tao, or what you will - that must remain for the individual to discover. In the 17th century a sage wrote:-

Whether you are enlightened or not,
If you regard the mind of all things as the same,
Things are quite well as they are.


This is by no means a quietistic precept, rather, true creativity emerges as we give up trying to dispose all things from a narrow personal perspective. The understanding of ones own weaknesses and incompleteness increases our understanding of others and our compassion for them. As this compassion increases it diminishes our self-involvement, compassion and self-realization are mutually reinforcing.

But as the mind-brain with its electro-chemical signals and secretions will influence the body, so the body may assist the mind. Aikido, the way of harmony of mind and body, is the expression of an integrated attitude to life. We train in the hope that, even if physically attacked, we will deal with the situation without anger, not trying to dominate but rather to return the adversary to calmness and fellow-feeling. He or she must not be injured or shamed, for that would indicate our own insensitivity and inability to restore a human relationship.

As I see it, there may be a fruitful convergence in the ways of Zen and aikido. I have been prevailed upon to write down some thoughts on this matter and humbly apologize for my immaturity.

Edwin Dowdy February, 2005