Spiritual aspects of training in the martial arts There are methods designed to create a meditative and quiet approach to 'mind' and a control of one's emotions. A state of 'no mind' or emptiness allows deep internal processes to occur. Inner listening is a vital aspect to the training. While in "theory" practicing martial arts of whatever 'style' is meant to: - path the way to a heightened state of awareness - produce a calm approach to life, a philosophical and spiritual introspection - a reduction of ego related distractions - a way free of body/mind earthly appetites This is not always the case and many side affects may occur (distress, unbalanced emotions, ego, feeling of misguided power). This is not meant to scare one but a warning that nothing is guaranteed without patience, persistence and constant practice of meditation, a pure heart and struggle with ego related distractions. A state of remembering is important - what the sufis refer to as Zikr "G...d and all your Angels, protect us from doing evil and grant us the wisdom and serenity to help us always and everywhere to remember ourselves" The effect of lifetime training especially where guided by an experienced teacher can open the doors of perception to an inner reality. Listening to subtle body, muscle, pressure, joint and pain sensations, the student is guided constantly within to a point where mind stops and oneness with existence is deeply experienced. To experience stillness during activity is a heightened state of awareness which trains us to be still even in the most extreme situations. Chillies Those Stupid Games I am going to live the way I want to live I am going to live in my own spontaneity and authenticity I am not here to fulfill anybody's expectations I am not interested in being called a spiritual person or a saint I don't need any compliments from anybody I don't want the crowd to worship me All those stupid games are finished Excerpted from The Book Of Wisdom - Osho