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The Martial Way and its Virtues: Tao De Gung
A Classical Vision of the Martial Arts Through the millennia, man has been subject to aggression and violence from other men, and has pondered ways to meet such hostility. The source of man's ceaseless conflict lies in our nature. We are just not content with the simple life. We want what we do not have and lust for what others possess. Empires wax and wane; states cleave asunder and coalesce. Thus it has ever been. – Three Kingdoms (Chinese Novel 1400 A.D. Ironically enough, the modern civilized world promotes many alternatives for conflict resolution in place of overt violence. As a result, physical strength, mental determination and emotional endurance have lost their urgency in today's popular society. Are we a generation self-absorbed in the absence of routine discipline and sacrifice? While the martial arts revolve around the way of personal combat, it also demands that its adherents live in accordance with a certain warrior code of conduct and honor. The Martial Way promises a long and arduous journey. It is an invitation to the subordination of self, the endurance of sustained practice, and the cultivation of the body and mind, with no tolerance for self-indulgences of any kind. Martial arts without compassion and honor promises only violence. Stripped of its spirituality, it threatens injury and suffering to both its victims and its practitioners. In the end, this higher ideal is what separates the warrior from the predator.
- GenresMartial Arts
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 5, 2019
"The martial artist who believes that he will win, who is determined to win, can usually draw upon a reservoir of energy and willpower not available to someone without the proper attitude... as a result, his mental state of mind enables him to perform at his peak capacity when the circumstances require it."
This book does a great job covering universal aspects of martial arts in mind, body, and soul. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or looking to get started, this book has something to teach you.
The author takes a swing at a lot of martial philosophers and I agree with the point, if you only study techniques or reading, you'll never really make progress. You have to train and implement what you learn to grow. Like swimming, you must jump in the pool.
"The warrior is not lead by others; but by remaining true to his convictions, he may inspire others to follow in his steps. He chooses his path and gives us an example of the original and primary rule of life -- how to learn, in order to be a man, to live and to die."
This book does a great job covering universal aspects of martial arts in mind, body, and soul. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or looking to get started, this book has something to teach you.
The author takes a swing at a lot of martial philosophers and I agree with the point, if you only study techniques or reading, you'll never really make progress. You have to train and implement what you learn to grow. Like swimming, you must jump in the pool.
"The warrior is not lead by others; but by remaining true to his convictions, he may inspire others to follow in his steps. He chooses his path and gives us an example of the original and primary rule of life -- how to learn, in order to be a man, to live and to die."
November 8, 2016
Profound and moving. Truly a guide for living a moral and honorable way of life, for the Martial Artist and the Everyman. Not an easy book to get through. Philosophical and soul searching, but I highly recommend it.
December 30, 2018
An outstanding survey of the Way of the virtuous warrior, learned and lived through the martial arts.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews