I am not expert of samurai or zen either ... I was just born & grew up in Japan, & never studied about those, ( took for granted greatly ) but I just know that they are related to each other deeply just because living itself was discipline & meditation especially in that era ... which doesn't mean to sit & meditate at one spot, calligraphy the movement with grace, & finding art, beauty, & respect in anywhere, in the harmony with nature ...

did you see the movie Last Samurai ? the movie doesn't explain much but well done, all my Japanese friends are grateful to the staff who involved with the movie & made it so well because it is a great reminder for the Japanese to recall who we are/supposed to be, & of the samurai spirit within us ... which we have forgotten ...


www.rep.routledge.com/article/G100SECT6
www.samurai.com/5rings/tra...ro/zen.html

www.kangetsu.com/kamakura_...ommend.htm
( I just wanted to include my home town, Kamakura, in Japan. )

My Aikido Sensei has had some contact with the arguement, and describes why he too is confused by the assertions that the Zen and and martial arts must have been seperate. He has some daily messages that delve into it just a bit (because he doesn't want to start other arguements, I think.)

www.aikidocenterla.com

Kevin Hoffer
Beginner, Aikido Center of Los Angeles, Furuya Sensei

My understanding is that Shingon Buddhism was the path of choice when a spiritual outlook and help was needed.

I've read a lot about Buddhism lately, and some of it was covering this. In my opinion, Zen Buddhism rejects any art of war. Buddha was not about harming living things. But you decide for yourself. Here's some links:

www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKE...irata.pdf
homepages.utoledo.edu/enelson...dwar.htm
www.kanai.net/weblog/arch.../000901.html
www.darkzen.com/Articles/zenholy.htm

Please let us know what you think!

~d

Martial arts and the warrior class were one of the main reasons that the Zen sect of Budhism survived when there were so many other sects much more popular with the common man. That is not to say that Zen was not popular during certain periods, however it's following became very condensed and stayed that way during most of the religion's history. Interestingly enough, many of the sects actually faught each other during some of the nation's more turbulent times. I have read several references to "the warrior monks" descending from mount Hei (Tendai budhism) and burning various temples of other sects. So while the religion teaches peace there those individuals that believe in exceptions (like many other religions in history). It may be interesting to note that during many of these religious disagreements, Zen monks did not participate and remained peaceful and neutral. Aside from Zen, Shingon was associated to some extent witht he warrior class. But from what I have read, its esoteric practices were even more difficult for the common man to accept than what was found in Zen.

For a direct connection that is well documented, you need look no further than several pieces of modern literature. It is well known that the famed Swordsman Miyamoto Musashi was close friends with zen priests and a devout practicioner of both Zen and Shingon Budhism. Another Samurai of fame was Tesshu who dedicated his life to the practice of Zen Budhism, not only in spiritual practice, but in deeds as well. He made a reputation as a fantastic swordsman without ever killing a person. The teachings of Zen, the concept of mushin, the fearlessness in death, are all concepts that the warrior class found very meaningful in their lives and their line of work. So yes, there is a definite connection between Zen and the Samurai but there were just as many samurai, if not more, who did not practice Budhism at all. You must remember that the Samurai were a caste. You would be very hard pressed to find any social group and make a blanket statement that covered them all. But the mainstream teachings, traditions, etc. are heavily rooted in Budhism, with Zen being the predominant sect but not by any astronomical degree.

Two books that would answer this question are "Sword of no Sword" - Tesshu

and the recent biography of Miyamoto Musashi "The lone Samurai"

I highly reccomend each of them and believe that they will serve to answer your question while being quite easy to read as relaxation and not as strenuous study.

Another book that may be quite difficult to find as it was published in the 1950's is a small book titled, "Religions of Japan". It gives a great summary of the history of the various religions and their sects and their development over the nation's incredible past.