(Approx 2 minute 50 second read)

I thought I would write a little more about “Buddhism”.
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I’m not a buddhist by any means, but I like to think I practice some of their principles. I’m not here to preach or to convert anyone; I just want to share with you some of the principles that can guide you, whether you’re in the dojo or out of it.
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So here we go.
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One of the first things you’ll hear about is the Four Noble Truths.
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These are pretty much the foundation of Buddhism. These four ideas that explain why we suffer and how to stop it.
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Life is tough, they call this ‘Dukkha’ (Suffering Exists) – Everyone has tough times, and that’s just part of it.
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Where suffering comes from is called ‘Samudaya’ (Cause of Suffering) – A lot of our struggles come from wanting things we don’t have or holding onto things we can’t change.
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Ending that suffering, is called ‘Nirodha’ (End of Suffering) – The good news? You don’t have to be stuck in suffering. Letting go of that attachment or craving can free you.
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So, how do you do that? They call this ‘Magga’ (The Path to End Suffering) – Buddhism lays out a roadmap called the Eightfold Path, a step-by-step guide to stop struggling so much.
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The Eightfold Path is a “how-to” guide for living better. It’s like a personal training plan for your mind.
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The word “Right” in the Eightfold Path refers to the correct or best way of doing things – it’s not about being “right” versus “wrong” in a judgmental sense, but about approaching life in the most helpful, beneficial way.
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‘Right View’ – Get a clear picture of how things really are. Life’s not perfect, but understanding that helps.
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‘Right Intention’ – Think positive! It’s all about focusing on good, helpful thoughts and letting go of the negative ones.
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‘Right Speech’ – Watch your words. Speak kindly, honestly, and avoid gossip or harsh comments.
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‘Right Action’ – Do the right thing. If you want to be a good martial artist, it’s not just about the techniques; it’s about how you treat people.
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‘Right Livelihood’ – Make sure your work doesn’t cause harm to others. It’s all about ethics, even outside the dojo.
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‘Right Effort’ – Put in the effort to be better. Work on developing good habits and kicking bad ones.
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‘Right Mindfulness’ – Be present in the moment. Focus on right now.
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‘Right Concentration’ – Meditate. Build focus. You need it both in your training and in your daily life.
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Next we arrive at The Three Marks of Existence. In other words here’s how things really are.
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Impermanence (Anicca) – Everything is changing. That grading you failed? It won’t last forever. The struggle is part of the process.
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Suffering (Dukkha) – Nothing in life is going to bring you permanent happiness. So, don’t hang on to stuff too tightly.
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Non-Self (Anatta) – There’s no “fixed you”. Who you are is always evolving – just like your skills in the dojo. Don’t get too attached to any one version of yourself.
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If you want to live ethically, they have five basic rules called The Five Precepts. Think of them as your personal code.
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Don’t harm others.
Don’t steal.
Be respectful in your relationships.
Speak truthfully.
Avoid substances that cloud your mind (especially in the dojo).
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In Buddhism, these three things The Three Jewels are what people take refuge in – they guide you along your path.
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Buddha – The teacher and the example. Someone who’s shown the way.
Dharma – The teachings. This is the “how-to” guide for a better life.
Sangha – The community of people who are on the same path.
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Buddhism can seem like a big, abstract thing, but at its core, it’s all about being present, being kind, and letting go of the things that hold you back. Some of those ideas you should be learning in the dojo, right?.
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Keep an open mind, and who knows maybe you’ll find ways these principles can make your life (and your training) a little better.
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Written by Adam Carter
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Resources: What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula and The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh.