Overview

This work considers an ancient yet timeless art and its profound philosophy, which aims to enhance personal growth through the cultivation of body and mind. Kendo is the modern version of Japanese swordsmanship, and modern kendo, which transmits the ancient swordsman tradition and life-view, has attracted many practitioners. Its aim is to tame the ego and discover the true self, but this process goes far beyond the realm of the intellect, and penetrates the sphere of what the Buddhists and kendo practitioners refer to as ""mushin"" - an altered state of consciousness. ""Kendo"" is a two-edged sword; it can be used for destructive purposes or for constructive purposes (katsujin-ken). It is in this area of human thought that kendo discipline bears distinct meaning today - an area of thought realized through an existential paradox; that the discipline of destruction forms the basis of the discipline of construction. The manner in which one responds to this paradox is the essence of ""bushido"" - the way of those who practice kendo. This seminal work describes the discipline of swordsmanship cultivated by the samurai in medieval and pre-modern Japan, and shows the relevance of the discipline today. Buddhism was a major influence on kendo and in this work Buddhist philosophy and socio-political history are used as a background to facilitate a better understanding of kendo as a popular culture and a direct means to personal growth.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kiyota
Publisher:   Kegan Paul
Imprint:   Kegan Paul
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.10cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.480kg
ISBN:  

9780710304742

ISBN 10:   0710304749
Pages:   172
Publication Date:   07 January 1995
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 What Is Kendō?; Chapter 2 The Impact of Buddhist Thought on the Development of Swordsmanship; Chapter 3 The Development of Swordsmanship; Chapter 4 The Development of Bushidō, The Code of the Samurai; Chapter 5 The Modern Period;

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Minoru Kiyota

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