Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate
Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate
Weiser Books
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by Nathan J. Johnson
Johnson makes the Shaolin way legacy accessible to all, releasing the art from the clutches of popular images and painful concerns about self-defense.
Barefoot Zen is a brave new approach to the martial arts, which clearly demonstrates that the traditional movements of both Kung Fu and Karate, contained in the solo choreographed sequences of movements known as forms (or kata), grew out of the spiritual practices of the Shaolin order of Buddhist monks and nuns. Nathan Johnson explains that this mystical and non-violent teaching is a profound and beautiful expression of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and its pursuit of wisdom, peace, and enlightenment. Contrary to popular assumption, he contends that it was never intended to be an actual means of self-defense. Barefoot Zen bridges the gap between Kung Fu and Karate, and reveals their common origin through the disclosure of vital research material on three of the world’s most important Karate kata.
Part I explains the spiritual disciplines that contributed to what we know as the martial arts. Part II explains the creation of the art along with practical instruction for performing kata. Part III explains the formation of many of the world’s Kung Fu styles.
We learn that the original “empty hand art” was used as a method of kinetic meditation between pairs and was designed as a practical tool to assist practitioners in transcending the fear and insecurity of everyday living. The legendary courage of the Shaolin (Chan/Zen) order was not developed by fighting with enemies, but by not fighting!
The Shaolin teaching was designed to free us from fear, the only true enemy.
Condition: Very good / Good
Format: Paperback
Published: 2000
Pages / Size: 352 p, 25.4 x 17.8 cm
Language: English
ISBN: 1578631424
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◎ Books Condition Guide
- New : This is a new book, unused, unread copy in perfect condition.
- Very good: A book that looks new but has been read. Cover has no visible wear. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins, possible very minimal creasing.
- Good : The book has been read but is in good condition. It has very minimal damage to the cover, including scuff marks. The binding has minimal wear. The majority of pages are undamaged with minimal creasing or tearing. There are no missing pages. A book in fair condition, the text pages and illustrations will be complete. It may also be worn or show some early signs of splitting internally at the spine. A fair dust jacket will likely have some creases or chips or small tears and may be dirty.
- Acceptable : A worn book that has complete text pages. Binding, jacket (if any) will be worn. Spine may be warped with cracking and scuffing.
This copy may be soiled, stained, spotted, discoloured and browned or creasing Pages. Markings and note taking do not interfere with reading. May be some water damage and cover slightly torn.