Zen is a practice for the mind and body. It can help you learn to perceive the world more accurately, to react to things more thoughtfully, and to live fully in the present. It can help you to change habitual ways of thinking and to act with compassion and kindness.
Our practice is from the Soto school of Zen, founded by a Japanese monk named Dogen around 800 years ago.
Zen is not 'meditation' in the sense that we are trying to achieve some altered state of mind. In fact, we are not trying to achieve anything. We simply sit and practice being present in the moment.
The backbone of Soto Zen is called shikantaza, "just sitting". By saying "just sitting" we mean sitting with nothing added to it. No remembering, daydreaming, planning or fantasizing- just accepting and releasing what comes to mind without bias.
Zen is a physical and mental activity where we practice proper posture of the mind and body. It is founded upon Buddhist principles that teach us how to broaden our perspective and to embark on a more compassionate lifestyle.
Our sitting is accompanied by a brief discussion.
Do you need to join our martial arts in order to come to Zen practice? No. Come on in- all are welcome!
You are welcome to attend our zazen (sitting Zen meditation) period and never need to be involved in our martial arts activities. You may wonder "How can martial arts and Zen be practiced together?"
Martial arts, at Kodokai, are not simply about exercise, and certainly they are not about fighting. Martial arts serve as a vehicle for cultivating a disciplined, vibrant, and confident human being.
Our martial art is quite unique. It was a practice exclusive to the Ryukyu (Okinawa) kings for many generations. It includes ethical teachings to guide standards of behavior and self-defense techniques designed to show compassion by controlling an attacker without causing damage.
Our martial art also includes many practices of posture, walking (called 'aruka Zen'), perception, and mental discipline that are also practiced in mainstream Zen methods. Taira sensei, our late teacher, saw Zen as a valuable part of his martial arts practice. His teacher, Seikichi Uehara, taught that one should strive to become a "virtuous martial artist".
Here are a few wise directives from Uehara sensei:
In conflict, we must strive to perceive the situation as a whole.
We must clear the mind of thought and proceed with "no-mind".
We must learn to prevent conflict by carefully considering our words and actions.
We must not make enemies.
We must avoid harming others- particularly through showing off our own skill.
We must try to reform our enemies rather than destroy them.
We must keep peace in our families.
We must treat our training partners body as if it were our own.
We must maintain the self-awareness to always act correctly.
Our schedule varies so please call for information. Please read this page if you have no experience with Zazen.
This is open to anyone- you need not be affiliated with our school or martial arts in any way.
It is best suited for adults (the conversation will be challenging for young people to follow) but youth may attend with parental permission.
If you wish to join us there is no fee. You may make a small donation or leave nothing at all.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
