Meditation
Meditationis the general term for various techniques and practices de-
signed to induce an altered state of consciousness, develop concentration
and wisdom, and relieve stress and induce relaxation. On the simplest lev-
els it is utilized to calm, cleanse, and relax the mind and body and to in-
crease concentration and mental focus. On higher levels, it is practiced to
produce a radical transformation of the character. Meditation is really
mind/body training that is learned through discipline and practice. Medi-
tation systems such as Zen and Daoist (Taoist) qigong may stimulate the
autoimmune system, change brain waves from beta to alpha or theta, and
lower heart and respiratory rate while increasing respiratory volume and
decreasing muscular tension.
Dimitri Kostynick defines the martial arts as “practices of combat
outside of organized warfare, utilized for self-actualization, augmented
with noncombative practices and formulae from the materia medica”
(1989). In this view, the martial arts are a nexus between the techniques
of combat and psychophysical self-cultivation. The Asian martial arts
grew up intertwined with Daoism (Taoism), Shintô, Buddhism, and other
magico-religious traditions that emphasize meditation as a means of gain-
ing some form of enlightenment. It is no surprise that the traditional mar-
tial arts include meditation as either an integral part of or an adjunct to
training. The classic martial arts have a long history in Japan, China, and
elsewhere of using meditative practices as instruments of “spiritual forg-
ing.” Asian martial arts share a basically similar animatistic theory of en-
ergy (kiin Japanese; qi [chi] in Chinese) that is present in human beings
and all living creatures. Ki is commonly taken to mean “vital breath,” bio-
electric life energy, “spirit,” and “directed intention.” Japanese aikidô and
Chinese taijiquan (tai chi ch’uan) and qigong are based on the ki notion.
Although ki is a rather vague concept, most traditional martial arts pre-
scribe methods of cultivating and directing this subtle energy. Meditation,
relaxation, visualization, and movement sets (or kata) are used to gener-
ate, store, and utilize ki. In general, the serious use of ki energy has been
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