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Synopsis
The medieval Samurai of Japan have long been depicted as the consummate warrior of Asia. While the physical training the Samurai underwent was intense and exacting, much of their skill was based on their mental refinement as well as their physical prowess. At the forefront of integrating spiritual understanding into the martial arts, Scott Shaw draws upon his years of study of Buddhist culture to show you how to acquire higher awareness through the art of Zen and Iaido (the meditative art of the sword).
Scott Shaw begins be teaching you how to control and refine your physical senses, while quieting your mind and emotions as well as your reactions to other peoples energies. Next, with clear instruction and photographs, he guides you through both standing and seated forms of Iaido. He also includes powerful breathing exercises for centering yourself and directing energy. This book has special interest for students of Ki and Iaido, but it also contains a wealth of information and practical exercise for anyone sincerely interested in Zen Buddhism and the martial arts as a path to freedom or Satori.
About the Author:
Scott Shaw is one of the preeminent Martial Art Masters of the Western world. Unique among modern Martial Artists, Shaw is at the forefront of the integration of spiritual understanding into Martial Arts.
Shaw began studying Martial Arts as a young boy. During early adolescence he became interested in the spiritual aspects of Eastern thought, rapidly engulfing himself in these traditions. He has studied meditation with some of the great teachers of our time, eventually being initiated into Yogic and Buddhist sects. For the past two decades, Scott has returned to Asia frequently, documenting obscure aspects of Asian cultured, in words and on film, and has refined his knowledge of the Martial and Meditative Arts. Shaw lives in Southern California. He has an extensive lecture and seminar schedule and is the author of The Ki Process: Korean Secrets for Cultivating Dynamic Energy (Weiser, 1997), The Warrior is Silent: Martial Arts and The Spiritual Path (Inner Traditions), and Hapkido: The Korean Art of Self Defense (Tuttle). In addition, he is the author of Zen O'clock, also published by Weiser in 1999.