Martial Arts and Karate have rituals they perform such a bowing to one another, sitting in a kneeling posture to also bow and many religious-perceived actions of etiquette but it is not about religion. Some feel that bowing down to others is tantamount to bowing to a god or god-like entity and this is also not true. We in the martial communities talk about our spirit as well, i.e., mind-body-spirit and it would also be a mistake to assume that we are speaking of the spirit as in a religion or religious spirit. This is a common misunderstanding in martial practices, rituals and symbology.
In martial arts the spirituality of it is better understood, once enlightened to what they are not, as being, " ... Google Dictionary ... : the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul; those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements in the character of a person, nation, or group or in the thought and attitudes of a particular period."
Addendum for clarification, Soul: “ ... Google Dictionary: ... a person's moral or emotional nature or sense of identity. Emotional or intellectual energy or intensity, especially as revealed in a work of art or an artistic performance. The essence or embodiment of a specified quality."
It isn’t as if one cannot incorporate their beliefs, religious or other, into the dojo, training and practices but that all depends on the individual, the strength of their convictions and how important it is they do just that. Then, it is up to the dojo and its members as to if it is feasible and how that would be done to allow all members the rights they have as dictated by the dojo sensei. Even if not feasible, that does not stop one from the inalienable right to follow their religious beliefs according to the common social construct of the society in which the training is conducted.
In short, all that is perceived as spiritual and religious in the dojo is not what it would seem or be perceived to each individuals biases, perceptions and personal beliefs. It also depends on many other social, constitutional and personal mandates, requirements, rules and laws of the land in which the dojo and members reside.
Remember, even if certain symbolic rituals such a bowing from a seated/kneeling position is often voluntary and if not then remember that each member has the right to either stay or seek teachings elsewhere. It is a personal decision each of us, as people, humans and members must make for our selves - its called taking responsibility for self.
Lets see how this pans out a bit further:
Taoism is of note in a lot of martial practices; it was from a philosophy that advocated living a simple life. This is a philosophical belief from my perspective and current understanding, not a religious one as religion is currently defined. Like many religious beliefs there is often one common dominator in those beliefs, a type of supreme entity or being. Religion is defined as, “The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. A particular system of faith and worship. A pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.”
Taoism was created and is, originally and traditionally, has little or nothing to do with religion. It was used in combination with other Chinese beliefs and practices, such as Buddhist practices, that later become a religion of sorts unlike those of American or European origins.
Another one is Buddhism, "The history of Buddhism in China spans some 1,500 years. Originally from India, it was spread by wandering monks, one of whom was Bodhidharma, the priest credited with founding Shaolin Kung Fu at the Buddhist temple bearing the same name." To my mind and understanding it relates to no religion or religious belief as defined above. It too when combined with other belief systems came to be renamed and newly understood as a religion. In its traditional original form as within most martial disciplines is is a philosophical form of belief.
Now, some other forms such as, “Shintoism and Hinduism where its descriptions talks specifically about religion, i.e., Hinduism as a polytheistic religion, the divide gets a lot grayer. Again, it comes down to an individuals interpretation and understanding in relation to their beliefs and religious understandings leaving them once again to personally take responsibility, without resorting to being a proverbial justice warrior forcing their beliefs on others over and above others beliefs, etc., for whether they attend or find another venue to provide what they want.
I can say that in my forty plus years I have come across the typical Americanized martial arts, the more Traditional Martial Arts and the Religious Martial Arts that encompasses a religion, a religious teaching and a combination of both in teaching of the martial arts traditional or other. To me, “that is a good thing!”
If in doubt, ask Sensei; if in doubt, seek legal advice; if in doubt, take responsibility for yourself in accepting things as they are or seeking gratification and validation through other dojo, means, etc.
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