Driving the Shorinji Kempo techniques is the philosophy of Kongo Zen.
Shorinji Kempo develops the mind as well as the body, and the Kongo Zen philosophy act as Shorinji Kempo's guiding principle. Zen is a term used to describe the mind, while the word kongo is a Japanese term for a substance of unparalleled hardness, sometimes described in English as a diamond or adamantine. In buddhism, kongo is described as a substance that has sufficient hardness to cut through delusion to allow us to see things as they really are. Kongo Zen is not a teaching concerned with life after death, or academic questioning of religious conceptions. It does not aim to convert a person from their personal religion. What Kongo Zen teaches is the union of the body and mind, and that each person can find joy and happiness in living half for themselves and half for others here and now. This is a theme central to Kongo Zen. Through the practice of its principles, we can shape ourselves into people who can be relied upon by others as well as ourselves. People may therefore contribute not only to our own happiness but also that of other people in our society. So Doshin recognized that the course of human events is determined by the strength and character of those involved; misery and happiness find their origins in human actions. Kongo Zen aims to develop as many people as possible, with strength and compassion, with wisdom and a sense of justice, with its ultimate objective being to alleviate suffering and secure happiness.
Shorinji Kempo was developed as a means of mastering oneself, and thereby creating a better society, rather than simply as method of self-defense or of winning contests. The core philosophy of Shorinji Kempo was inspired by So Doshin's experiences of the aftermath of World War II. It revolves around the idea that it is the quality of the individual that makes a difference in society. If all the individuals in a society possess compassion and a strong sense of justice, the society will be happy, just and strong as well. In our teachings, a person seeks knowledge as the one means to solve his/her problems and provide themselves with guidance. The individual seeks to perfect his mind and body to the fullest in order that he/she might be able to create a better world. It is for this reason that Shorinji Kempo is referred to as "the thinking person's martial art."
More about The Kongo School of Zen:
The student of Zen acquires the "unwritten learning" with every part of his being, so that in the end it becomes the natural rule of his life and permits him to attain the Zen state, which is "the fact of being oneself". This is known as "Heijo Shin" or "Everyday Mind,” in Kongo Zen. The essence of Kongo Zen is the Dharma or Universal Law. The universal law can be seen as the natural order of things, the laws of cause and effect or even the laws of physics applied over time. Seeking to understand the nature of Dharma is fundamental to Shorinji Kempo training, which is the discipline built on the philosophy of Kongo Zen. Kongo Zen is focused on the teachings of the historical buddha. Buddha taught that the nature of the Dharma is best understood by the law of engi: That all things are in a state of flux, changing because everything has unlimited potential. All changes are only relative, each influencing the others and being influenced in return without a single change taking place independently of anything else. In India the law of Engi is known as the Law of Cause and Effect or Karma and is considered one of the paths to enlightenment. So Doshin, founded his philosophy and disciplinary training based on Bodhidharma (The Indian Monk who introduced Zen Buddhism to China). Also along with zazen he also taught Ekkingyo during his stay at the Shaolin Temple (Shorin Ji) in what is known now as Hunan province. These techniques were widely used by Buddhist Monks, which formed the basis for the martial techniques which spread throughout China. So Doshin divided his teachings the very same way as Bodhidharma taught: Chinkon Gyo and Ekkin Gyo, where the word 'Gyo' stands for ‘discipline,’ ‘vehicle,’ or ‘method’. Chinkon Gyo is the seated meditation done in Zazen; Ekkin Gyo is dynamic meditation done in movement.
CHINKON (鎮 魂) GYO MEDITATION
Coupled with Zazen (seated meditation) Shorinji Kempo practitioners recite the meditation (seiku), oath (seigan), and principles (shinjo), collectively termed the teachings or kyoten. The practice of chinkon-gyo serves to reaffirm why we practice Shorinji Kempo. During chinkon-gyo we practice zazen meditation to calm ourselves and develop mental composure (known in japanese as Heijoshin). In training, the "mental muscle" which must be developed to maintain heijo shin is known as tanryoku 胆力, the strength of spirit to withstand shocks. It is an aspect of ki 気 or inner strength, and is a kind of courage). Shorinji Kempo uses a very special and advanced method of breath control, and one must work to master it, as well as the proper practice of chinkon-gyo.
Moving Zen (Ekkin Gyo):
Shorinji Kempo is “moving zen.” The techniques of Shorinji Kempo assist the practitioner practice zen (meditative awareness) in motion. Awareness under stress fosters people confident in themselves and helpful to others. The use of self-defense and conflict to practice how one can relax and move into cooperation when we focus on what we mean to do, rather than be swept away by situations.
