The Centered Warrior

Effects of Taoism on the Combative Martial Arts

(Continued)

The same concept can apply to avoiding violence as well. Lao Tzu�s pacifism can be seen today in an unexpected place: Japanimation series Ruroni Kenshin. A samurai who fights with a reverse edge sword, and has sworn never to kill again, Kenshin avoids combat using the same wisdom that makes him victorious when he is forced to fight. He takes no joy in victory, and gains no satisfaction from injuring those who have hurt him. The picture on the cover of this paper shows Kenshin protecting his friends.

If someone wants to cause you physical harm, you don�t have to respond with a desire to cause her harm. Aikido is a good example of a pacifistic martial art. Aikido teaches ways of neutralizing an opponent with minimal injury. To borrow an example from my first sensei, if I were facing three men in an alley with broken bottles, pacifism can take a short vacation while I save my life at the expense of those who would harm me. However, if I were facing a drunken brother-in-law at a party, I would have to control him without injuring him.

Conflict can be avoided by redirecting energy � the underlying principle is no different from countering a sword swing. You don�t have to react to anger with anger. You don�t have to let other�s actions control your emotions. To respond to aggression with aggression is the �fight� part of the �fight or flight� reflex. Being passive and unassertive is the �flight� part. But a Taoist has another option: to flow. No matter how hard you punch water, you cannot hurt it.

�Because one side's interpersonal behavior that is carried out toward the other depends upon the target's reactions to be realized, the continuation of interpersonal interactions or conflicts relies on the participants' validation of each other's actions or perceptions. According to Taoism, a person in a conflict situation may minimize the dissension by using alternatives that can transcend or invalidate the perceptions or expectations of the opponent who exacerbates the situation. For example, people should apply calm to subdue the obstreperous (Sun Tzu, Chap. 7) and utilize stillness to overcome heat (Lao Tzu, Chap. 45).� (How to Overcome Without Fighting)