Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu share a founding in 6th century China. Bodhidharma founded Zen Buddhism and monks incorporated martial arts like Kung Fu for protection as non-violent people. The philosophies emphasize mind preparation through meditation to promote calm, wise decision making. Kung Fu also reflects this philosophy as an art of defense. These traditions from China continue to influence modern understandings of meditation, martial arts, and decision making.

1. ZEN BUDDHISM & KUNG FU
Josh Morin, Annalyn Gali,
Eric Flerchinger, Nathan
Pate

2. The Founding of Zen Buddhism and
Kung Fu
• Zen Buddhism was
founded in the 6th
century AD. During the
Liang Dynasty to
current times.
• Kung Fu began in
China around 525 AD
during the Laing
Dynasty.

3. Founder
• Bodhidharma founded
Zen Buddhism
• Buddhists added Kung Fu
to their religion because
they were non-violent
people, but needed
protection
• This is why they put it
into their everyday lives.

4. About The Philosophy
• Namo Amitaufo (land of the
Pure and keeping in mind of
the Buddha)
– To pay respect to Buddha
– For Dharma “the way, or the
philosophy”
– For strength “seng” the
monastic community or family,
as well as one’s master – even
including mastering your self.

5. Zen Buddhism Today
• Zen’s philosophy is a lot of mind preparation, so putting that
into modern day would be like taking 30 minutes out of you
would need to be mentored in the way of meditation and
once one has found that way you can meditate and during the
day you will be more calm just like the Zen Buddhist did. This
would guide decision-making a lot because if you are calm
after meditation you will be calm and able to make smarter
decisions while when not in peace with ones self your
decision-making would be off. This isn’t a huge problem today
because people don’t meditated as much but can still
maintain peace. Although this could become a huge issue
because if you don’t meditate people could be running wild
like a chicken with its head cut off making dumb decisions.
Another prime example of there philosophy is Kung Fu this
art of defense Is still a type of philosophy today.

6. The Philosophy applied In Ancient China
• During the Zhou Dynasty, martial arts began to
develop concurrent with the philosophical trends of
society at the time. Jiao Di horn-butting developed
into a system of wrestling known as Jiao Li during
the Zhou Dynasty, 1122 BC – 256 AD. Jiao Li is one of
the most ancient systems of Martial Arts in the
world and was first put down on paper in the ancient
Chinese. Jiao Li extended its wrestling repertoire to
include sophisticated techniques such as joint-locks,
pressure-point attacks plus systemized strikes and
blocks. The art was taught to military personnel who
also learned archery, war strategy and weapons
techniques. Later on Jiao Li became a sport
accessible to anyone in the Qui Dynasty around 221
BC. Competitions were held on raised platforms
called leitai for popular amusement and military
recruitment purposes.

7. Primary Source (quotes)
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“I replied, ‘ Although people from the south and people from the north differ,
there I no north and south in Buddha nature. Although my barbarian’s body and
your body are not the same, what difference is there in out Buddha nature?”
This quote implies that no matter who you are, you will always discover the
Buddha nature in yourself if you truly recognize that you being enlightened by it.
“[The Fifth Patriarch said], ‘ You should recite this verse so that you will be able to
see into your own natures. With this practice you will not fall [into the three evil
ways].’
The body is the Bodhi tree,
The mind is like a clear mirror.
At all times we must strive to polish it,
And must not let the dust collect.”
This quote shows the individual’s journey to infinity. As the tree begins as tiny
seeds then grows open and free, so should the mind and heart. Your mind is a
reflection of yourself and you must show