Should a Buddhist advocate the learning of a martial art?
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I'm listening to a lecture series about child development and in the first lecture it advocates teaching children martial arts as an aid to enhancing their self-control. I would quite like my daughter to learn a martial art (if she wants to). However I feel a bit conflicted about it as surely the lessons themselves are learning how to assault people or at the very least engage in potentially violent behaviour.
Is it justifiable for a Buddhist to learn or advocate the learning of a martial art? I appreciate that there is a cultural connection between martial arts and Buddhism in some cultures? How are the ethics of it dealt with? Generally how can I take my daughter off to a Buddhist family retreat one week then whisk her off to learn how to attack people the next? That seems inherently conflicted? Is it?
Asked by Crab Bucket
(21181 rep)
Jun 14, 2015, 04:39 PM
Last activity: Aug 27, 2020, 04:50 AM
Last activity: Aug 27, 2020, 04:50 AM