I’m thinking about studying Kung Fu as a form of exercise and it is my understanding that this involves studying Buddist philosophy and meditating on these teachings. What would the Church’s view be on this? Would I have to confess this if I decided to participate?
Thanks in advance for your assistance
Find a different kung fu instructor. Learn it as a mechanism for self-defense and personal confidence, and if you undertake the art at all, learn the high belt killing and maiming techniques. A competent instructor should be able (and willing) to teach you how to crush a thug’s larnyx with one strike after a month of teaching and serious practice on your part.
Should you ever choose to advance to black belt levels, you will first need to learn many things, some of which might include Buddhist philosophy. Kung fu incorporates many “philosophies,” or ways of thinking, but does not require that you adopt any particular belief about what a thug is or why he exists, before rendering him permanently blind, or dead.
Kung fu is a wonderful art, but if your potential instructor insists upon incorporating Buddhist teachings into his work, you’d best find a brighter instructor. Or, at least find out which subset of Buddhist teachings he intends to incorporate— there are many.
It almost seems as though you are afraid to acquire knowledge which might contradict your beliefs. There is no better way to honor your beliefs than by acquiring all possible knowledge, including conflicting beliefs and philosophies, and after getting this knowledge, accept your beliefs in a wider context. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew’s gospel is pertinent. .
If you just want exercise, get some free weights. Learn to dance, play racquetball, or climb mountains.
