The spirit of do 道の思想

Buddhism in Japanese Culture

The do has its origins in Zen Buddhism, influenced by Taoism from China. Buddhist monks were not only engaged in their religious activities but also in diplomacy and creative arts, such as gardening, literature, painting. The concept of do will, with the expansion of Buddhism, become deeply rooted in Japanese culture. This influence affects even the military class, with the bushido 武士道, the way of the warrior.

Read: Buddhism, religion in Japan

The do: an art

The dô expresses the progress in the practice of an art, whatever it is. Indeed, this kanji is particularly used in traditional Japanese arts, whether martial arts or aesthetic arts. Thus, the kado 花道 is the way of flowers, that is to say, the floral arrangement also known as ikebana. The shodo 書道, the way of writing, corresponds to the art of calligraphy. The kyudo 弓道 is the way of the bow. And kendo 剣道, this sword martial art, is the way of the sword. Some words refer to religious or philosophical doctrines, such as Shinto 神道, literally the way of the divine.

Discover: Shintoism

All these practices respond to similar requirements and give a primordial place to spirituality. They require quietude, obedience, and respect. From the mid-Edo period (1603-1868), the practice of dô was formalized. Whatever the art, we find the importance of silent meditation, the master-student relationship, or learning through repetition. The apprentice follows the form within the rules, then perfects it before surpassing it and becoming one with it. It is about reaching the mushin, the essence of the do. Mushin 無心, "without thought", is that state in which action and thought become one, leading to acceptance of the world as it is. Thus, the do is not only an apprenticeship but also a transformation of oneself. It's a real journey.

Also read: Japanese martial arts