| Shorinji Kempo Monterey Philosophy of Kongo Zen |
<The Philosophy of Kongo Zen>
Kongo Zen is derived from the word: Kongo, meaning diamond and Zen - the school of Bodhidharma, whose teaching
are essentially based on the belief that the kingdom of heaven lies in the heart of Man.
Kongo Zen is not a teaching concerned with life in the afterward, or with questions of whether one finds heaven or hell
in the grave. It does not bother with the idea that there are gods who punish us, or that some spirit will reach across the
millennia to rescue sinners if only they pray hard enough or with the right words. What Kongo Zen does teaches is the
essential union of body and mind (Ken Zen Ichinyo) and that human beings find all their joy and happiness in living half
for others and half for themselves. Through the practice of the principles of Ken Zen Ichinyo, human beings may shape
themselves into people worthy of being relied upon by themselves and others. Through this, people contribute both to
their own happiness and to the happiness of others throughout society.
Recognizing that misery and happiness in human society find their origins in human actions, Kongo Zen holds that the
quest for a better world is a quest for fully developed human beings. Although each of us is human, it is a rare person
who understands the nature of Dharma (The nature of the universe) and the place of humans in this universe law. To
understand and act in accordance with Dharma is to become fully humane. Kongo Zen seeks the development of all
people as the pathway to a peaceful and cooperative world. A world of peace and cooperative can come only when
people recognize the nature of Dharma and our place in it, acting without struggling against our own natures.
Kongo Zen is derived from the word: Kongo, meaning diamond and Zen - the school of Bodhidharma, whose teaching
are essentially based on the belief that the kingdom of heaven lies in the heart of Man.
Kongo Zen is not a teaching concerned with life in the afterward, or with questions of whether one finds heaven or hell
in the grave. It does not bother with the idea that there are gods who punish us, or that some spirit will reach across the
millennia to rescue sinners if only they pray hard enough or with the right words. What Kongo Zen does teaches is the
essential union of body and mind (Ken Zen Ichinyo) and that human beings find all their joy and happiness in living half
for others and half for themselves. Through the practice of the principles of Ken Zen Ichinyo, human beings may shape
themselves into people worthy of being relied upon by themselves and others. Through this, people contribute both to
their own happiness and to the happiness of others throughout society.
Recognizing that misery and happiness in human society find their origins in human actions, Kongo Zen holds that the
quest for a better world is a quest for fully developed human beings. Although each of us is human, it is a rare person
who understands the nature of Dharma (The nature of the universe) and the place of humans in this universe law. To
understand and act in accordance with Dharma is to become fully humane. Kongo Zen seeks the development of all
people as the pathway to a peaceful and cooperative world. A world of peace and cooperative can come only when
people recognize the nature of Dharma and our place in it, acting without struggling against our own natures.
Discipline of Kongo Zen
External (Body)
Ekkin Gyo (Shorinji Kempo)
Internal (Mind)
Recognition of Dharma
Attend Community & Society service
Harmonize body posture, breathing, and mind
Keep good nutrition
Study Philosophy
