[Cicero]

This really could cut either way. I studied judo when I was in the army—not officially, but with a couple of my buddies who decided it would be fun to do.

Zen can either be religious, or it can simply be a matter of clearing the mind to fight better. Breathing exercises, concentration, emptying the mind—not bad in themselves, although they could be misused.

As for the thumping electronic music, that sounds like a load of cr*p.

I’d be more concerned to know what the career sergeants make of this. They are the guys who are supposed to make sure that the troops are kept fit and are ready to fight. Are they being consulted? This sounds suspiciously like some sort of amateur interference with the normal chain of command. I doubt whether these zen mistresses will be going out into the field with the troops.

[muawiyah]

The practice of Zen was common in the Samurai class as well as in the Daimyo caste and the royal family in Japan.

They managed to stay on top of everybody for over 1,000 years.

We are not talking Pure Land Buddhism here!

[AliVeritas]

Depends on the subliminals behind the music.