Welcome to the Bodybuilding Zen page. This section is dedicated to those who wish to broaden and expand one’s own personal knowledge and create Tao.

A story told by Bruce Lee

A Japanese Zen Master received a University professor who came to inquire about Zen. It was obvious to the master from the start of the conversation that the professor was not so much interested in learning about Zen as he was in impressing the master with his own opinions and knowledge. The master listened patiently and finallysuggested they have tea. The master poured his visitor’s cup full and kept on pouring. The professor watched the cup overflowing until he could no longer restrain himself.

"The cup is over full, no more will go in." "Like this cup", the master said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

"Nothing is impossible to a willing mind" — Books of Han Dynasty

"Power of the mind is infinite while brawn is limited" — Koichi Tohei

"Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate." — Chuang-Tzu

"Patience… the essential quality of a man" — Kwai-Koo-Tsu

"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment" — Lao-Tzu

King Hsuan of Chou heard of Po Kung-i who was reputed to be the strongest man in his kingdom. The king was dismayed when they met, since Po looked so weak. When the king asked Po how strong he was, Po said mildly, "I can break the leg of a spring grasshopper and withstand the winds of autumn cicada." Aghast, the king thundered, "I can tear rhinoceros leather and drag nine buffaloes by the tail, yet I am shamed by my weakness. How can you be famous?" Po smiled and answered quietly, "My teacher was Tzu Shang-chi’ui, whose strength was without peer in the world, but even his relatives never knew it because he never used it." — Anonymous

"Technical knowledge alone is not enough. A body builder must simultaneously transcend training and develop intuitive action so the art becomes an artless art, a way to physical excellence, a way to spiritual enlightenment. Now is the time to empty your cups to begin your journey." — Rob Kreider