ABSTRACT
This is the first book to examine the body in training in the context of religion, sport and wider physical culture, offering important insight into the performative, social, cultural and gendered aspects of somatic discipline and exercise.
The book presents a series of fascinating thematic and case-study led chapters from around the world, examining topics including the martial discipline and symbolism of artistic gymnastics; religious interpretations of body vulnerability in the context of marathons; the religious language of corporeal training in sport and martial arts. Drawing on multi-disciplinary perspectives, from sport, religion, history and philosophy, the book explores the often contested and sometimes over-zealous application of training in both sport and religion and the ways in which this can cause harm to athletes or adherents.
This is fascinating reading for any advanced student or researcher with an interest in the body, physical cultural studies, the ethics and philosophy of sport, the sociology of sport, religious studies, Asian studies or philosophy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|47 pages
Personhood
chapter Chapter 1|14 pages
(Giving the Best of Yourself' in Sports
chapter Chapter 2|14 pages
Holy marathon – ‘running religion'?
chapter Chapter 3|17 pages
Gaining Balance in Religious Training
part II|51 pages
Virtue
chapter Chapter 4|15 pages
Corporeal Enhancement and Sport's Spiritual Dimension
chapter Chapter 5|19 pages
Training the Body (Stretching the Mind) and Moulding the Spirit
part III|34 pages
Asceticism and Aesthetics
chapter Chapter 7|15 pages
Aesthetics and symbolism in artistic gymnastics
chapter Chapter 8|17 pages
The Metaphysical Framework of Transformational Combat in Eastern Religions and Martial Arts
part IV|68 pages
Education, Gender and Mental Health