How Naruto Teaches Spirituality

Spirituality is everywhere.

it is experienced by everyone, individually, differently and the meaning behind it is also different for everyone. As an otaku (anime fan), I discovered spirituality through Naruto. I wouldn’t say I saw Naruto meditating and just started doing it because he did it. Although, that may be the case for most anime-fans. No, Naruto merely encouraged my curiosity and nudged me in this direction. If it hadn’t been for the show’s influence, I wouldn’t be meditating every day.

There’s a lot to learn about Spirituality through Naruto.

Charka: Qi or Chi

In Naruto, charka is the combination of spiritual energy and physical energy. Physical energy would be collected from a character’s body cells and increased through training/exercise. While spiritual energy comes from a character’s consciousness and is increased through meditation and experience. Which is basically what Qi or Chi is in real life. It does not refer to the seven chakras that align our bodies.

We’re unable to use Qi the same way characters in Naruto are able to, like using it to form powerful and destructive Jutsu. We are however able to use Qi in other ways through tons of practice. You can practice by using breathing techniques, meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, or acupuncture. Anything is possible, fam.

Meditation

Meditation… well, there’s a lot to know.

Both within the Naruto universe and ours.

One of the first characters we’re shown meditating is Naruto himself (Episode 156, Surpassing the Master) during his training in the sennin arts (sage arts). He learns here that he can draw charka from the nature surrounding him. But he to do that, he must first learn to be absolutely still. In body and mind. We’re also later shown Jiraiya meditating during his training too. Because we’ve seen the characters meditating while training, we can come to the conclusion that meditation makes a character stronger. As does for us.

Just differently.

It’s not possible for us to draw in the charka from nature and become super. However, we can become ‘stronger’ like these characters. You see, meditation has numerous benefits, and depending on how you meditate — you can do just about anything. For example, you develop a mind-body connection and because of this, you’ll be able to prevent any physical injuries. You’ll also find that over time, fewer things irate or anger you. Incredible, right?

Connect to Your Body

Characters in Naruto display a great connection and awareness of their body. For example, the Hyuuga clan has access to different abilities through the use of their eyes. They change their eyesight to see through objects or they can change it to have a near 360degrees field of vision. While another character Kimimaro can manipulate his own bones and use them as weapons. They exhibit great awareness and connection in order to be able to control their bodies in such a way. However, they can only do so, after having received training.

Shinobi (ninjas) learn to control their bodies through training and meditation. Through training, a shinobi learns what they’re capable of and how they can enhance/strengthen those abilities. It creates an awareness of their body and while training, they learn how to be connected to their body. “When I do this with my hands, I can perform this Jutsu.” Or “By channeling chakra into my eyes, I can do ____”.

With us, it’s the same. We may not be able to turn our bones into weapons. But by creating awareness of our own bodies, we can be healthier and happier. You’ll be able to look after your body better because you’ll know exactly what it needs and what it doesn’t. If you exercise, then you’ll know what your limit is and how far you’re able to push your body. You’ll know exactly when to stop to avoid injury or what to do to increase your athletic performance.

Never Give Up

Growing up, a majority of you have probably heard “You cannot be a____.” They often give you a whole pile of excuses as to why you cannot do that thing like there isn’t enough money in it or you don’t have the skills for it. And you believe them. For whatever reason, you believe them. Instead of becoming an artist, you become a lawyer. And you don’t even like law. But the thing is, you do have the skills and there is enough money in it. You’ve just got to give it a chance.

Don’t expect everything to fall into your lap either. It takes work and that’s where Naruto teaches you not to give up. Naruto compared to the other children, especially, Sasuke had no ninja skills what so ever — he couldn’t even perform an E-Rank Clone Jutsu. Which is needed to graduate from the academy. However, he didn’t allow it to slow him down, with some trouble he managed to learn a B-Rank Shadow Clone Jutsu and pass.

The boy dreamed of becoming Hokage (leader of the village), and to do so you need to be among the most powerful shinobi. He didn’t allow his lack of natural talent and what other characters were saying about him, to stop him. Naruto refused to listen when they told him to ‘give up’ and that ‘he will never become Hokage.’ He trained, and he trained and he trained.

Eventually, through failing and repeatedly standing up from those failings — he achieved his dream. He finally became Hokage. By overcoming what life throws at you and standing back up every time someone beats you down, you too can achieve your dreams. No matter what it is.

Rock Lee might be the most relatable and inspiring character when it comes to this though. Anyway, there’s a lot that can be learned about spirituality through Naruto and much other anime. What did anime teach you about spirituality?