Muhammad Ali - A True Spiritual Warrior
- Spiritual Assassin
- Oct 18, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 19, 2019
Cassius Clay. Muhammad Ali. I don’t even know where to start. Of course, my search into the relationship between Spirituality and Fighting had to start with this incredible, World changing phenomenon. I see Ali as a true epitome of a Spiritual Warrior. It is tough to keep a brief description of his path, but I will try here. Enjoy. (All quotes included are from the man himself)
I think most of us know the path of Ali, and all of his heights. Olympic champion at 18, World Heavyweight Champion at 22, and then Champion a further 2 times. Ali is still seen as one of the greatest. But while he was fearless in the ring, he was even more so outside of it.
From a young age, Ali held a deep Spiritual Awareness. At age 9, he would sit outside of his house, gazing at the stars, waiting for messages from angels. He always felt in heart that he had a special place in the World. And this showed after he knocked out Sonny Liston in 1964 to become the youngest World Heavyweight Champion. But Ali was not just fighting to win the World Heavy Weight Title, he was fighting so he could get out in the streets and speak his mind. He used his outgoing, spontaneous persona that people knew him as, so he could spread a message of peace and love.
“I knew I had Liston from the first round because almighty God was with me”
It’s no news that Ali was very Religious, associating with the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X. But he saw his journey in life as a Spiritual Evolution. Over the years, his Religion changed and his Spirituality evolved. “Islam taught me that living a clean life, physically, mentally and spiritually elevates a person’s mind, enabling him to see the World in a new Light.”
In the ring, he fought for titles. Outside the ring, he fought for Unity and Peace. He fought for Brotherhood. For Liberation.
“If I were not Muslim, I might not have taken all of the stands that I did. If I were not Muslim, I would not have changed my name or sought to spread peace and I would not have meant as much to people all around the world.”
In 1988, Ali was named the United Nations Messenger of Peace. His greatest achievements in life, for him, were achieved outside the ring. He was constantly evolving Spiritually, connecting to himself, and to his God. The Titles didn’t bring Ali true happiness, for him, true happiness came from honouring God and treating people right.
“Spirituality helps us achieve self-discipline, forgiveness, and love, which are so essential to peaceful existence in living among others”
Ali’s Spiritual connection, I feel, gave him the urge to tackle the day, to train his ass off so he could knock down his opponents. I feel he saw his opponents as obstacles for success. Success, for Ali, would give him a stage. A platform in which he could spread the message he ACTUALLY wanted to spread. That of a Spiritual meaning; of Love, Peace and Unity. Although his Religion changed throughout his life, his Spirituality remained constant. And was with him every step of the way.
“The one thing that made me great wasn’t my speed or agility. It wasn’t the rope-a-dope or even my three Heavy Weight Championship titles. For me, it was the prayer before every fight, the strength and the focus God gave me."
This type of story is why I am on this journey of seeking the relationship between Spirituality and Fighting. Are Fighters looking into the Sport in the wrong way? Are they being driven by their ego in order to succeed? Does having a deep message to convey to the World enhance their training resulting in a much more efficient Fighter? A Fighter not looking to hurt, but to scientifically beat, gaining respect and presence in order to change the World for the better.
“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something deep inside- a desire, a dream, and a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”
Muhammad Ali’s toughest opponent was always Himself. The Fight to choose between his mind, or his heart. He always followed his Heart. And I think we all thank him for that. An artistry in the ring, courage outside. He was the epitome of a Champion and a hero. A Champion, who forever fought for his message of Spirituality.
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