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Shaolin Spirit
Shaolin were predominately Buddhists! It was founded by and Indian Buddhist Monk and the first exercises that lead to Shaolin Kung Fu were developed by an Indian Monk/Prince. To understand Shaolin therefore, we need to understand Buddhism and it's principle aim; to achieve Enlightenment.
Child's Play
The Buddhist believe that we are as children blundering through life relying on our base, much like animals, instincts of instinct and intuition. We are like children in a sand-box with incredibly powerful and complex toys. Although the simplicity of a child is commendable and at times desirable, there is a reason we grow up. Yet, as long as we are not Enlightened, we are relying on pot-luck and mistakes/learning's. Although this is also a way it is the way of trial and error, a very long way that sees many people not reaching the True Path and achieving an Enlightened condition!
Buddha's Teaching
Buddha taught that to reach this you need to know the 4 Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path to truly enter the cycle of adult hood. That all our efforts, once leaving puberty, should be focused and achieving Enlightenment before any major life decisions were made or any serious responsibilities could be taken. Any decision made before that (with out an elder Enlightened Guide) are shallow and often not in full consideration. You first needed to truly believe the 4 Noble Truths and thus come to follow the The Noble 8 Fold path.
The Four Noble Truths
The Buddha taught that in life there exists sorrow and suffering which is caused by desire and want; therefore, unenlightened life is suffering!
Birth is suffering, aging is suffering, illness is suffering, death is suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not to get what one wants is suffering. This is described in the 4 Noble Truths
- All life is suffering
- The cause of suffering is desire
- The end of suffering is the end of desire
- The way to end suffering is the 8 Fold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path
It is said that; "A person who does not follow the path to an enlightened life, lives like a preoccupied child playing with toys in a house that is burning to the ground.
The 8 Fold Path is;
- Right Speech - Not hurtful, not exaggerated and always truthful way.
- Right Actions - Wholesome action, avoiding action that would do harm
- Right Livelihood - One's way of livelihood does not harm in any way oneself or others; directly or indirectly
- Right Effort/Exercise - One makes an effort to improve
- Right Mindfulness/Awareness - Mental ability to see things for what they are with clear consciousness
- Right Concentration - Being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion.
- Right Thoughts - Change in the pattern of thinking.
- Right Understanding - Understanding reality as it is, not just as it appears to be.
Buddha said that if we are not following this path we can not live right.
Enlightenment
No, it is not a myth or even very difficult to achieve; it is though not easy to maintain! Many people experience aspects of enlightenment throughout their life. Young children, when they day dream, are very close; when people seem to phase out are also on the verge. When you have a brilliant insight or inspiration seemingly from nowhere this often comes from short periods of Enlightemment. So you see, achieving it is not difficult, it is natural. Maintaining this state for longer periods of time is the challenge.
Meditation
Meditation is the key, not only according to the Shaolin but according to many diverse cultures. Yet there is always a Yang with the Yin. To fully obtain the benefit of Meditation, you need to be able to maintain it for a period of time. Yet, sitting in a motionless position for longer periods can cause your chi to sink and your circulation to drop. And this can have severe consequences.
Body, Mind & Spirit
One cannot separate the body, mind & spirit; all are one and they are us. It is foolish to try and seek higher awareness if your body is unfit and not functioning correctly and your mind is undisciplined and rowdy. This can only come when you synergise body, mind and spirit to work together in harmony. The body must be healthy, strong and fit; the mind must be willing, focused and determined and the sprit needs to be at peace and in a state of joyful indifference" (George Oshawa". This requires work!
The Golden Path
There is not just one way to achieve Enlightenment although there is only one way. It seems that there are many ways yet, when viewed correctly there is only the one path that has many different 'perspectives'. Shaolin has taken the path of using Kung Fu training with aspects of Yoga, Chi Kung and Tai Chi to train the body, mind and spirit and prepare it for right meditation; which in turn can/will lead to Enlightenement!
The Aim of Shaolin Training
This is the aim of Shaolin Kung Fu training. In the 'olden days' the monks would only allow 'true seekers', students with a high degree of focus and determination to enter; half of these would leave within 3 years. Another half would leave after 10 years. Then the remaining few would be trained until they reach a point where they would be sent out into the world to learn, teach, help, heal and experience. Only those who would return, having kept to the 8 fold path would be considered 'true Shaolin'. All others were just students and passes through.
Shaolin Kung Fu Academy
As time goes by things change although, again when looked at from a different angle they stay the same. Many come to the Shaolin Academy because of it's reputation with their heads filled of supernatural abilities gained almost overnight. Many leave when they see that there is real training and learning to be done. Few achieve (Shaolin) adulthood and these are sent to train another style and achieve a Black Sash or equivalent. Those that come back and are prepared to take on the final challenge are true Shaolin and will eventually become Masters!
Your Choice
It is though your choice how long you stay, what you dedicate yourself to and even if you wish to reach Enlightenment or not. As long as you can follow the 5 + 5 Academy Rules/Guides and like training Kung Fu the Shaolin Academy welcome you; not matter your age, gender, ethnicity, profession, etc. All you need to do is follow the 5 Rules and 5 Guides
- Safety first and always
- Do not knowingly break and Laws
- Treat all people as Equally Fair
- Be Honorably Truthful
- Care for your fellows and the World
- Speak impeccably of others
- Take nothing personal
- Neve judge
- Do everything with passion
- Enjoy your life and training
You are Welcome
If what you have read above resonates within you and you wish to go further you can. Come and train with us if you like. If in Victoria Australia come to one of our Kwoons (training venues). If you are anywhere else in the world, have a look at our Shaolin Kung Fu training packs. And if you have any questions at all, please do write to us to Sijo Robert Z. He will usually reply within 24 to 72 hours unless it's a toughy or he is travelling overseas.
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Shaolin
From the Buddha Home Page
That to achieve enlightenment (Nirvana ) is the aim of everyone.
That life is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This involves suffering (Dukkha which means without permanence.)
That we suffer because of our ignorance and desire. We wrongly believe that selfish sensual desires are important.
That the way to escape suffering and reach Nirvana is to follow the moderate approach ( often known as the middle path )that Buddha took.
Wisdom
"Knowledge is the power of the mind,
wisdom is the power of the soul."
- Julie Shannahan
Truth
"Truth is not determined by majority vote." - Doug Gwyn
"Hundreds of stupid flies gather on a piece of rotten meat, Enjoying, they think, a delicious feast. This image fits with the song Of the myriads of foolish living beings Who seek happiness in superficial pleasures; In countless ways they try, Yet I have never seen them satisfied."
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