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Ch'an Buddhism
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The Nature of Ch'an
The Study of Ch'an Buddhism is an exercise in self realisation.
It is a bridge to a self awareness. It is a direct aid for the development of better discrimination that promotes a more compassionate 'why' of being around those we must interact with and the environment that is every body’s responsibility.
The Ch'an bridge is the becoming of an unshackled life, promoting actions that recognise the responsibilities of being a part of a wider community. Ch'an is also a mindset that allows the grasp of both the Indian perspective on Buddhism (for the breaking of the suffering cycle of birth and death at all levels of being sentient so as to go beyond this life) and its Chinese counterpart (aimed at alleviating the suffering of “now” and to live our life with Buddha nature in mind always). This allows all involved to be able to acknowledge Sakyamuni Buddha’s intention for all in our physical world to use this earth responsibly, to become greater than the sum of their present.
You are only one true thought, it is a precious thing and should never be burdened or shackled by being afraid of becoming clear through ones own effort and change.
Shi Yuan Zhi
Dec 2004
Ch'an Buddhism & Shaolin Kung Fu (Shaolin Ch'an Quan)
There are thousands of schools out in the world today who claim that they are at the purist levels of Shaolin teaching. However, very few have any true base to actually teach. The etiquette and Ch'an Buddhist philosophy is missing - and they are integral to understanding Shaolin battle logic and its root, Ch'an Buddhism.
To teach any of the battle tactics and weapon forms that are truly from Shaolin temple, but not teach the Buddhist ethics that are pivotal to Bodhisattva way (handed down by Sakyamuni through to Da Mo) is to break all but one of the five basic Sila (Laws) of the Ch'an Buddhist path. If one studies Shaolin Quan without commitment to a Buddhist compassionate life, all they will come out with is the an organised form of thuggery – the opposite effect for what the path intended. Arguments abound (justified mostly by those uneducated and not Ch'an Buddhist) as to why a group of Buddhist monks would need to use such aggressive tactics in the study of Buddhism.
When anyone says or implies that they are teaching Shaolin Quan direct from Shaolin temple, by default they are saying:
· that they are firstly a disciple of one of the masters and thereby Ch'an Buddhist;
· secondly that they have the proof of Generation and a “Name of instruction” given at Baishi (taking of vows - Wu Jie level) could be produced readily; and
· thirdly that from the first, their prime interest is in Ch'an Buddhism and that the pugilistic practises are supporting steps to self discipline, a strong body and disciplined mind.
Up until recently every Shaolin Lay Disciple would hold a book with the Shaolin temple seal, their name, date of Baishi and the Master to whose care they were under. That book also has the precepts to which they agreed to be bound as a Buddhist from the moment their head touches the floor in the paying of respect.
Shaolin temple was first and foremost a Buddhist temple. It was corrupted only in the last century by the narrow Chinese government view to religion of all kinds and human rights. For many centuries up until the turn of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shaolin Temple enjoyed great prosperity, steady growth and recognition in the royal courts of the time. Even through the times of the Buddhist suppression of 850’s and through the constant changing and infighting of regimes. It is at the crossroads of these two dynasties that many lives and the destiny of the Shaolin Temple and all its derivatives were shattered.
We know this not by the glossy and neat histories presented popular martial arts magazine articles of the last fifty years: but by surviving ancient manuscripts such as that of The Hung (pronounced “Hoong”) Men scrolls drawn up by the great Heaven and Earth society. In that time this was amongst many other very powerful secret societies attempting to overthrow the new regime of the time.
The Shaolin Monk was respected for the dignified way they conducted themselves as incorruptible liaisons and for their compassion in all of life’s circumstances, especially in the times of revolution. Shaolin Temple was persecuted for refusing to support the Qing dynasty because the royal court saw this as a threat. Disgruntled members of the royal court were afraid of the power of Shaolin Temple should it ever stop being apolitical.
Most of the study or information for any Monks and Lay disciple to follow was confined to verbal instruction of the Master to insure that they were educated without prejudice.
In China there were terrible abuses and destruction of knowledge in the Great Leap Forward of 1958, and Cultural Revolution of 1966. Because of this, for decades monks have been killed or fled the shoulders of mount Song. From 1981 Shaolin temple once again began to make small steps to re-establish some of its dignity. Such steps continued until the early 1990’s when local government combined with the state to develop the Shaolin circus that travels the world today.
In Australia our tradition has a framework of education that can be absorbed by disciples and devotees that has been designed and approved by our Shi Bei, Shi De Shui and great Cha’n master of Cao Tung Zhong, Shi Su Xi. This has been instituted to insure the old can be maintained and that the new can evolve. It was the teaching method of Sakyamuni Buddha to pass information on in such a way that the present living moment and all its connections could be understood. All Shaolin masters have adopted this same method.
There has been much banner waving to draw distraction by those who have far lesser history and valid claim try to take Cao Tung’s place of honour - but they will fail consistently. Cao Tung Zhung family is responsible for more abbots than any other Ch'an Buddhist connection. Cao Tung is responsible for the birth of Zen, it was Dogen Zenji founder of the Japanese affiliate (Zen) who spent some twelve years under the tutelage of a Cao Tung Master in China.
Shaolin Quan in not and was never intended to be just another battle art. It is a first step with the means to the discovery of the true view of one’s self. A Disciple must know the method of Da Zuo (great sit) its aims and breathing methods. They must also know basic mantra such as Gwan Yin Zuo, the Heart Sutra and Wang Shen Zuo. These are teachings provided by a true Shaolin Quan teacher, so that their pupil finishes their training in a well rounded and educated way. Remember that Shaolin Chuan is Ch'an Buddhism in its primitive state: the body and mind are not yet transformed. Without the self-realisation process in acting as the rudder Shaolin Quan becomes stagnant and dysfunctional.
In conclusion
Without the correct guidance and its true connection to Buddhism Shaolin Quan is a runaway train charging through a station. You can watch it pass through and have some vague idea of its direction and some of its detail. However all connection to the experience is via a distant window. From a distance a whole lot of frustration occurs when attempts to catch the trains true meaning and destination are made without using Ch'an as the stabiliser.
Be sure if you are involved, so too is the teacher.
Shi Yuan Zhi
Da Mo Da Zuo
Original painting by Shi DeShui
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Not Found (9)  Ch'an Buddhism
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