There’s lot of hype and mysticism surrounding the Shaolin monks. From the Bruce Lee movies, to Kung Fu Panda, and the MMA cages; the Western world is definitely obsessed with the story of bald monks in orange robes who could kill you with just one touch.
But could they? No one really knows what is fact and what is myth about these extraordinary people. The legendary Shaolin Monastery of the Shao Shi Mountain —in China’s Henan province— has been closed or burned, and reopened or rebuilt in multiple occasions. Its constant destruction and reconstruction chipped away at 1,500 years of written history about Shaolin philosophy and life at the monastery. All that is left are an ancient graveyard and some ruins; along with the knowledge of the remaining monks.
But don't you worry!... I am not seeking to give you a painfully accurate history lesson. Rather, I am here to show Why the Shaolin Legacy has transcended time and the realms of its original China; and is now embedded in our minds as a sign of great might and discipline.
SHAOLIN: THE UNION OF BUDDHISM AND TAOISM
Okay, I might have lied. A little bit of history is still in place to show you how the order came to be. After all, the original Shaolin monks followed Buddhism, a religion and life philosophy that is strictly non-violent.
The Shaolin (“young forest”) Temple was first built in the forest of the Shao Shi Mountain, in 497 AD. This place was considered a sacred place in China; and the Buddhist monk Buddhabhadra chose it to preach Buddhism in the Henan province.
Several years later, in the early 500s AD, another Buddhist monk —Bodhidharma— arrived at the Shaolin Monastery after being rejected by the Emperor Liang Wu Ti.
Legend has it, Bodhidharma was denied entry by the Head Monk, who distrusted his reformist type of Buddhism.
Bodhidharma then went on to meditate for nine years in a cave nearby — Don't kill the messenger, this part of the legend —. He did not eat or drink during this time, which garnered the admiration of the Head Monk. At last, he was allowed to enter the Monastery and stayed there until his death in 539 AD.
Once in the Monastery, Bodhidharma preached Dhyana, a form of Buddhism that focused on returning to a purer form of spirituality where salvation could only be achieved with inner enlightenment. For him, the Supreme wisdom was not related to rituals or translating scriptures, but with meditation and leading a simple life — It sounds familiar —
Weak Shaolin Monks?
The Shaolin monks were not prepared to follow Bodhidharma's path. In their quest for enlightenment and salvation, they neglected their bodies. They were malnourished and their bodies were weak; thus, they could not withstand long hours of meditation without dozing off.Then, Bodhidharma had an idea.
He explained to the monks that the body and soul were one; hence they couldn’t take care of one and neglect the other.
To solve this problem, Bodhidharma introduced the concept of physical fitness as a vital part of meditation. These early calisthenics, along with the addition of breathing exercises during meditation, strengthened their minds and bodies by invigorating the Qi —the vital life force, also called “Chi”. This marked the start of the bond between physical movements and health benefits in Shaolin philosophy.
Then, Shaolin monks learned how to breath....
The real change comes when Taoist priest started going to the Shaolin temple, attracted by the many similarities between Taoism and Dhayana Buddhism. Taoists believed in the cultivation of Chi through controlled breathing and exercise; as well as in avoiding the use of direct force. From this contact, emerged a new form of Buddhism: the Ch’an Buddhism, which the Shaolin monks still follow.
You may be wondering: “where does the fun start?”
I was supposed to let you in on some life-changing secrets and I have been babbling nonstop about the very thing I said I wouldn’t do.
Well, it is important that you learn where the Shaolin philosophy comes from so you can see how it became what it is today.
SHAOLIN CH’UAN FA: THE FIGHTING ARTS
As you may know from Game of Thrones and similar shows, feudal times were a never ending security crisis. In Ancient times, bandits and renegade soldiers preyed on monasteries and small villages because they were the weak links of the proverbial food chain.
Shaolin monks were not an exception. They used the external muscular power and the internal Chi power given to them by Bodhidharma's exercises to develop various self-defense techniques. They were used in evasive and non-confrontational manners, which were consistent with their Buddhist beliefs and also were efficient and effective.
At last, Bodhidharma’s original calisthenics, meant to help the body endure long hours of sitting meditation transformed into a unique martial art. Its techniques still resonate in Shaolin itself and all the martial arts that were born from it.
It is worth noting that the purpose of Shaolin martial arts was never to inflict harm. Rather, their extensive study provided Shaolin monks with a better understanding of violence; hence teaching them how to avoid conflict. Therefore, when a Shaolin monk chooses to parry an attack, he is merely refusing the gift of violence; not purposely hurting anybody.
The development of the higher powers through meditation, philosophy and teaching of moral ethics brought them virtue. The result was the union of body and mind as one soul.
Still thinking about the fun part?..... Here it comes!
For the Shaolin, the path of life is incomplete without deep spirituality.
However, the definition of spiritual is unique to each and every person. They define the body and spirit as being two parts of a whole and thus, they are inseparable.
Therefore, a fitting life philosophy must have a cohesive approach that harmonizes our mental, spiritual and physical bodies. They do this through the three great pillars of learning:
- Shaolin Zhr Swyer (Shaolin Philosoph): During this step, Shaolin monks are introduced to the working of karma and how to lead a life that contributes to the cessation of karmic consequences. They focus on ethical and spiritual considerations to promote spiritual awakening and growth.
- Shaolin Kung Fu (Shaolin Methods): It is the source of Shaolin physical power. During this stage, the Shaolin monks train in classical forms, techniques and strategies to become aware of the natural forces and harmonize with them by using their bodies.
- Shaolin Tao (Shaolin Way): Brings meaning and understanding to all things. The Shaolin Tao encompasses an intensive study of the oneness of everything. It transform the monks, who acquire a totally new view of the world, universe and their role within it.
If you still are wondering why this is extremely relevant nowadays, I'll put it in simple words:
The ultimate goal of Shaolin monks is enlightenment. In this state, they are deeply aware of the interconnected nature of all things.
In the moment of enlightenment they recognize that, while still human, they are also made of the elements that compose everything else on Earth. This is when they stop burdening themselves with transitory, unimportant things because they simply are.
They achieve liberation.
They break free from attachment by realizing that our ego is something we can and should transcend. In turn, this allows them to recognize and appreciate reality as it is.
Now, raise your hand if you have never felt stressed, frustrated or sad.
Raise your hand if, while watching the news; never has it crossed your mind that the world is wicked and that we must do something.
Raise your hand if you don’t think we could all benefit from even a glimpse of seeking the enlightenment that the Shaolin pursue.
Many of the horrors we are living today are caused by our inherent selfishness, greed and ego. We often dismiss ancient traditions as snake oil and ignorant magic because we think we are above them.
What we have failed to grasp, though, is that many of these traditions are based upon the fact that we are connected. All of us. Thousands of years ago, they understood something we only came to think of during the last couple of centuries.
We are all connected.
You, I and the other seven billion people who wander with us on the planet.
We are made of the same combination of hydrogen and carbon atoms that make up plants, animals and little micro organisms.
We are not more important nor less important than them; therefore, we have no right to threaten their lives (and our lives too) in the pursuit of a happiness that won’t come for as long as we are caught up in this vicious cycle of unbridled, irresponsible growth.
The biggest contribution of the Shaolin monks to our civilization was not the “oooh”s and “aah”s and the joy we get from watching movies about great warriors. We are fools if we believe that. The single most important thing they gave us was the tools to true harmony and peace. The basis of true understanding, of ourselves and others.
Spread the good vibes and do your part to make the world a better places.
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See you soon with more good vibes.
