Shaolin's Ch'an Buddhism

Submitted by AFAN team member Amaranatho a Buddhist on 10/01/2009 18:52
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Shaolin's Ch'an Buddhism is unlike any other Buddhist sect. There are striking similarities between Shaolin and various Tibetan, Korean, and Japanese sects; and tremendous dissimilarities between Shaolin and most Chinese schools.

Most Chinese Ch'an sects require clergy to be celibate and vegetarian, for instance. Shaolin is more like Tibetan Buddism in allowing greater latitude in practice. Although some of the Order's spiritual practices might be considered mystical and esoteric, we are also extremely pragmatic. Our martial training is undertaken with spiritual goals, yet the training itself yields practical benefits, such as self-defense ability and better physical condition.

Most people think of Shaolin as "martial monks," but aren't exactly sure what kind of "monks" Shaolin really are! Shaolin is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism. "Mahayana" is the term used today to refer to Buddhism's northern traditions present in Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan. Theravada, or Doctrine of the Elders, is the southern tradition. One branch of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism is called "Ch'an." Ch'an emphasizes meditation more than other Chinese Mahayana schools, some of which emphasize scholarly study or praying (for example). Within Ch'an (which became Zen in Japan) are many traditions with differing emphases.

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Shaolin Warriors is more than a Kung-fu show. The four scenes of summer, autumn, winter and spring depict the philosophical theory of the cycle in Buddhism. The unique artistic conception of summer, spring, autumn and winter vividly shows the rarely-seen temple life of shaolin monks: their Buddhist meditation, as well as their martial arts training during the coldest and hottest times of the year. In addition to the breath-taking Kung fu show, an attentive audience will gain some understanding of the profoundness of Chinese Buddhism, the Doctrine of "Unity of Zen and Martial Arts" in particular.

A great video here - Shaolin monk and what they can do - need to confirm age to watch on youtube.