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.

Shaolin is the most well-known Ch'an school that incorporates martial training into its meditative regimen.  Although martial training occupies a significant portion of our time and we enjoy it tremendously, the specific martial aspects of Shaolin are subordinate to Buddhist ideals. The "art" of our martial arts and the immediacy of combat provide the medium through which we strive to exist fully in the present - without planning for the future or reflecting upon the past. In this way, gung fu provides an ideal meditation and an excellent means for practicing Right Mindfulness.

Shaolin interpretation of the Buddha's teachings has always been pragmatic. Martial training is a part of this pragmatic approach. Gung fu provides an excellent physical exercise as well as developing self-defense skills. It is also a good way to develop Right Mindfulness and Right Meditation, but as the Buddha taught the Dharma, there are eight aspects of the path. A Shaolin monk treats all aspects as organically interrelated and does not neglect any part of her commitment to relieve suffering. For those unfamiliar with the eightfold path, it contains eight aspects: Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Meditation.

Copyright © 2004 Order of Shaolin Ch'an

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