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A crucial aspect of the OSC's mission is to train suitable individuals in Shaolin Ch'an Buddhism. For a student joining the OSC, early years of training are dominated by learning Shaolin's martial practices. Eight temple styles are emphasized:
Southern Tiger (which has absorbed Shaolin's Leopard, Eagle Claw, and
Monkey styles)
Crane (both White Crane and Black Crane)
Snake
Dragon (both Southern Dragon and Northern Dragon)
Northern Praying Mantis
Southern Praying Mantis
Pak Mei (White Eyebrow)
Wing Chun (Blessed Springtime)
Students are also introduced to Shaolin Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. The Order's purpose is not to convert all comers to Shaolin Ch'an Buddhism, but rather to allow interested students to explore the Shaolin spiritual path prior to making any lasting commitment. The Order offers Shaolin training up to, and including ordination as a Shaolin Ch'an priest.
In these times, without the benefit of learning the Dharma directly from Shakyamuni Buddha, we rely upon the sutras and the Dharma masters of various lineages. If we are sincere about the path, daily practice is most important, followed by studying the sutras, followed by working with a teacher. In general, we would emphasize the sutras above living teachers because the sutras allow you to directly benefit from the Buddha's teachings. The sutras should not be read as doctrine - but as an explanation of the Buddha's insights and experiences. They present a method, a way to live that can diminish and ultimately eliminate suffering. In a way, you could see Buddhism as offering a definition of happiness, and a means of achieving it. On this level, the Buddha is joined by Zoroaster, Jesus, Mohammed, Plato, Lao Tzu, and many others.
In Shaolin, we would elevate the importance of studying with a living teacher above that of studying the sutras. A teacher is presumably further along on the same path you are walking, and can help you to be successful on your journey. Yet this is true for all branches of Buddhism. So why would we prioritize studying with a teacher in Shaolin Buddhism when we emphasize sutra study for most other sects? A teacher is absolutely essential in Shaolin because Shaolin practices such distinctive arts - arts rarely found. The non-Buddhist who trains in Wing Chun, for instance, practices a Shaolin art, but is not Shaolin. A Buddhist who practices any martial art (even non-Chinese arts) and adopts Shaolin's interpretation of Buddhism lives according to the Sil Lum Tao (Shaolin Way), but to be Shaolin one must practice a Shaolin art and walk the Shaolin Buddhist path under a Shaolin priest. Because we value the Buddha's teachings above any specific martial tradition, even if our martial arts were lost, Shaolin Ch'an would persist - so long as there was some kind of martial practice.
The "Shaolin" at the Honan Temple may sustain some elements of Shaolin tradition. This is a hard thing to judge and depends upon the criteria one employs. Much of what is practiced today under the rubric of "Shaolin Buddhism" in the People's Republic of China is more like other Chinese Buddhist sects, and not at all akin to the historical Shaolin tradition. Likewise, "Shaolin Kung Fu" as practiced at Song Shan appears to be mostly Long Fist, which is a fine style, but not a historically important style in the Shaolin Temples pre-1900. Discriminating seekers will have to make their own decisions regarding what truly represents an authentic Shaolin tradition.
Above all, it should be understood that, like the sutras, Shaolin gung fu presents a method and not a static doctrine. Sutras and Shaolin martial training are two different kinds of doors to the Dharma. If you are looking for a martial arts school where you will just focus on self-defense only, the Order of Shaolin Ch'an isn't the place for you. If, however, you are interested in learning more about Shaolin's Buddhism and utilizing martial training as a vehicle for physical and spiritual development, feel free to contact us. We do study sutras, but for Shaolin, it is the gung fu which takes priority in early training.
For additional information about Shaolin, including the styles listed above please visit www.shaolin.com.
If you have questions about Shaolin training, and live in the Pacific
Northwest (Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington areas of the United States of
America) or Iowa,
please contact us.
Please do not send mail requesting aid in finding a kwoon (school) unless you live in the Pacific Northwest.
Copyright © 2004 Order of Shaolin Ch'an
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