Ninestartemple

The 18 Movements of Shaolin

2010-11-04T05:06:00.000-07:00

Shi Xing Hong, 32nd generation Shaolin warrior monk and member/founder of the International Chan Wu Federation, presents to us on this instructional project the 18basic movements that constitute the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu. Considered the most important to grasp on the road to mastery and practiced as much by new students as by the more experienced, these movements are related to the forms. They are a kind of combination line of offensive and defensive elements from which the Kung Fu Chan form comes, the first step toward acquiring other skills that will allow us to feel the different energies, Chi, the power of the warrior Arts of Shaolin.

Workshop di Shaolin con SHI XING HONG

2010-11-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

Workshop di Shaolin tenuto appositamente per Kataklò dal Maestro SHI XING HONG con la collaborazione degli insegnanti VALTER CARBONI e WALTER GJERGJA della Scuola Shaolin WuShu Guan Italy

Shi Bo Shi Xing Hong - Wushu Kung Fu - prima parte ( inglese )

2010-04-13T08:11:00.001-07:00

Shi Bo Shi Xing Hong - Wushu Kung Fu - seconda parte ( Inglese )

2010-04-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

Dharma wheel tibetan scripts

2010-01-30T03:26:00.001-08:00

The Wheel of Dharma,
The original Buddhist symbol,
representing the turning/teaching of the truth/Dharma.
Here depicted seated on an open lotus flower of purity.
Please visit related tibetan scripts
source:http://inkessential.blogspot.com/

Ba duan Jin

2010-01-30T02:35:00.001-08:00

Ba Duan Jin
“Shaolin Baduanjin” is one of the earliest gongfu [forms] that was practiced by Shaolin Temple monks. It is said as early as in the Tang Dynasty, Lingqui a famous monk of Shaolin Temple was good at Baduanjin and lived to be 109.
In the Song Dynasty, Monk Fuju compiled Baduanjin into a gongfu manual. Baduanjin has the functions of stimulating blood circulation and causing muscles and joints to relax, regulating vital energy and blood promoting metabolism. Practicing Baduanjin permanently can make one healthy and strong and dispel pestilence or illness and you can have long life.
Shaolin Kung Fu - Ba Duan Jin (八段锦)
Intro

Empty mind-shaolin warrior

2010-01-24T02:49:00.000-08:00

The paths of the Nine Hand Seals

2009-12-18T04:28:00.000-08:00

Qi-Gong and Kuji-in
Qi-Gong, specialized in Kuji-In. As we do not pretend we hold the keys to the universe, we are affirmative about our competence and experience in specialized subjects. Qi-Gong (also Chi-Gong) is the art of mastering the flow of energy in the body, the mind and the spirit (Qi = energy, Gong = practice). Kuji-in is a ritual practice of Buddhist origins that enhances the human experience, leads to the development of psychic abilities, and will eventually bring you closer to your personal truth. Visualization helper, this video is an inspirational guide to the inner visualization of the first kuji-in (RIN) using the Sanskrit pronunciation of the mantras (Female and Male voice/model available). The Maha Technique is a basic approach to spiritual empowerment, adapted to our modern age. Maha created this technique for everyone to use and empower, giving everyone a kick-start in acquiring tangible and accessible spiritual tools to better face today’s challenges. Although it takes at least 2 months of daily practice, a few minutes a day, to empower the technique, afterwards, the user is capable of encouraging his body to heal faster, get out of minor depression or mood swings, generates energy and spiritual protection circles, and many other useful effects. The abilities of all holistic healers are dramatically increased.

Maha Technique :

Download the PDF eBook

Download the PDF mantra reminder

The Maha Technique is free.

These files are not for resale.

Please distribute them at will.

Source: http://www.kujiin.com/

Zhi-Wisdom

2009-11-03T03:48:00.001-08:00

Zhi, or wisdom, was brought into the ethic standard system by Confucius. The saint defined the personality of "the wise" as "a wise man free from perplexities". The real man of wisdom shall not only be able to distinguish truth from falsehood, but also be rational and sane; he shall never get perplexed in front of profits or different paths. That is to say, the wisdom concerns not only one person's ability and aptitude, but also his moral cultivation. Only those who know about destiny, manners, speeches and people would be truly "free from perplexities".
Knowing destiny means seeing into poverty and prosperity and keeping a peaceful mind whether in adversity or prosperity. Manners refer to social codes of conduct and shared social order that restricted one's conducts. Knowing manners makes one aware of how to give and take, act appropriately and easily make a living in society. Knowing speeches refers to being a good speaker and a good listener. Knowing people makes one able to recognize and recommend the virtuous and talented.Confucius also pointed out that the acquisition of "wisdom" lies in learning. Wisdom can be obtained from both books and life.

Source:http://history.cultural-china.com/en/165History973.html

Sun tzu-Art of war

2009-10-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Art of War
Laying Plans
Waging War
Attack by Stratagem
Tactical Dispositions
Energy
Weak Points and Strong
Maneuvering
Variation in Tactics
The Army on the March
Terrain
The Nine Situations
The Attack by Fire
The Use of Spies
Download
Download PDF and plain text versions of the book.
Source:http://suntzusaid.com/

Zen Masters

2009-04-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

The Master in Zen is not a Master over others, but a Master of himself. His every gesture and his every word, reflect his enlightened state. He has no desire that anythingshould be other than the way it is. His disciples/pupils/student gather around him-not follow him-but to soak up his Presence, And be inspired by his example. In his eyes they find their own truth reflected, and in his silence they fall more easily, into the silence of their own being. The Master welcomes the disciples-not because he wants to lead them-but because: he has so much to share. Note for the Student/Disciple(the -not yet- enlightened-ones):
Masters do'nt teach the truth, for there is no way to teach it.It is a 'transmission' beyond scriptures, beyond words!It is an energy expressed trough him/her...
(The Master).
You have to approach the Master with Great Love,
with Great trust,with an Open Heart!

you are not aware who you are.
He is aware WHO HE IS,
He is aware WHO YOU ARE!

If you can find such a Master You are Blessed!!! If you cannot,keep on searching,searching... learning from teachers and'would-be Masters'! Students are like caterpillars! Unaware that they may become a Butterfly. Caterpillars are Bodhisattvas.And all Bodhisattvas are Caterpillars. A Bodhisattva means:one who can become a Butterfly, who can become a Buddha,who is Buddha in the seed, in Essence... The Master/Disciple Relationship, is a relationship between:a Caterpillar and a Butterfly, a friendship between...a Caterpillar and a Butterfly.
The Butterfly cannot prove that, the Caterpillar can become Butterfly-there is no logical way-but: the Butterfly can 'Provoke'-a longing in the caterpillar-that it is possible!

Tao Practice

2009-01-29T04:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome
Here you will find a wide variety of information regarding the Tao Practice.
New to the site? Click Here
Tao Practice lecture:
http://www.taopractice.org/index.html

White lotus video

2009-01-29T03:04:00.000-08:00

A short animated guide to Buddhist breath meditation, using the metaphor of an opening lotus. The narration was adapted from a talk given by Ajahn Brahm, a popular Buddhist teacher, author and abbot of Serpentine monastery, Perth.
Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) - this is the same meditation method he used to gain enlightenment, and is same method used by millions of Buddhists today.
Video: http://sunyatanamaskar.wordpress.com/2007/07/06/the-jewel-in-the-heart-of-the-lotus/
Source: http://glennmarshall.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/the-jewel-in-the-heart-of-the-lotus/

Medicine Buddha

2009-01-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

Medicine Buddha is the King of Healing.
This image I dedicate to all who seek along life in remission -

Cancer Free . . .
Invoke the following mantra, the sound which is the name of the Medicine Buddha. (The Medicine Buddha is blue coloured like the sky because his knowledge is all-pervading. The Medicine Buddha has the power of aspiration so if you intuitively image the Medicine Buddha you well share that power as well.) The sound alone may benefit people with many different conditions of disease:

TA YA TA / OM BE KAN DZE / BE KAN DZEMA /HA BE KAN DZE /

RA DZA SA MUNG GA TE / SO HA

This image was originally found at the Virtual Thangka Gallery and it is also dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche,Lama Tenzin Osel Rinpoche and to the healthand well-being of all sentient beings

Source: http://www.therisingsun.ca/monthly_prayer.htm

Apply our Do

2009-01-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

9Dragons

2009-01-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

The (9) dragons:
To the Chinese, the Imperial Dragon or Lung, is considered to be the primary of four benevolent spiritual animals,the other three being the phoenix, the unicorn and the tortoise. Having unrivaled wizdom and power the dragon symbolized the Emperors of China themselves, who were actually called dragons.The dragons of China and Japan are almost exclusively benevolent mythological creatures. In fact they are so different in nature from Western Dragons that it may be more reasonable to consider them as dissimilar creatures, rather than as the same creature interpreted differently.In Chinese mythology, the dragon was revered in several different ways. Although the Imperial dragon is infinitely more powerful than the tiger in myth, a well used Chinese idiom to describe equal rivals (often in modern sports) is "Dragon versus Tiger." In Chinese martial arts, "Dragon style" is used to describe styles of fighting based more on understanding movement, while "Tiger style" is based on brute strength and memorization of techniques.
The Dragon, or Leung, in Chinese, represents nobility, creativity,and strength. It is the Yang within Yang symbol, the strongest of the I Ching hexagrams, the symbol of the Emperor, and often seen as a symbol of China itself. Unlike their Western cousins, Chinese Dragons have a pretty good reputation. In Feng Shui the Dragon is a ‘celestial’ animal and its direction is East.
The Chinese dragon is a mythical creature. It is also sometimes translated as "Oriental Dragon" because it also appears in other East Asian cultures. Usually depicted as a long, snake-like creature with numerous claws, it has long been a potent symbol of auspicious power in Chinese folklore and art. It is also the embodiment of the concept of yang and associated with the weather as the bringer of rain and water in general.
"There are nine major types of Chinese dragons. These include the horned dragon, the winged dragon, the celestial dragon (which supports and protects the mansions of the gods), the spiritual dragon which generates wind and rain for the benefit of mankind), the dragon of hidden treasures (which keeps guard over concealed wealth), the coiling dragon (which lives in water), and the yellow dragon (which once emerged from water and presented the legendary Emperor Fu Shi with the elements of writing)."

Ways to see the dragon:
Gnostics: "The way through all things."
Alchemy: "A winged dragon - the volatile elements"
Without wings - the fixed elements."
Chinese: "The spirit of the way"' bringing eternal change.
Guardian of the 'Flaming Pearl"
symbol of spiritual perfection and powerful amulet of luck.

Shadowdragon-Lord Zero

2008-11-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

UNDER THE RAYS OF THE MOON

UNDER THE EVER SO GENTLE MOON RAYS
I SIT AND WONDER
ABOUT WHAT COULD BE
IF THIS WORLD WAS PERFECT
AND IF IT WAS
WHO WOULD GENTLY EMBRACE MY SPIRIT
A SELECT FEW ENTER MY MIND
WHEN THIS QUESTION IS ASKED TO MYSELF
BUT THERES ONE
THAT CAUSES ME TO LEVITATE
BRIEFLY FREEING ME FROM THE COLD SHACKLES OF DESTINY
BUT THE BARRIERS OF TRUTH AND LOGIC
KEEPS US SEPERATED
KEEPING ME FROM SHOUTING THE LOVE I HAVE FOR HER
FROM THE ROOFTOPS
I EVEN TRIED TO COMPLETELY DISTANCE MYSELF
FROM HER
DUE TO THE PAINFUL REVELATION
BUT TO NO AVAIL
FOR HER PRESENCE IS MAGNETIC TO ME
SO I'LL PUT MY FAITH IN HER
AND KEEP HER STRONG
WHILE TRYING TO HEAL
HOPING FOR THE THE DAY
WE CAN FLY AWAY TOGETHER
-Z-
Source: http://www.myspace.com/shadowdragonzero

Shi Gong-Shi De Yang

2008-11-13T03:40:00.000-08:00

SHI DE YANG

Grand Master, Shaolin monk of the 31st generation, Shi De Yang is globally considered one of the greatest present exponents of real Shaolin martial arts and Chan Buddhism.The closest disciple of Shi Suxi for almost 30 years, Shi De Yang is one of few Shaolin Masters of recent generations to have studied in a profound manner all 'tre treasures of Shaolin' (Chan, Kung Fu WuShu, traditional medicine). This traditional knowledge, aptitude to studying and teaching, exceptional martial abilities and philosophical vision, have allowed him to have some of the more prominent roles in the Temple, from head of the warrior monks to history researcher, from philosophy teacher to director of traditional Kung Fu WuShu studies

Books and documentaries have been made about him, however despite the international fame Shi De Yang continues to reside in the proximity of Shaolin temple, absorbed in his studies and teaching. To the activities at the Temple Shi De Yang has for some years added the management of his external school, which welcomes several hundred young students, often very poor, to whom he offers a study program that includes Kung Fu WuShu and Chan.
Shi De Yang has also conducted numerous international teaching and demonstration tours to promote Shaolin culture. He regularly travels to the USA, France and Hungary, to visit his Shaolin brothers now living abroad, and collaborates with the school Shaolin WuShu Guan Italy, where he travels every year for several weeks to visit his disciples

Source: http://emptymindfilms.com/

Watch Empty mind video:

http://www.youtube.com/user/emptymindfilms

Watch You tube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzJOz4w_Hzs

Read article written by Walter Gjergja

(Shi Xing Mi, 32nd generation Shaolin Disciple):

http://www.shaolin-wushu.it/article1.pdf

Source: http://www.shideyang.com/

Sutra show -Bulletin Article

2008-11-04T03:54:00.000-08:00

Sutra- Voorstelling van Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

2008-11-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

'Working and creating in China is like seeking another part of myself – a part which is still unknown,' states Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. In this new project, the choreographer pursues his quest for a 'work/world' open to the most diverse cultures, which he explores in order to find temporary answers to his existential questions. In Sutra, he surrounds himself with seventeen Buddhist monks from the Shaolin temple – experts in martial arts – whose precision and sparing movements he appreciates, as well as their original perception of space and the body as a unit. Following Zero Degrees, created and performed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Akram Khan, English artist Antony Gormley proposes a new scenography for Sutra, which highlights his interest in the body and its place
– at times solitary – in a volume or in emptiness.

Monks practice their moves for Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's Sutra. Photograph: Anthony Jiang Nan The legendary skills of the Shaolin monks have for years thrilled and fascinated the innovative Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. He has been a fan of Bruce Lee from childhood. Yet, when he thought about creating a work with the monks, it was less their kung fu prowess he wanted to explore than its underlying philosophy: the inspiration the monks draw from the world around them, their capacity to identify with other living creatures and their perception of themselves as a conduit for universal energy and transformation.There was a personal motive for his project, too. Cherkaoui's career has recently gathered an extraordinary momentum: having separated from his mentor Alain Platel, of the Ghent dance company Les Ballets C de la B, he had begun running his own troupe, as well as touring with Akram Khan in their acclaimed duet, Zero Degrees. But success had also brought creative fatigue, and Cherkaoui needed to pause and take stock. When he started this project, he was, he says, looking for "a new way of expressing myself, a new place to be". As these extracts from his diary show, he found it in China - in the remote mountain temple of the Shaolin monks. JM

Video's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_cMBDeIGAE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvO5D0Kk5mE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlR20QB2s2I&feature=related

The Lotus

2008-10-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

Lotuses are symbols of purity and 'spontaneous' generation and hence symbolize divine birth. According to the Lalitavistara, 'the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the new lotus in the [muddy] water which does not adhere to it', and, according to esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the beings is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein the lotus blossoms. This is why the Buddha sits on a lotus in bloom. In Tantrism, it is the symbol of the feminine principle. The lotuses are usually differentiated by their colour and grouping, in three or five flowers, which may or may not be combined with leaves.

White lotus
This symbolizes Bodhi, the state of total mental purity and spiritual perfection, and the pacification of our nature. It generally has eight petals corresponding to the Noble Eightfold Path of the Good Law. It is the lotus found at the heart of the Garbhadhatu Mandala, being the womb or embryo of the world. It is characteristic of the esoteric sects, and the lotus of the Buddhas.

Red lotus
This symbolizes the original nature of the heart (hrdaya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion, activity and all the qualities of the heart.

It is the lotus of Avalokitesvara.

Blue lotus
This is the symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, of intelligence and wisdom, of knowledge. It is always represented as a partially opened bud, and (unlike the red lotus) its centre is never seen. It is the lotus of Manjusri, and also one of the attributes of Prajnaparamita, the embodiment of the 'perfection of wisdom'.

Pink lotus
This is the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity, sometimes confused with the white lotus it is the lotus of the historical Buddha.

Purple lotus
This is the mystic lotus, represented only in images belonging to a few esoteric sects. The flowers may be in full bloom and reveal their heart, or in a bud. They may be supported by a simple stem, a triple stem (symbolizing the three divisions of Garbhadhatu: Vairocana, lotus and vajra), or a quintuple stem (symbolizing the Five Knowledges of Vajradhatu). The eight petals represent the Noble Eightfold Path and the eight principal acolyte deities of the central deity on the mandalas. The flowers may also be depicted presented in a cup or on a tray, as a symbol of homage

The Three jewels

2008-10-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

The Three Jewels

Ch'an practice is based on the three jewels of Buddhism:

Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Buddha
Buddha literally means "the enlightened one", the person who has seen through the illusions of the ego. On the historical level, this refers to Shakymuni Buddha, who attained this realization over 2500 years ago. On another level, it refers to one's teacher in Zen. While this can be the Zen teacher with whom the student trains, the primary teacher is one's own Mind, carefully observed.

Dharma

Dharma means the truth, the way things really are. This truth is contained in the teaching of Shakymuni Buddha, and in the teachings of those who have assimilated these teachings which have been passed down by direct transmission from teacher to student. In Zen, dharma is not to be confused with a teacher's words, any more than a finger pointing at the moon is to be confused with the moon. Dharma is the sound of a bird singing outside the window or rain falling; it is the perception of reality, uncolored by our likes and dislikes.

Sangha
Sangha refers to a group of people assisting one another in following the Buddha way. We use the term this way in our name, Single Flower Sangha. The Sangha can also refer to all Buddhists, or more generally to the entire universe which assists us in recognizing our enlightened state, if we allow it.

Source:http://www.singleflowersangha.org/jewels.htm

THE GREAT VOWS FOR ALL

2008-10-30T04:03:00.000-07:00

The many beings are numberless,

I vow to save them;

Greed, hatred, and ignorance rise endlessly,

I vow to abandon them;

Dharma gates are countless,

I vow to wake to them;

The Buddha's way is unsurpassed,

I vow to embody it fully.

For me, having a system when dealing with others is a way to develop connections with everyone we meet. It is very tough to develop universal compassion to all sentient beings sitting on the cushion — it’s doable, but the scope is grand and very abstract in the beginning. While helping out with instructions at work, always opening doors for others, or deliberately place oneself last in the line is a very simple and creates positive potentials in the mind. As such, having advices about etiquette, and how to behave in various situations, is a daily practice of training the mind towards the goal of always being around others helping them.

Sutra Source:http://www.ciolek.com/

Picture Source:http://lotusbloomsintheblog.wordpress.com/

Shaolin Chan wu video - You Tube

2008-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Jin Jing Zhong, “Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin”

2008-10-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

Jin Jing Zhong,

“Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin”Ebook

“Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin” by Jin Jing Zhong is devoted to the most enigmatic and little-known aspect of training of Shaolin monks. The book was written in 1934 with blessing and direct participation of the Head of the Shaolin Monastery Reverend Miao Xing nicknamed “The Golden Arhat”, one of the best Shaolin fighters of all times. For the first time the book describes full training methods in all 72 Shaolin Arts. Being until recently for outsiders the most secret part of training of Shaolin monks, which made them invulnerable in fight, 72 Shaolin Arts at the present time become available to all who are ready to practice them persistently and with an open heart. Training methods described in the book allow to develop supernatural abilities, far beyond abilities of an ordinary man. The book has been translated from the Chinese language for the first time.

For the first time the book describes full training methods in all 72 Shaolin Arts. Being until recently for outsiders the most secret part of training of Shaolin monks, which made them invulnerable in fight.

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

2008-10-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

What does "Amituofo" or "Amitabha" mean?

Amituofo means a multitude of things, depending on how it is used.

It can be a greeting, a salutation, a blessing, or it can mean "please" or "I'm sorry."

Literally, it is the name of a Buddha, the "Amita" Buddha

("fo" being the Chinese word for Buddha).

It is pronounced "Ah-mee-twoh-foh".

"Amituofo" is the Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit

"Amitabha

Strike V.S. Terror

2008-10-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Strike against Terror"Thich Nhat Hanh
Terror is in the human heart. We must remove this terror from the heart. Destroying the human heart, both physically and psychologically, is what we should avoid. The root of terrorism should be identified so that it can be removed. The root of terrorism is misunderstanding, hatred and violence. This root cannot be located by the military. Bombs and missiles cannot reach it, let alone destroy it. Only with the practice of calming and looking deeply can our insight reveal and identify this root. Only with the practice of deep listening and compassion can it be transformed and removed. Darkness cannot be dissipated with more darkness. More darkness will make darkness thicker. Only light can dissipate darkness. Violence and hatred cannot be removed with violence and hatred. Rather, this will make violence and hatred grow a thousand fold. Only understanding and compassion can dissolve violence and hatred.
"Strike against terror" is a misleading expression. What we are striking against is not the real cause or the root of terror. The object of our strike is still human life. We are sowing seeds of violence as we strike. Striking in this way we will only bring about more hatred and violence into the world. This is exactly what we do not want to do.
Hatred and violence are in the hearts of human beings. A terrorist is a human being with hatred, violence and misunderstanding in his or her heart. Acting without understanding, acting out of hatred, violence and fear, we help sow more terror, bringing terror to the homes of others and bringing terror back to our own homes. Whole societies are living constantly in fear with our nerves being attacked day and night. This is the greatest casualty we may suffer from as a result of our wrong thinking and action. Such a state of confusion, fear and anxiety is extremely dangerous. It can bring about another world war, this time extremely destructive.
We must learn to speak out so that the voice of the Buddha can be heard in this dangerous and pivotal moment of history. Those of us who have the light should display the light and offer it so that the world will not sink into total darkness. Everyone has the seed of awakening and insight within his or her heart. Let us help each other touch these seeds in ourselves so that everyone could have the courage to speak out. We must ensure that the way we live our daily lives (with or without mindful consumption, with or without discrimination, with or without participating in injustice, ...) does not create more terrorism in the world. We need a collective awakening to stop this course of self-destruction.
- Thich Nhat Hanh

Shanghai 19 October,

Source:http://www.shaolinwolf.com/shaolinindex.htm

Wu De- Martial morals

2008-10-27T02:06:00.000-07:00

Wu de - Martial morals

1 (yi) Jing pan shi -Don't be two faced
2 (er) Jing yi shi -Don't be arrogant, troublesome
3 (san) Jing wang yen -Don't show off or be pretentious
4 (si) Jing fu yi -Don't judge others or put others down
5 (wu) Jing dao jie -Don't steal
6 (liu) Jing kuang do -Don't be impulsive or fight for wrong reasons
7 (qi) Jing wei jie -Respect rules
8 (ba) Jing kang zhao -Don't refuse to help when asked
9 (jiu) Jing ding zuo -Don't bully
10 (shi) Jing jiu ying -Don't abuse alcohol or anything else

Shi Xing Hong-Xie Tian

2008-10-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Shi Xing Hong's Story (Shi Xing Hong):

A Shaolin Monk Warrior of the 32nd generation.Nick Name: Xie Tian

Secular Name: (Wang DeQing)

Mountain Tian Tai, my hometown. the memory of my childhood.
Mountain Tian Tai has a tradition of practicing martial arts for the health. Therefore, from the moment I was born, it was destined that I would have a relationship with martial arts.
I grew up among the fists and weapons of the adults; I therefore have the character of loving fight. The idea of learning the best gongfu of this world to fight through the whole wushu world without failure always comes to me.That year when I was nine, my parents permitted me with tears to go to Songshan Shaolin Temple for practicing gongfu under my stubborn requests. I so left my hometown, my parents......
Songshan mountain in very high and beautiful, and there are a lot of wushu learners.Shaolin Temple is very quite and spacious. The teachers are very kind, but strict when teaching gongfu.
In the Shaolin Monk Warrior Group which is located in the original place of Buddhism and in which many wushu experts are gathered, I had spent numerous springs, summers, autumns and winters, taking the days with sweater and gone all out to learn the profound and old Shaolin gongfu. Sometimes I just listened quitely to the masters teach and explain to me how to understand life, nature and myself.
The theory of Zen is profound. The truth of buddhism is even more difficult. I, however, love all these. I love the morning, the night, the people and everything here.
A few years later, I became one of the Shaolin monk warriors of the thirty second generation, and got my Buddhist name, Shi Xing Hong.
I once visited foreign countries for over thirty times to spread the truth of Shaolin gongfu, the charity of this original place of Buddhism and the friendship of chinese people.
One day, I suddenly understood what Zen was and what physical boxing was. I so began to choose the road that I would take on. My choice is to shock the world with the charm of Shaolin gongfu and to open the road to the world with the truth of combination of Zen and physical boxing.

Open Your Mind...Open Your Heart...Find Your Spirit.
...Show Your Energy

"Shi Xing Hong"

Article readings:
Be sure to also read Dr. Russell's : story about Shi Xing Hong.
And his : story about Shi Xing Hong's visit to Las Vegas.

There is an obvious shift towards studying Buddhism after one takes the monks vows, with a continuation, though a diminution, of gong fu training. At this time however, the monks start to learn the true secrets of the gong fu that they had been learning as students.
Souce:http://www.shixinghong.com/
Source:http://www.shaolinchanwu.be/

Noble 8 fold path

2008-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

Eight Fold Path

1.Right Knowledge
Understand the Four Noble Truths

2.Right Thinking
Decide to set a life on the correct path

3.Right Speech
Don't lie
Don't criticize others unjustly
Don't use harsh language
Don't gossip

4.Right Conduct
Follow the Five Precepts

5.Right Livelihood
Earn a living that does not harm living things

6.Right Effort
Conquer all evil thoughts
Strive to maintain good thoughts

7.Right Mindfulness
Become intensely aware of all the states in body, feeling, and mind.

8.Right Concentration
Deep meditation to lead to a higher state of consciousness (enlightenment)

Source:http://www.answersoflife.com/philosophy/bubbhism/budd_4foldpath.htm

Shi Yan Ming UK

2008-10-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

Master Shi Yan Ming

Shi Yan Ming is a 34th Generation Shaolin Temple Monk
Shifu Shi Yan Ming (Yan Min Chen) went to the Shaolin temple when he was 13 years old. He trained and became very disciplined in the 'Shaolin Temple'. He spent lots of time training in Shaolin gongfu (kungfu) and studying Ch'an Buddhist culture and Philosophy. He studied Shaolin gongfu under Shifu Shi Yongxin who is the Abbot of the 'Shaolin Temple'. Shifu Shi Yongxin taught him not only gongfu but also about Ch'an Buddhist culture and Philosophy. He undertook the daily training in the temple, which was very hard. One day, he will let the people around the whole world know about Shaolin gongfu and Shaolin culture in order to help unhealthy people become very healthy. Shaolin monks and disciples follow a unique practice among Buddhists in that they greet each other using only their right hand.

This greeting is a tradition which dates back to Da Mo and his disciple, Hui Ke.

His aim is to make all life living in the world peaceful and happy.

created UK Shaolin Temple and everything associated with it.

My aim...to share my experience, skills,

wisdom and knowledge with everyone.
............ Yanmin Chen (Shi Yan Ming)

Source: http://www.ukshaolintemple.com/shiyanming.htm

Shi Heng jun

2008-10-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

Master Shi Heng Jun, 35 years old.
The 35th generation warrior monk of Shaolin Temple started his Shaolin life and study Buddhism and Shaolin kungfu following with grand abbot Shi Yan Fo when he was 15 years old. Master Shi Heng Jun is the elder brother of the well-know "Three Brothers in Shaolin", with his two younger Shaolin brothers Shi Xing Hong (currently teaching in Budapest, Hungary) and Shi Xing Hao (Houston, US., He is all-around equally proficient in the 5 aspects of Kung Fu, Forms, Sparring, Weaponry, Demonstration, and Teaching.He is also famous in Shaolin by his Qi Gong knowledge and is especially proficient inDian Xue( punching the lethal point of the body) and Qin Na (locking techniques). Master Shi Heng Jun is accomplished in Shaolin Lohan Quan (Arhat Boxing), Drunken style like Drunkard Fist, Praying Mantis, Diamond Fist, Plum Blossom Boxing, Chin Na (Catch and lock). He is also good in Shaolin weapons include Drunkard Sword, Shaolin Saber, Monks Spade, Shaolin Spear, Shaolin Magic Wind Cudgel and many more... Qi Gong (Chi Kung) like Yi Jin Jing, 8 section meditation (Ba Duan Jin), Marrow Washing (Xi Sui Jing), Sitting Chan (Genuine Zen method), Eighteen Lohan Qigong are also Master Shi Heng Jun's.
Source:http://www.kanishkasharma.com/shi_heng_jun.html
Source: http://www.shaolin-shihengjun.fr/

Golden Ch'an

2008-10-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

In the practice of Shaolin kung fu there is one central idea to enable the students to be successful and that is the need to understand that Ch'an Buddhism is at its heart. Other schools of martial arts do not have this spiritual centre, Ch'an Buddhism is the propelling force behind Shaolin kung fu. The Shaolin Temple has a rich culture to offer, the Abbot aims to encourage the growth and spread of the Shaolin culture to bring peaceful contact and help to people in the western world.
Source:http://www.shaolintempleuk.org/stchina/history.html

Shi yan Ming & RZA on the path of Shaolin

2008-10-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

A mutual friend introduced RZA and Shi Yan Ming four years ago. They hit it off right away. RZA's years of self-study had given him a firm understanding of Chan Buddhism, which impressed Shi Yan Ming. "He has dozens martial art movies - many tapes - just like a library," says Shi Yan Ming in surprisingly clear English. "(Also) many different religious books. To him, he is just learning the philosophy. Where ever you come from he respects. He respects all: Christian, Buddhist, Taoist - all the different religions." RZA ads his own little koan. "The only thing I rely on is the truth so therefore I rely on nothing."Shi Yan Ming was also impressed by the hip hop star's humility. Many celebrities have their ego skyrocket along with their fame, but not RZA. "He knows the way to improve himself very much - always be very humble, generous, welcome. He never says, 'I'm famous' to anybody. I believe he watched a lot of Chinese martial arts movies (and learned) movie style." Shi Yan Ming laughs. RZA regards Shi Yan Ming with a meaningful riposte, "I look at him as a brother." After their first meeting, RZA began training under the Shaolin Temple Monk immediately.Since then, the two have become great friends and fostered the traditional roles of master and student. Before meeting Shi Yan Ming, RZA was self-taught by the streets, the movies and books. "I had no actual martial background besides a lot of reading of the philosophies," he admits. At the helm of the Wu Empire, RZA could command any manner of personal trainer he wished. And yet, RZA remains faithful to his roots, Shaolin kung fu. Shi Yan Ming is pleased with RZA's progress in this venerated art. "He's serious," states the Shaolin Temple Monk. "I started training him three years ago, but this last year, he became serious. Three times - three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, he sends car (to) pick me up and go to his place. He's very busy. Some days, we go to his place, you see (him on) the phone calling somebody - talking a lot. A lot of work is waiting for him."Even with his overwhelmingly busy schedule, RZA makes the time to practice. Especially in his position, he heeds teachings of Shaolin Temple faithfully. "(I value most) the harmony that it can bring to your mind and your body. As well as the gracefulness of the movements and the infinite applications once a full understanding is grasped," confides RZA.

"My personal favorite Shaolin technique is the five elements.""Shaolin Kung Fu, To Survive, Must now Be Taught to More Young Men. We Must Expand, Get More Pupils, So that the Knowledge Will Spread."Music and martial arts. They are parallel art forms. Unlike sculpture or painting, music and martial arts happen in real time. When you hear a rapper perform or see a master demonstrate, the proof is in that moment. A lifetime of extensive, hard training may culminate in the recitation to which you bear witness. Rap style has an even more internal connection to martial arts than most music. It involves strenuous breath control, and of all techniques, it is the most difficult. Shi Yan Ming is very open to this analogy. "I like music," he says enthusiastically. "Many different kinds of music. Just like speak(ing) a different language and also like beautiful art. I think martial arts and music are like different styles or principles of art. (You) have to create another, have to push yourself. (They are) very similar. You have to find a way. It's very important - how to improve yourself." RZA agrees. "Music is harmonious with life. There are many Shaolin sutras that say that '5 tones deafen the ear.' How chi flows, music flows. That's one of the reasons I've been successful in music because of my martial application. It's something that can't be defined, but it can definitely be heard."

rza interview

picture:http://ukst.vieswebdesign.com/images/shi016.jpg

Shaolin Shadow Boxing and the Wu-Tang Sword Style"

Enter 34th generation Shaolin Monk Shi Yan Ming. Shi Yan Ming was the seventh of nine children, born to a poor, uneducated family. Being Buddhists, they committed him to Shaolin Temple when he was only five, right in the middle of China's atrocious Cultural Revolution. During that time, religious practice was outlawed and Shaolin Temple was in ruins. Only a few monks remained and they had to practice in secret. They could not wear robes or shave their heads. When the Red Guard came through, they all had to hide to avoid persecution. They had to act like good

"Shaolin Kung Fu, To Survive, Must now Be Taught to More Young Men.

"The people like martial arts and also like Chinese culture, and have the respect and understanding. Training harder! Those things I believe... Shaolin Temple was born a paradox. The fight can make peace, but sometimes this world needs fight. There's no fight - everybody be (at) peace - that would be great! No fight, no war. That's excellent! But sometimes,

" Shi Yan Ming passes his wisdom like Master Po,

"need 'fight' to make peace."

Source:http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=100

Chinese gung fu -Bruce Lee

2008-10-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you collect Martial Arts books or books on Bruce Lee, download it and put it on your shelf. It does show what Bruce thought in his early career of martial arts. And it has good diagrams. The book is short for its price. This book is not really an introduction and it would prove non-beneficial to a beginner. I would suggest that if you are new to martial arts, put this book down and chose any other.

Knowledge is fixed in time,
whereas, knowing is continual.
Knowledge comes from a source,
from an accumulation, from a conclusion,
while knowing is a movement.

Download ebook: http://rapidshare.com/files/73000331/Chinese_Gung_Fu.rar

Source:http://mmabooksvideos.blogspot.com/2007/12/chinese-gung-fu-philosophical-art-of.html

Da Mo & C'han today

2008-10-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

This is a great read for anyone interested in the relationship
between Eastern Philosophy and Hip Hop.

Enjoy !
Click here fore the Article:
http://hiphopchessfederation.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/yoga_in_hiphop_web2.pdf
Source:http://the9elements.blogspot.com/search/label/spirituality

Meditation

2008-10-12T04:31:00.001-07:00

Meditation:
Originally, one's own mind and nature are pure, and there is nothing to accept and nothing to refuse; there is neither existence nor non-existence; there is only clear understanding without attachment and with no dwelling. One who wants to know the no-attachment, no-dwelling mind can find it through meditation, because it is only then that the mind does not think of right and wrong, of good and evil or of self and others.
If this seems obscure, then consider the following: The past is already gone; when you do not think of it, the thought of the past is gone, too. Then, there is no past nor any thought of the past. Furthermore, the future has yet not arrived. If you do not wish for nor seek after it, the thought regarding the future vanishes. Then, there is no future nor any thought about the future. Finally, the present is already present. Without grasping at it or dwelling upon it and without there being any thought about it, the thought of the present disappears, and there is no present nor any thought of the present. The mind that does not dwell on anything whatsoever is known as the True Mind or Original Nature.
The non-dwelling mind is the mind of the Buddha, it is the mind of liberation, it is the mind of Bodhi, and it is the mind of non-birth. So, if you really want meditation to come about, sit properly erect and close your eyes. Then purify your mind, lay down everything and think of neither good nor evil. Just observe your thoughts. As you look for their place of origin, you discover that they suddenly rise up and just as suddenly disappear, and that this process goes on and on. Be patient and continue to observe them, and you will, in time, know the thoughts to be devoid of any self-nature; also you will, thereby, know original emptiness. Do not attempt to follow the thoughts, to trace them in any way or have any intention of getting rid of them, and, in time, awareness will manifest as your mind illumines a thought. Then, there will suddenly be a stillness that becomes suchness. At some point, another thought will arise, and you will observe it in the same way.
Do this at least once a day, sitting from fifteen minutes to an hour. As your concentration deepens, your thoughts slow down and diminish in number, and your power of illumination increases until you eventually find out that not a single thought arises. Then, there is only stillness and voidness, for then the mind is clear and pure. This is your self-nature as known directly through wisdom (Prajna).
Source:http://www.purifymind.com/Meditation.htm

What is Chan Buddhism?

2008-10-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

Buddhism was born in Nepal about 2500 years ago. It spread to India some 400 years later, and 1500 years ago, it appeared in China. Chan Buddhism is said to have originated at Shaolin Temple, and its spiritual founder was an Indian prince named Bodhidharma, or as he was known to the Chinese, Da Mo. It is characterized by a rejection of much of the protocol associated with other sects of Buddhism and is oriented around the practice of meditation. In Chan, the Temple is everywhere, and one can pray anywhere, meditate in any position, and it emphasizes the idea of personal awakening and understanding. Chan is the spiritual parent of Japanese Zen Buddhism.
What does "Amituofo" or "Amitabha" mean?Amituofo means a multitude of things, depending on how it is used. It can be a greeting, a salutation, a blessing, or it can mean "please" or "I'm sorry." Literally, it is the name of a Buddha, the "Amita" Buddha ("fo" being the Chinese word for Buddha). It is pronounced "Ah-mee-twoh-foh". "Amituofo" is the Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit "Amitabha".

Source:http://www.usashaolintemple.com/
Picture:http://www.shaolinlife.org/

"Little dragon Quotes"

2008-10-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

"Water"

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water.
If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.
You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle.
You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot.
Now, water can flow or it can crash.
Be water my friend.

“using no way as a way, using no limitations as a limitation.”

The spiritual force transcends all.
I feel this great creative and spiritual force within me that is greater than faith, greater than ambition, greater than confidence, greater than determination, greater than vision. It is all these combined.
My brain becomes magnetized with this dominating force which I hold in my hand.

"Life itself is your teacher, and you are in a state of constant learning.

" The man who is really serious, with the urge to find out what truth is, has no style at all.
He lives only in what is"

"The Little Dragon."
Bruce lee

Source:http://www.bruceleedivinewind.com/

Smile

2008-10-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

"Smile"
One of the easiest things you could do to perk up your day is just SMILE... Yes. A smile is the easiest way to send good vibes not only to yourself but to others as well. There are many kinds of smile... The ones I like are the warm sincere smiles. You'll know it when you see someone and he or she is quite impress with you or find you attractive and gives you that sincere, warm and approving smile. Often this kind of smile comes from the heart, it is genuine, that's why i like it so much
Metta Chant (Prayer)
May I be well and happy...
May I be free from physical and mental suffering
May my dreams and goals be fulfilled.
May I be successful in my endeavors.
May all sentient beings dwelling everywhere be well and happy
May all sentient beings dwelling everywhere be free from physical and mental suffering
May all sentient beings's wishes and dreams be fulfilledMay all sentient beings's be successful in their endeavors

Source:http://prajnabodhisattva.blogspot.com/

Laughing Buddha

2008-10-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

Source:Unknown

"Thoughts"

2008-10-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Are the essence of human creation so it would seem that thoughts are your medium of travel, manifesting and healing. One thought is as powerful as the whole universe. One thought,

One mind, Unity Consciousness. One thought can manifest into an illness or disease. One thought can erase it. The power of your mind knows no limit.

Toth:With compassion, one can love unconditionally With unconditional love, one can heal boundlessly With boundless energy, one can ascend spiritually.

Yogi Sharanananda: "One can become enlightened if one questions one's thoughts and realizes that uninvestigated thoughts and beliefs cause one's suffering."

Source:Unknown

Buddahood The Way

2008-10-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

"The Way"

Only the holy person can understand the way, then one may attain wisdom and bliss. Using the whole to see the principles, you may understand the way. We must spread Chan like rays of sun all over the world. All the branches of Buddhism celebrate the same root. Clarity and stillness are deep as the sea. When you abandon attachments, your true face emerges. Only virtue is never ending, Your pure heart never changes. When your heart is still, its brightness will dispel the darkness. Your true natures is the highest. If you are loyal, upright and kind, you will receive happiness and peace. Always remember your Buddha heart.

Following the spirit of Huike,

Shaolin Code

2008-10-01T04:56:00.000-07:00

gif/Source:http://www.traditionalwingchun.co.za/shaolin_code.html

Blue Flower

2008-09-30T10:56:00.001-07:00

Source:unknown

wu xing 5 elements chart

2008-09-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

WOOD
Wood is the most human of the elements. It is the element of spring; the creative urge to achieve which can turn to anger when frustrated. It is associated with the capacity to look forward, plan and make decisions. Wood energy is rising, expanding, and is the force of growth and flexibility. This element represents all the activities of the body that are self regulating and/or function without conscious thought; i.e. digestion, respiration, heart beat and basic metabolism. The liver (which converts food into fuel which is then supplied to the muscles, tendons and ligaments) is associated to the Wood element.

FIRE
Fire is the element of heat, summer and enthusiasm; nature at its peak of growth, and warmth in human relationships. Its motion is upward. Fire is the symbolic of combustion and this represents the functions of the body that have reached that fleeting moment of maximum activity; indicating that decline is then inevitable. The element is associated with the heart and related to the tongue.

EARTH
Earth is the element of harvest time, abundance, nourishment, fertility, and the mother to child relationship. This element is also regarded as central to balance and the place where energy becomes downward in movement. It is the symbol of stability and being properly anchored. Earth is associated to the spleen and related to the sense of taste.

METAL
This category includes the Western idea of the air element. It is the force of gravity, the minerals within the earth, the patterns of the heavenly bodies and the powers of electrical conductivity and magnetism. Metal has structure, but it can also accept a new form when molten. Metal energy is consolidating and with inward movement, like a flower closing its petals. The symbol of metal is one of a cutting and reforming action, but it is also regarded as a solidifying process.The element is associated with the lungs and related to the nose.

WATER
Water is the source of life on this planet. Likewise it is the fluids (the main component of the body) which nourish and maintain the health of every cell. Water corresponds to the vital fluids, i.e. blood, lymph, mucus, semen and fat. The kidney is especially linked to this element. Its motion is downward. Water has the capacity to flow, infinitely yielding yet infinitely powerful, ever changing and often dangerous with the capacity also to nourish and cleanse. Water is the ultimate yin; quiet, cold; representing the resting time of winter. It has a waiting, silent, still quality that can be described as "stored potential". It has flexibility (think of water filling up any shape of vessel), yet it has great power (think of the devastation caused by floods). In human psychology the element governs the balance between fear or being exploited and the desire to
dominate.

Although the application of the theory can become quite complex, the basic theory itself is relatively simple and straightforward. There are two basic cycles: the nourishing or Creative cycle and the Controlling or destructive cycle. In the Creative cycle, Wood nourishes Fire, which nourishes Earth, which nourishes Metal, which nourishes Water, which nourishes Wood. In the Controlling cycle, Fire destroys Metal, which destroys Wood, which destroys Earth, which destroys Water, which destroys Fire. At any given moment, the proportion of the Five Elements in our system determines our physical and mental states. When one element grows out of proportion, we experience mental disharmonies (anger, grief, excessive joy, fear, worry), as well as physical complaints that correspond to one of the five organ systems.

Source:http://www.balanceflow.com/
Map:http://www.hungkuen.net/tcm-principles.htm

The Heart Sutra

2008-09-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

The following Heart Sutra is considered one of the most important sutras in Buddhism.
The Heart Sutra
(The Prajnaparamita-Hrdaya Sutra)
When Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara practised the deep Prajnaparamita, he saw that the five skandhas were empty; thus he overcame all ills and suffering.
"O Sariputra! Form does not differ from the void, and the void does not differ from the form. Form is the void, and the void is form. The same is true for feelings, conceptions, impulses and consciousness.
O Sariputra, the characteristics of the void is not created, not annihilated, not impure, not pure, not increasing, not decreasing.
There fore, in the void there are no forms and no feelings, conceptions, impulses and no consciousness: there is no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body or mind; there is no form, sound, smell, taste, touch or idea; no eye elements, until we come to no elements of consciousness; no ignorance and also no ending of ignorance, until we come to no old age and death; and no ending of old age and death. Also, there is no truth of suffering, of the cause of suffering, of the cessation of suffering or of the path. There is no wisdom, and there is no attainment whatsoever. Because there is nothing to be attained, a Bodhisattva relying on Prajnaparamita has no obstruction in his heart. Because there is no obstruction he has no fear, and he passes far beyond all confused imagination and reaches Ultimate Nirvana. All Buddhas in the past, present and future have attained Supreme Enlightenment by relying on the Prajnaparamita. Therefore we know that the Prajnaparamita is the great magic Mantra, the great Mantra of illumination, it is the supreme Mantra, the unequaled Mantra which can truly wipe out all suffering without fail."
Therefore, he uttered the Prajnaparamita mantra, by saying:

"Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasemgate Bodhi-savha!"

Source:http://www.shaolinwolf.com/shaolinindex.htm

Bamboo Forest quote

2008-09-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

"There is a quote"

"a thin bamboo is easy to be broken,

but a full hand of bamboo will not be easy to be broken"

That quote represent the existence of strong power comes from the integration from the small groups of power, which forms a big strong power, which sometime does not have straight ratio (the power that is produced can be a bigger or even smaller from the total mathematically).

If the integration can form more power, then this is what we call "Synergy".

If the Spirit of being united is the basic to be a union, then now we only need to establish and expand this spirit of being united in our souls individually.

Concerning this matter,to be a union in Tao, that have functions as follows:
-The power to reach the higher/bigger will be collected and more solid thus, the goal will be easier to gain, while reaching the aim individually is harder.
-Integrating and picking the similarity in vision and purpose, in order to prevent the conflict that is believed to lead to the disintegration and fighting.
-Forming the communication and interaction and providing the information among the entire individual its self, to push the positive development to each of the individual.

Source:http://english.siutao.com/rivulets/being_united_in_tao.php

Quan yin

2008-09-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

Goddess of the Compassion and Mercy
For centuries, Kuan Yin has epitomized the great ideal of Mahayana Buddhism in her role as "bodhisattva (Chinese "p'u-sa)--literally "a being of Bodhi, or enlightenment," who is destined to become a Buddha but has foregone the bliss of Nirvana with a vow to save all children of God. Quan Yin carries the Goddess and Divine Mother aspect of Buddhism. The same Goddess and Divine energy carried by the Virgin Mary in Christianity. In the Egyptian mysteries it is carried by Isis. In Hinduism it is carried by Shakti, wife of Vishnu, by Parvarti, wife of Shiva, by Radha, wife of Krishna, and by Sita, wife of Rama. Quan Yin's name is a translation of the Sanskrit name of her chief progenitor which is Avalokitesvara, also known as Avalokita. In its proper form it is Kuanshih Yin, which means "She who harkens to the cries of the world."
In Korea, Japan, and China she is called Quan Yin. She is a celestial bodhisattva and an ascended master. One of her jobs in the celestial spheres is to sit on the board of the Lord of Karma.

Om mane padme hum
Buddhist mythology tells of Avalokitesvara's being born from a ray of light that sprang from Amitabha Buddha's right eye. He immediately said,

"Om Mane Padme Hum".
This is one of the mantras by which he can be invoked in Buddhist tradition.
Quan Yin is one of the most universally beloved of deities in the Buddhist tradition. Also known as Kuan Yin, Quan'Am (Vietnam), Kannon (Japan), and Kanin (Bali), She is the embodiment of compassionate loving kindness. As the Bodhisattva of Compassion, She hears the cries of all beings. Quan Yin enjoys a strong resonance with the Christian Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the Tibetan goddess Tara.
The dragon, an ancient symbol for high spirituality, wisdom, strength, and divine powers of transformation, is a common motif found in combination with the Goddess of Mercy.

knowledge

2008-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

If you know, recognize that you know,
If you don't know, then realize that you don't know
That is knowledge!
Confucius:
True knowledge is when one knows the limitations of one's knowledge.

Source:http://www.chinapage.com/

Four Vows

2008-09-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

Four Vows of the Bodhisattva

Sentient beings are numberless, I vow to free them.
Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to end them

The Dharma gates are boundless, I vow to open them.

The Enlightened Way is unsurpassable, I vow to embody it.

(chanted 3 times)

Source:http://www.hsuyun.org/

Shaolin Art

2008-09-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

Law of Karma

2008-09-26T04:24:00.000-07:00

What is karma?
Karma is a Sanskrit word that literally means "action". The word is used to refer to volitional acts as well as the forces that arise from these acts. The idea of karma had existed in ancient Indian philosophy before the time of Siddhartha Gautama, and it became an important element of Buddhist philosophy.
The Hindu and Buddhist concepts of karma are quite similar, although Hinduism makes a further distinction between different types of karma, such as present karma, latent karma, and future karma. In the understanding of both thought systems, the law of karma describes the connection between actions and the resulting forces, as follows: wholesome actions lead to wholesome states while unwholesome actions lead to unwholesome states, individually as well as collectively.

Source:http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/karma.html

Karma is the key, designed by the Divine Plan, for our Soul growth and is based on the Natural Law of cause and effect. There are very specific consequences for the actions, thoughts and feelings of the overall energy we emanate from within ourselves everyday. The famed saying, everything that goes around comes around, perfectly describes the Law of karma. If we can learn that everything we experience on this planet is a part of the Earth School, then we can appreciate the Law of Karma as our Soul's Inner Curriculum Advisor. Our checkmate. Our trials, tribulations, sicknesses and depression are a reflection of unexpressed and unresolved issues from the past of this lifetime as well as previous lifetimes. Rather than gripe about how touch our life is and our Karmic role, we could embrace these experiences and see it as an opportunity to develop some much-needed Soul qualities to add to our Inner Soul Character, which is what we take on with us after death. Everyday we live in this lifetime as well as our actions and responses, sets up the days and lessons of our next-coming life.

Karma is not always "bad." It is gratifying to make note of our "good Karma" such as hard earned gifts, resources, talents and grace showered upon us from this lifetime and previous lifetimes of willingness, cooperation, overcoming obstacles, discipline, maturity, spiritual growth, hard work, endurance, self-responsibility, and the development of your creative abilities, service to others, selflessness, self-love and inner faith. Every effort we have previously made to further our evolution is "rewarded".

Nothing we do goes unnoticed. NOTHING!

Source:http://www.new-visions.com/karma.html

Learning Gong fu

2008-09-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Shaolin Kongfu is one of the approaches for learning Buddhism and practicing Chan, also called as Wushu Chan”. To learn Shaolin Kongfu, you will from time to time experience the atmosphere of Shaolin Temple Buddhism and convert your rational cognition of Shaolin Wushu into the belief of Buddhism. Based on practicing Kongfu as per belief, practicing Kongfu will be no longer the goal, but the effective approach to learn Buddhism. By practicing Kongfu, you will feel the grand wisdom of Buddhism, understand about the truth of Buddhist wisdom and experience the real nature of human and universe.

Source: Text:2008.chinashaolin.org:8080

Picture: shaolindeyang.com

Shaolin Temple

2008-09-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

Shaolin Temple Permanent Residence Compound starts from the gate, having seven courtyards for worshipping Buddha, sitting in meditation, chanting scriptures, reception, collecting books and undertaking religious ceremonies as well as for residence of abbotting monks and deacons and process of routine affairs. The Permanent Residence Compound is 160 meters wide and 360 meters long,

Source: 2008.chinashaolin.org

Purify our mind

2008-09-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

"THERE "
Are all kinds of garbage in our mind. If we want to purify our mind, getting rid of the garbage in our mind might be the first thing we have to do. What is the garbage of mind? Dirty and polluted thoughts, greedy thoughts, hateful thoughts, infatuated thoughts, worried thoughts, suffering thoughts, haughty thoughts, impudent thoughts, envious thoughts, indecent thoughts, heterodox thoughts, dreary thoughts, and hollow thoughts. These can all be called garbage of the mind. Someone in history said once that one who can govern a battalion of a million soldiers is not a hero:
the real hero is that person who can govern his mind. We should understand the meaning of these words.
Source:http://www.purifymind.com/

Shaolin Generation Poem

2008-09-22T04:31:00.000-07:00

Source: Meet the Abbots - The Eminent Monks of Shaolin Temple by Shi Deqian, Gigi Oh and Gene Ching, Kungfu Qigong Spring 2000 (C) 2000 Kungfu Qigong Magazine & Kungfu Magazine.com, used by permission. The names for all Shaolin monks and disciples are taken from this poem written during the Sung Dynasty by the abbot FuYu .

Shaolin Generation Poem
Only the holy person can understand the way, then one may attain wisdom and bliss. Using the whole to see the principles, you may understand the way. We must spread Chan like rays of sun all over the world. All the branches of Buddhism celebrate the same root. Clarity and stillness are deep as the sea. When you abandon attachments, your true face emerges. Only virtue is never ending, Your pure heart never changes. When your heart is still, its brightness will dispel the darkness. Your true natures is the highest. If you are loyal, upright and kind, you will receive happiness and peace. Always remember your Buddha heart.

Following the spirit of Huike,
This is the way to Buddhahood

Source :http://www.shaolinwolf.com/shaolinindex.htm

Grand Master Shi SuXi

2008-09-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Great Grand Master passed away in 2006.
His spirit remains indefinately among us giving us strenght,
inspiring us and motivating us to travel on the path of Chan and peace.
Great Grand Master Shi SuXi September 27, 1924 - February 9, 2006 Source:http://www.shaolindeyang.com/