I did. It's called atheism, it allows me to experience life as it comes versus checking my holy menu to see if it fits in the dogmatic deal-a-meal plan.
Printable View
Well, it was more of a sarcastic remark.
If you really want to go to the temple then go, don't say you want to go but then find an excuse not to. If there is a god I'm pretty sure he'd want you to go and experience life first hand, he didn't put you on this earth not to experience it.
MasterKiller, what makes you think my impression of MA is naive? Maybe it is as I am not that knowledgeable of MA as far as the fighting part. I do know that the main purpose of Martial Arts is to find peace within yourself. If this is going to turn into a feud then I will not take part in it. I would rather learn about your opinions and thoughts. By the way I am sixteen. GOD Bless
Martial arts were invented by theives, soldiers, bodyguards, thugs, and all-around mean guys. Even Shaolin had to create exceptions for their religion to condone protecting their assets through violence.
Modern Shaolin temple does not train warriors. It trains performers. While many argue that "closed-door" students get the real stuff, you, as an outsider, will never be that far in the door to learn it.
Better to find a good school near you and apply yourself to it.
GWarrior:
You will ultimately decide your own path, but keep in mind that you do not have to become a shaolin monk to achieve your goals of spirtual peace and enlightenment. No vows are necessary for you to reach what I think you are trying to find.
Buddhism is just one vehicle available to travel the same road many others tread.
Some would tell you that your current strength in your own faith is all you need. To which I would agree.
And you are right in the respect that martial arts will aid you in your personal life discoveries. Your studies will teach you much about yourself, as well as the world around you.
Shaolin Monks are a very attractive ideal to reach for, however the energy put towards trying to achieve the placement within shaolin, could be put to use in your current situation.
My suggestion:
Continue your faith, for which I have no doubt you will. Find a teacher near you. Begin your studies at home. Practice hard, apply yourself, and let the world of martial arts introduce itself to you.
Ya, unless you find a MA club whos members also belong to the same faith, I would keep the religion personal and the martial arts in the gym.
I think it goes beyond that, very few faiths are "OK" with laying the smack down on someone's candy ass and, lets be honest here, that is what MA TRAINING is about.
All the respect, discipline and whatnot doesn't change the fact that you are learning how to drive your fist into someone's face and your foot into their groin.