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Thread: Respect towards a Master

  1. #1

    Exclamation Respect towards a Master

    I want to learn various styles of gong fu like: Shaolin, Lungying, Wing Chun, Baji just to name a few. But it is against my faith to bow to a man (or a woman) or to call them "Master"! Now does anyone think they would sympathize with my situation and make me the exception and allow me to call them laoshi (teacher), instead of sifu (master). Or hit me with the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique and call it a day?

    Please respond I don't want to die without learning some gong fu styles!

  2. #2
    Quote Originally Posted by Shaolinstudent View Post
    I want to learn various styles of gong fu like: Shaolin, Lungying, Wing Chun, Baji just to name a few. But it is against my faith to bow to a man (or a woman) or to call them "Master"! Now does anyone think they would sympathize with my situation and make me the exception and allow me to call them laoshi (teacher), instead of sifu (master). Or hit me with the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique and call it a day?

    Please respond I don't want to die without learning some gong fu styles!


    Find a new faith.
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RD'S Alias - 1A

    I have easily beaten every one I have ever fought.....

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shaolinstudent View Post
    But it is against my faith to bow to a man (or a woman) or to call them "Master"! Now does anyone think they would sympathize with my situation and make me the exception and allow me to call them laoshi (teacher), instead of sifu (master).
    you do realize that "shi" from "laoshi" (老) is the same character as "shi" from "shifu" (父), right?

    it means teacher, or "master" as in "expert", not lord and owner of your soul.

    also, bowing is a cultural thing that comes with learning chinese traditions. it is an expression of humble respect and gratitude for teaching, not symbolizing offering up your soul for their collection.

    this is just chinese tradition. if you want to learn it, lighten up, and dont understand it with western/religious views. that is a mistake...

  4. #4
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    what he said.

    think of it like this:

    you can go to college and earn a 'masters degree' its the same concept.

    they are master in the sense of skill. your relationship with that person will depend on you.
    For whoso comes amongst many shall one day find that no one man is by so far the mightiest of all.

  5. #5

    Thumbs up

    Thank you for the insight Ljf, your information was quite helpful!

  6. #6

    Talking

    Quote Originally Posted by IronWeasel View Post
    Find a new faith.
    For me my faith is enough, you may go wherever you like with your life, but don't ever question mine because it's my decision, Iron Weasel.

  7. #7
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    I was never taught to bow to anyone. We salute with a hand gesture, but it's no sign of submission.
    He most honors my style who learns under it to destroy the teacher. -- Walt Whitman

    Quote Originally Posted by David Jamieson View Post
    As a mod, I don't have to explain myself to you.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Shaolinstudent View Post
    For me my faith is enough, you may go wherever you like with your life, but don't ever question mine because it's my decision, Iron Weasel.
    is it your faith that makes you unable to recognise humour, or your personality, get a grip

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by MasterKiller View Post
    I was never taught to bow to anyone. We salute with a hand gesture, but it's no sign of submission.
    same here. i submit to no one! and if i do, ill tap out, not bow.
    For whoso comes amongst many shall one day find that no one man is by so far the mightiest of all.

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Shaolinstudent View Post
    For me my faith is enough, you may go wherever you like with your life, but don't ever question mine because it's my decision, Iron Weasel.

    I question as I will...
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RD'S Alias - 1A

    I have easily beaten every one I have ever fought.....

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by IronWeasel View Post
    I question as I will...
    is your avatar thing bruce campbell?
    For whoso comes amongst many shall one day find that no one man is by so far the mightiest of all.

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Lucas View Post
    is your avatar thing bruce campbell?


    It's Vincent Gallo.

    He's greasy, but cool...
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RD'S Alias - 1A

    I have easily beaten every one I have ever fought.....

  13. #13
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    all beings are created equal... if i call someone else a master, i am denying the master in myself.

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    Quote Originally Posted by IronWeasel View Post
    It's Vincent Gallo.

    He's greasy, but cool...
    Brown Bunny for the win !
    LOL !

  15. #15
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    The intent behind why we do things is what we will be judged on, if you believe in judgement,
    Bowing as a sign of respect in a cultural environment that advocates it, mush like ours does with a hand shake, has noting to do with faith.
    Unless you bow with the intent to worship.

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