Should Warrior Monks Disrobe?

[shaolinpowered]

The subject of "real and fake" monks has been covered in various articles in KungfuTaichi magazine. In the latest Shaolin issue there is an article by Gene Ching titled: "Should Warrior Monks Disrobe?", in which Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven try to clarify the mist once again. I believe that is up to us, practicioners of the art, to educate ourselves in order to avoid getting "burned". Reading this article reminded me of another splendid piece on the subject which I recommend to everyone.
The article is titled "Shaolin Monasticism & Discipleship" and can be found on www.shaolinchancity.blogspot.com

Omituofo!

Shaolin Monastiscism & Discipleship
http://shaolinchancity.blogspot.com/...eship_944.html

[GeneChing]

Because if it is, that's really funny.

This article is in our new Shaolin Special and yes, we've grappled with this question many times. I covered most of the points listed in the article shaolinpowered posted above in our 2004 Shaolin Special cover story - Real versus Fake: Shaolin Monk Shi Decheng on What Makes a Monk. That's with my personal master, Decheng. I've updated that in other writings, mostly adding the concept of the biaoyanseng. I'm taking the discussion in a new direction with Should Warrior Monks Disrobe? Shaolin is an anomaly in the Buddhist monastic tradition. With this piece, I'm searching for a parallel to the wuseng in Chan.

BTW, to give this article some context, you should read my previous work with Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven - The First Shaolin Monk in America: Hai Deng, the One-Finger Handstand Master from our Shaolin Special 2007.

I have the complete interview for Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven. As promised, we will be posting that sometime between now and the end of May.

[TenTigers]

I think the hot, female monks, er, nuns, should definately disrobe....
(where's Sanjuro with a pic?)

[shaolinpowered]

Because if it is, that's really funny.

This article is in our new Shaolin Special and yes, we've grappled with this question many times. I covered most of the points listed in the article shaolinpowered posted above in our 2004 Shaolin Special cover story - Real versus Fake: Shaolin Monk Shi Decheng on What Makes a Monk. That's with my personal master, Decheng. I've updated that in other writings, mostly adding the concept of the biaoyanseng. I'm taking the discussion in a new direction with Should Warrior Monks Disrobe? Shaolin is an anomaly in the Buddhist monastic tradition. With this piece, I'm searching for a parallel to the wuseng in Chan.

BTW, to give this article some context, you should read my previous work with Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven - The First Shaolin Monk in America: Hai Deng, the One-Finger Handstand Master from our Shaolin Special 2007.

I have the complete interview for Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven. As promised, we will be posting that sometime between now and the end of May.

The fun was unintended

I did read your article in the 2004 Shaolin Issue, which I thought was very good!
I also talked about this with the writer of the shaolinchancity blog and my question was why do people make such a point of monks being fake or not? I am not saying they should not but there are other martial arts rooted in Chan, Karate for example, but I never heard someone question a Karate teacher for his involvement or non-involvement in Chan (zen). They just teach the art and everybody seems to be happy with that. From the surface it would appear that the art and Chan were disconnected long time ago and putting on a karate uniform does not evoke any feeling toward Chan, at least not right away. But Shaolin is different.
Shaolin kungfu cannot be seen apart from the Temple, thus Chan. I wonder if it will be a matter time before it will be the same as Karate. Personally I hope not, because Karate too was intended as a training for mind and body of finding the Way through practising.

Going to read the 2007 Shaolin special.

Omituofo!

[richard sloan]

Because if it is, that's really funny.

BTW, to give this article some context, you should read my previous work with Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven - The First Shaolin Monk in America: Hai Deng, the One-Finger Handstand Master from our Shaolin Special 2007.

I have the complete interview for Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven. As promised, we will be posting that sometime between now and the end of May.

I always loved that article. Very inspiring. Love the filthy tracks stuff, and it got me started doing planks. Also love the one punch bit. Looking forward to when our one punch stuff hits the airwaves.

[GeneChing]

It's like the other edge of the sword from filthy tracks. I'll be eager to get your reaction.

[TaichiMantis]

I think it's about time we all see what's under those robes!!!

[richard sloan]

to be honest brother, I don't think I will really care too too much about what they have to say.

i just do what i do and how i do it contents me. i fulfill my vows and that is all that i can really do. so long as that helps others i remain content.