Kung Fu-The Art of Misnomer

OK since it seems you need a history lesson here it is:

The Shaolin Temple was built in Henan Province In 495 CE. Nearly 30 years later in the year 527 CE Damo (an Indian Monk who forsaked his royal title) made his journey from India to China where he spread Buddhism and made a trip to the Shaolin temple to find the Temple monks in such poor shape they would fall asleep while medatating, could bearly eat, etc. So Damo spent 9 years in a cave stairing at a wall in medatation over the problem. The monks brought him food and begged him to join them in the temple. One Day Damo falls asleep and so he cuts off his eye lid so that they could never close. From this action Damo gave us Chen Buddhism (Known in Japan, though slightly modified, as Zen). After the 9 years of meditation Damo Began to teach the Monks exercises he dirrived out of Indian Martial Arts, but taught them in the form of exercises with little to no combat potential. Basically he took a fighting style and turned it into Cardio Kickboxing. That reembled a great deal like todays Yoga. So really think of Yoga movements done at about half to a third the spead of Cardio Kickboxing.

Within 30 years of Damo leaving the temple it possible closed for a short time due to thieves, mongals, etc. Who continuously ransacked the temple and the poor inhabitants who lived there for what little they had. This went on for generations.

Now remember, most the monks that lived in shaolin would come there from a young age, but a fair few also where warriors who retired to the temple for verying reason (some to hide from the law or current empiror, some because they regreated there past, others bc they had no where to go, etc).These warriors would add there own Martial Arts to the daily exercise routine.

The temple was an Instatution of Religious, Spiritual and Mental growth. Many Generals and Empirors would vist the temple. Eventually the 18 Lohan which was primarily a Chi Gong Exercise became 108movements Lohan and that is when Lohan became a fighting art.

The first Fighting Monks appeared in the Sung Dynasty between 960 CE and 1279CE a minimum of 433years after Damo arrived at the temple (wikipedea sites it as 700 years after Damo). Influence by hundreds possible of thousands (or Hundred thousand being at the orders hight it had at least that many). Now legend has it that a blind monk was the first to use the Damos combat inspired Chi gong as a fighting technique, Cant confirm it but its a nice tale, against bandits who where killing and stealing from the monks. The blind monk mamed and killed what bandits that did not run away. Thus, emergies the Shaolin Kung Fu. A practical and Direct approach to combat. That was influced by combat oriented martial arts from it inseption.

Why did these monks kill? Because the shaolin allowed there opponets to choice there fate and where practical at it. They loved life. They choose to defend theres. This actually does NOT go against Buddhist teachings as meany believe. Buddha said to avoid Harming anyliving thing. He did Not forbid it. The Buddha just layed down the path for us to reach enlightenment (by the way i am a Buddhist so I am quite familiar with the Buddha's teachings) not Commandments. All life is important. We as intelegent beings have a duty to preserve it, that means that not only are we to avoid taking life but also to defend our life and the lives of others. Hence why Buddhist can be warriors and even kill and it not be an evil thing...Though very horrifing and always awefull!


End of Story! It took 400 to 700 years for the Shaolin Arts to become a Fighting art from entirely outside Sources. Damo was not a Shaolin Monk though contributed almost everything (except buddhism itself) includding the type of buddhism practiced there and the EXERCISE that lead to a Fighting Form. That fighting Form was created shearly out of Survival. In nature animals are alloud to survive and so are we. Very few monks (though a few made a big difference) actually ever went off to war. Think of the ratio between most americans and those who join the Special forces. Those few had huge impacts. Other reasons for the Shaolin temple to produce its deadly arts was because several times people would go to the temple for a safe haven and fight the government of the time. The Shaolin where always close to the poeple not removed.

Theres your History leason and the reasons why.

By the way there are many mistakes this is the end of a 9 hour shift.

47MartialMonk, STATE YOUR OPINION.

"Oh, there's a twist..." and no punchline to that mysterious statement.

"Oh, it's a fraud ..." and no reason for that mysterious statement.

You are not fostering a discussion, just frustrating people who have to guess at your motives.

The history of Shaolin temple is nice but 47 needs to get on topic and contribute a bit more. 47, either you like kung fu or don't like it, you either think it's a fraud or you don't. I am asking you WHY????

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"Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san

"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes...

“	Originally Posted By: Green_Horn By the way there are many mistakes this is the end of a 9 hour shift.	”

I can't believe you typed all that in! I know I can't type anything after a long shift like that.

The same twist, applies to current martial artists who dont train for hardcore competition, or who have aged past the point to do sp.

I think it would be a good idea for you to answer Sammygirl directly now.

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Wolfgang says:

I could think of a million better things to do in Japan for a month besides jumping off of picnic tables. - x893

The other twist, why Shaolin Chen (Ch'an) monks may have adapted to practicing fighting methods, is almost, if not the same as some current martial artists.

Under the psychological order of surfeit, it would make sense.

Simply, if one would practice or have something in so abundance, then the future desire for it will be surpressed.

If such study, also improved ability greatly than anyone else at the time, thus a confidence will also be established off great skill. Likewise, someone be so better, as to ward of other opponents as if they were like children.

May I ask what your first language is?

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Wolfgang says:

I could think of a million better things to do in Japan for a month besides jumping off of picnic tables. - x893

“	Originally Posted By: Unkotare May I ask what your first language is?	”

..............................

No, seriously...

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Wolfgang says:

I could think of a million better things to do in Japan for a month besides jumping off of picnic tables. - x893

Are you asking the psychological reasons behind training? Or why the Shaolin trained? Reread my thread if you are there will be your answer. Are you trying for some kind of current case study on it? If so say it? WHAT ARE YOU FISHING FOR?! Answer Sammies question.

I am fishing for meanigful responses and discussion.

Your post 61 was informative and such a response, though condesecending.

“	condesecending	”

There's a saying about pots and kettles but it doesn't begin to do justice.

Come on, dare a little and answer the questions.

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Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you
High mountains are a feeling
I don't need to sell my soul, he's already in me

Well so he does understand what people have been saying, just chooses to ignore our questions. As John said stay answer peoples questions. Or do you prefer the attention you get by being annoying?

“	I am fishing for meanigful responses and discussion.	”

The point I think you are missing is that "discussion" means everyone involved discusses and shares something of themselves.

You are fishing, but you need to put out the bait of sharing something of yourself. Right now you are sending out empty hooks, and that is why a lot of people are not biting.

When you do not participate by sharing, and by thanking people for their responses, it feels like you are sending out surveys, not having a discussion.

-aaradia

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I must not fear.Fear is the mind-killer.Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration.I will face my fear.I will permit it to pass over me & through me.& when it has gone I will turn to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.Only I will remain.F.Herbert