Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Learning more about the Shaolin Monk
• Part 2 of 3: Embracing Shaolin Buddhism
• Part 3 of 3: Becoming a Shaolin Monk

Shaolin kung fu is one of the most revered and followed martial art traditions in the world. The practitioners of Shaolin kung fu, Shaolin monks, are also valued as some of the most devoted of warriors. Shaolin kung fu is much more than just a martial art, however. It is part of a full spirituality grounded in Buddhism. The path of a Shaolin monk, if you choose to follow it, requires you to completely change your life. Shaolin monks give up a lot, refrain from typical pleasures that we take for granted, and live a life entirely devoted to their faith.

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Part 1 of 3: Learning more about the Shaolin Monk

1. Learn about what it means to be a Shaolin Monk. Before doing anything, read in depth about what it actually means to be a Shaolin monk. This includes the duties, responsibilities, requirements, and other qualifications that Shaolin monks must have. Kung fu is studied not to learn to fight, but to discipline the body and for the beauty of mimicking the movements of the animals, which brings you into harmony with nature. There are many books you can read that will teach you about the philosophy behind it, about Buddhism, and about meditation.
   • Understand the history of Shaolin kung fu and its 1,500-year development.
   • Know that not all Shaolin monks are great warriors. It is primarily Buddhist monks who have studied the Shaolin techniques.
   • Understand the strict regulations that Shaolin monks are held to today.
   • Understand the philosophy and spiritual aspects of Shaolin kung fu.
2. Understand that Shaolin kung fu is not all about fighting. Shaolin is a complete worldview and lifestyle aimed at creating a balanced and strong individual who is comfortable in his or her world. The martial arts aspects of kung fu are just physical manifestations of a complete spirituality that you have to learn and live by as a Shaolin monk.
   • Shaolin kung fu is an outgrowth of Buddhism.
   • Shaolin kung fu requires intensive training, self-control and self-reflection.
   • Shaolin monks must have a complete and utter commitment to their way of life.
3. Learn about Buddhism. Buddhism is the foundation of Shaolin spirituality. To really understand what it means to be a Shaolin Monk, you also need to understand what it means to live as a Buddhist. Before continuing on your path to becoming a Shaolin monk, you should dedicate yourself to learning about Buddhism. If you like the idea of ​​being a Buddhist, then continue on your path.

Part 2 of 3: Embracing Shaolin Buddhism

1. Dedicate yourself to Buddhism. Now that you have learned the basics and understand what it means to be a Shaolin Monk and what it means to be a Buddhist, you need to make the life choice to commit to living as a Buddhist. This is your first real step on your journey to become a Shaolin Monk. As a Buddhist you will have to live according to "The Four Noble Truths".
   • Suffering is part of life.
   • Desire for material things and pleasures is one of the greatest causes of suffering.
   • We can escape suffering by rejecting the desire.
   • We can find happiness or "Nirvana" by following a specific path in our daily life (the eightfold path).
2. Follow the eightfold path in your daily life. The eightfold path is the cogwheel of the Buddhist and Shaolin's daily life. The path is designed to rethink how you live and how you see the world. It will change your interactions with your friends, family and with strangers. For more information, visit: http://www.buddha101.com/p_path.htm
3. Change your diet. You must embrace a diet that is in line with Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu. These dietary requirements are part of both the Buddhist belief and the commitment to self-control and abstinence. They can be very challenging for many people.
   • Eat in moderation. Avoid overeating at all costs.
   • Do not eat meat.
   • Don't eat simple carbohydrates.
   • Eat raw foods. Although some monks always eat this as a meal, you should start with one meal.

Part 3 of 3: Becoming a Shaolin Monk

1. Find Shaolin teachers or monks in your area. Depending on where you are, there may be practitioners of Shaolin kung fu in your area. These teachers will be your best resource for learning more about Shaolin kung fu and the steps you need to take to get on the path to becoming a Shaolin monk. In several countries there are Shaolin temples and organizations that can help you. It is highly recommended that you talk to one of these teachers or monks before continuing on the path of becoming a monk yourself. Consider the following:
   • Shaolin Temples in Major Cities.
   • Other regional kung fu centers.
   • If there is no teacher in your area, you may have to travel.
2. Try enrolling as a disciple in a temple near you. After your education, a visit to a Shaolin temple will be your next step on the path to becoming a Shaolin monk. Here you will meet people who are trained as disciples in Shaolin. In many temples, the masters received their training at the most important Shaolin temple in China. Training in a temple outside of China is unlikely to be as comprehensive and comprehensive as training in China.
3. Consider traveling to China to study at a Shaolin temple. If you don't want to train in a temple in your home country, you can travel to China. China is the home of Shaolin kung fu, and as a result, there are many Shaolin temples that take in students. Learning in China can be the best way to become a Shaolin monk. But keep the following in mind:
   • The training is full-time. You will not be able to work, socialize outside of the temple, or spend a lot of time doing many other things. Your life will be dominated by your training.
   • It can be expensive to travel and train in a temple.
   • There are a large number of Shaolin temples in China, varying in quality, so do your research before deciding to take the trip.
4. Gain acceptance as a disciple in a Shaolin temple. The most important part of becoming a monk is gaining acceptance into a training program in a temple. If you can meet the strict requirements of the program, you will eventually be able to graduate as a Shaolin monk. After you graduate, you can find a place as one of the many types of monks. Some types of monks include:
   • Clerical monks. These are monks who perform the daily religious rituals.
   • Learned monks. These are monks who are committed to knowledge and science.
   • War monks. These are monks who focus on the martial arts aspect of Shaolin.
5. Stick to the strict requirements of Buddhism. After you graduate as a monk, you will have to adhere to the strict requirements of Buddhism. Your life will change completely. There are many things you have to give up and many things you can no longer do. Consider the following:
   • Shaolin monks are celibate.
   • Shaolin monks don't eat meat.
   • Shaolin monks are abstainers.
   • Shaolin monks reject a life based on material possessions, conspicuous consumption and consumer culture.
6. Think about following the path of a lay monk. There are some Shaolin monks who have been trained as monks but do not adhere to the strict requirements of Buddhism: they are lay monks. Being a lay monk in Shaolin might be for you if you don't want to submit your whole life to such demands.
   • Lay monks are allowed to marry and take jobs outside the temple.
   • Lay monks can sometimes use alcohol or sometimes even smoke.
   • Lay monks are allowed to eat meat.