Buddha Zhen

Tai Chi Magic 1 cd
by Buddha Zhen

Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Gongfu were created by the same man, Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma believed the Shaolin Monks were out of shape and lazy. He not only perked up their Mahayana Buddhism with his witty practicality, but he invented the first Gongfu "Kung Fu" exercises to invigorate the Shaolin Monks. He wrote of moving energy through the bones of the body, breathing correctly, stretching daily, and punching exercises. Bodhidharma taught that both spiritual effort and physical effort were both required to live a spiritual life. So, is anyone correct to eliminate either Bodhidharma's Buddhism or exercises, when they teach Zen Buddhism to others? No.

A medical doctor must learn much more than how to perform surgeries. Human nature tends to seek the easiest way to accomplish something, or the path of least resistance. Often we discard procedures, techniques, efforts, and exercises that may be beneficial but we 'think' we can do without. Sometimes the benefits of something are not evident when we initially learn or see them. Just as a doctor must TRUST his career to his curriculum, we trust that the doctor has been adequately trained before he opens up our body and starts exploring. Insufficient training could be deadly.

Shaolin Chi Mantis students can trust their development to the Shaolin Chi Mantis curriculums largely because of the Buddhism included and required of all levels of training. Buddhism develops the mind more than it seeks to develop anyone's soul. We have proven that mental development is fundamental to both spiritual development and physical development. An insecure person may overdevelop their arms or torso from weight training because of their mental imbalances. By balancing the physical training with mental training Shaolin Chi Mantis students develop their bodies with better motives that will benefit them rather than further unbalance them.

Buddhism is everywhere at every moment. Buddhism makes life more fun and understandable. Buddhism is the primitive oriental philosophy that modern Quantum Physics now recognizes as the Truth of the universe--that all things are connected and that all things affect all other things in the universe. Buddhism also involves understanding how people think, act, and react, long before the word 'psychology' was invented.

Buddhism teaches that we are mortal--so get used to it--then seek to surpass your mortal expectations. Ironically, although Buddhism may teach to minimize expectations it expects more development and personal achievement than any other earthly religion. That is why membership is not really required in Buddhism. Spiritual and mental achievement should be part of whatever religion you already belong to. Buddhism may just help you find it more easily in your current religion or show you how enlightenment can easily exist outside of your religion, without requiring you to quit or be excommunicated by your religion. Buddha always taught that "if you're happy with your religion, keep it."

Mortal expectations are what slow down our development and evolution as people and spirits. The Buddhism of Shaolin Chi Mantis is the catalyst of our teachings that makes us burn hotter, be stronger, and think better. Where would Shaolin Chi Mantis be without Buddhism? We don't want to know.

  
  Buddha Zhen Shen-Lang
  Patriarch, Shaolin Zen