Origin of Ch'an
The philosophy of Ch'an was first introduced to China in the 6th Century CE by the Indian monk Bodhidharma, which was termed "Dhyana" in India meaning "meditation."
At first, Bodhidharma's teaching of meditation-based Buddhism was very unpopular and was rejected by the Chinese. Having nowhere to preach his teaching, Bodhidharma went to the Henan Province and chose to live in a cave near the Shaolin Temple where he practiced meditation by facing a wall for nine long years.
The Shaolin monks were so impressed with his dedication that he was eventually granted entry to the monastery. He taught his ‘wall-facing” meditation to the monks, but he quickly realized that they were not robust enough to endure the rigorous and long sessions of meditation. They were so weak that they would often fall asleep during meditation or get sick. Bodhidharma tried to bolster their stamina and willpower by teaching them various breathing exercises as well as martial arts that he practiced during his nine-year meditation. This form of practice was later incorporated into their studies of martial arts and has become the core philosophy of Shaolin Kung Fu.
At first, Bodhidharma's teaching of meditation-based Buddhism was very unpopular and was rejected by the Chinese. Having nowhere to preach his teaching, Bodhidharma went to the Henan Province and chose to live in a cave near the Shaolin Temple where he practiced meditation by facing a wall for nine long years.
The Shaolin monks were so impressed with his dedication that he was eventually granted entry to the monastery. He taught his ‘wall-facing” meditation to the monks, but he quickly realized that they were not robust enough to endure the rigorous and long sessions of meditation. They were so weak that they would often fall asleep during meditation or get sick. Bodhidharma tried to bolster their stamina and willpower by teaching them various breathing exercises as well as martial arts that he practiced during his nine-year meditation. This form of practice was later incorporated into their studies of martial arts and has become the core philosophy of Shaolin Kung Fu.
The Meaning of Ch'an
The meaning of Ch'an can be very abstract and can be easily misunderstand. Simply put, the essence of Ch'an is attempting to understand the meaning of life directly, without being misled by logical thought or language.
The word "Ch'an" itself emphasizes seeking one's own Buddha nature through meditation. In Shaolin Kung Fu, Ch'an represents the ultimate level of clarity. Every movement, no matter how routine, is undertaken with mindfulness by staying in the present rather than letting the mind wander to past or future.
The word "Ch'an" itself emphasizes seeking one's own Buddha nature through meditation. In Shaolin Kung Fu, Ch'an represents the ultimate level of clarity. Every movement, no matter how routine, is undertaken with mindfulness by staying in the present rather than letting the mind wander to past or future.
Ch'an and Shaolin
Martial arts require not only physical practice, but also the cultivation of our inner world. The combination of mind and moves means the "Unity of The Spirit and The Technique," which is called “Ch'an Wu He Yi" (禅武合一) in Chinese.
Shaolin Kung Fu aims at reaching "Chan Wu He Yi." Practicing martial arts and meditation intertwine with each other. As one strengthens the physical body through practicing martial arts, Ch'an regulates the mind and cleanses the inner world. The total understanding of this concept is the ultimate spiritual realm, and it is the Shaolin Monks' lifelong quest in attaining this highest level of Shaolin training.
Shaolin Kung Fu aims at reaching "Chan Wu He Yi." Practicing martial arts and meditation intertwine with each other. As one strengthens the physical body through practicing martial arts, Ch'an regulates the mind and cleanses the inner world. The total understanding of this concept is the ultimate spiritual realm, and it is the Shaolin Monks' lifelong quest in attaining this highest level of Shaolin training.
How The Two Combined
In the beginning, Ch'an and Martial Arts seems like two parallel rivers, Although Ch'an is formless, it serves as a mental pillar while practicing Martial Arts. As our physical ability may diminish with our age, the Ch'an philosophy remains in your spirit. With years of practice, Shaolin martial arts and Ch'an will gradually merge together. This is the the fundamental difference that distinguishes Shaolin with other factions of Martial Arts. Through effective training in Zen, one can find the true value of martial arts that he/she practices.
Ch'an Today
Ch'an is a philosophical thinking that was adopted by many civilizations as Buddhism spread throughout Asia. Whether it is "Dhyana" in India, or "Ch'an" in China, or "Seon" in Korea, and even "Zen" in Japan, this philosophy has transcended language and culture. Over the past 50 years, This way of meditation has gained many new followers outside of Asia, as more people began the pursuit of mental focus in this rapidly changing world.
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In addition to Shaolin Kung Fu, Master Shi Yan Chan teaches Meditation techniques that harnesses the internal energy to achieve "The Mind of No Mind."