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Shaolin Philosophies and Proverbs
If Martial Arts promotes character
building,
why is
so many martial artists lacking character?
If Martial Arts promotes
brotherhood,
why are
there so many schools at conflict with each
other?
If Martial Arts promotes
respect,
why are so
many students at odds with their own teachers?
If Martial Arts promotes
unity,
why are
schools that come from the same Master at conflict with each
other?
Buddhists say our real enemy is
ourselves. It is our insecurity, pride, and fears that drive us
backward. The battle of the inner and outer will continue all our
lives. If you don't center on the core of your problem there will be
very little benefit derived from any training.
One path is better than no path, but
the right path is best of all.
One Cardinal rule of the
traditionalist - is never to bring dishonor to his family, himself,
his teachers or his art. He knows his duty lies in continued
learning and the passing down of his art to the next generation
while preserving the core of his teachings from radical
changes.
The traditionalist does not take part
in disputes and controversy. He remains quiet in the storm of
clashing egos. He is not concerned with fame, money, and fan fare -
who is best, or who is first.
Never take words too literally; they
are but shadows of the truth. They transmit only a dim idea of the
true meaning behind them.
Traditionalist - the best approach is
no approach, simply draw back to the middle of the road. There we
can move in any direction.
In Shaolin - mistakes are the mother
of learning.
The taking of a life means a monk has
failed and will not free himself from the great dream. He will now
be reborn to suffer the pains of life once again. This is the worst
of all tragedies to befall anyone seeking
spirituality.
The skillful person strikes the blow
and stops, without taking advantage of victory.
Bring it to
a conclusion, but do not be vain.
Bring it to
a conclusion, but do not be boastful.
Bring it to
a conclusion, but do not be arrogant.
Bring
it to a conclusion, but only when there is no
choice.
Bring it to
a conclusion, but without violence.
To win a thousand battles is
good,
but to win the one battle over
ourselves is great.
Avoid all evils; do all that is good;
purify one's mind.
These are
the teachings of all Buddhas.
What you want and what you can't have
are often times the same.
The superior man does not fight, he
solves problems peacefully.
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