compulsory and compulsive behavior
SCR107: It's a mistake to think that traditional is static. Martial arts forms, like all arts, are vital. So take for example something as traditional as classical music - each conductor might have his own variation. A master painter may paint in a traditional style, but his or her works will express an individual style. If it doesn't, he's not really an original master, just a derivation. Variation on expression is very different from derivation from tradition - but it is a fine line to the untrained eye. This can be a real tricky issue for some, especially if you're fixated on the movements of the forms and not the essence of what they express.
sll: Please don't take these articles as discouragement of your desire to go. I don't think that either John and Antonio had this intention, and I certainly don't. The truth is that any real pilgrimage is fraught with challenges unforeseen. Antonio, John and I have had our hardships there, still do in fact, but I doubt any of us would trade our experiences there for a comfortable sofa in front of the tube, if you know what I mean.
And to be frank, you better train if you go to Shaolin. Otherwise, it's not much of a pilgrimage. You'll get there, I daresay. :cool:
Re: compulsory and compulsive behavior
I didn't mean to put any one off going, or to devalue the place for anyone - it's just an account of what I learned there and perhaps with hindsight of what I'm taking away with me.
Yes, people will try to rip you off in Shaolin. But keep your eyes open and stay sensible, just like you would at home. Don't believe everything you're told, learn your own lessons.
Go there, train and learn what makes Shaolin, well, Shaolin. It's that constant background rhythm of the setting and acheiving of goals, that focus, motivation and drive that keeps those people doing what they do for so long. The acceptance that there are no shortcuts, no esoteric, hidden skills (well, not many), just hard work. Shaolin's a focal point for your own kungfu. You'll earn respect there if you work hard and contempt if you don't and that might help you along.
Even if Shaolin's not your style I think there's a lot to be gained from just training for a while. Escapism at it's very purest, and a chance to see what your mind will do given a bit of space from the everyday you're used to.
The hardest part of Shaolin is people arriving expecting this silent and peaceful place all tucked away in the mountains, and so many get dissappointed by the modern commercial reality. But if you can accept this reality as something that was aways going to happen, just another part of the Game, and take what Shaolin DOES have to offer, then you could have a very rewarding experience.
John
By the way, I've just left Shaolin and am kicking around at the base of Wudang Shan waiting for the rain to stop so I can hike up to the top. No trucks or cars possible as the road's under some kind of construction work. Course, there are those who see the pack on my back and PROMISE me they can take me up for just 300RMB, that I'll never walk it. Just playing the Game - I know what I'm here for.
Re: compulsory and compulsive behavior
Quote:
Originally posted by GeneChing
sll: Please don't take these articles as discouragement of your desire to go. I don't think that either John and Antonio had this intention, and I certainly don't. The truth is that any real pilgrimage is fraught with challenges unforeseen. Antonio, John and I have had our hardships there, still do in fact, but I doubt any of us would trade our experiences there for a comfortable sofa in front of the tube, if you know what I mean.
And to be frank, you better train if you go to Shaolin. Otherwise, it's not much of a pilgrimage. You'll get there, I daresay. :cool:
if I do i will look you up.
Speaking of deadheads & lion dance
Did I ever show you this?