Should Warrior Monks Disrobe?
The subject of "real and fake" monks has been covered in various articles in KungfuTaichi magazine. In the latest Shaolin issue there is an article by Gene Ching titled: "Should Warrior Monks Disrobe?", in which Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven try to clarify the mist once again. I believe that is up to us, practicioners of the art, to educate ourselves in order to avoid getting "burned". Reading this article reminded me of another splendid piece on the subject which I recommend to everyone.
The article is titled "Shaolin Monasticism & Discipleship" and can be found on www.shaolinchancity.blogspot.com
Omituofo!
Shaolin Monastiscism & Discipleship
http://shaolinchancity.blogspot.com/...eship_944.html
is 'burned' a pun on jieba?
Because if it is, that's really funny. ;)
This article is in our new Shaolin Special and yes, we've grappled with this question many times. I covered most of the points listed in the article shaolinpowered posted above in our 2004 Shaolin Special cover story - Real versus Fake: Shaolin Monk Shi Decheng on What Makes a Monk. That's with my personal master, Decheng. I've updated that in other writings, mostly adding the concept of the biaoyanseng. I'm taking the discussion in a new direction with Should Warrior Monks Disrobe? Shaolin is an anomaly in the Buddhist monastic tradition. With this piece, I'm searching for a parallel to the wuseng in Chan.
BTW, to give this article some context, you should read my previous work with Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven - The First Shaolin Monk in America: Hai Deng, the One-Finger Handstand Master from our Shaolin Special 2007.
I have the complete interview for Venerable Heng Sure and Dr. Verhoeven. As promised, we will be posting that sometime between now and the end of May. :cool:
I suspect you won't like their new article, Richard
It's like the other edge of the sword from filthy tracks. ;) I'll be eager to get your reaction.
Dang! I saw the title and...well...
I think it's about time we all see what's under those robes!!!:D