| Feature Article
Ancient Approach to Developing Strength
of Mind
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
The old Shaolin master appeared very relaxed as the young
student struck him with wooden poles and iron hammer. He did not seem
to mind. The wooden poles splintered and the hammer just bounced off.
The master’s name was Abbot Hai Teng. He could also stand on one
finger. Feats of this kind may at first seem to be circus tricks.
However, behind these spectacular displays are years of hard training.
The Shaolin Temple is famous for its contribution to Chinese kung fu.
Although most people regard Shaolin Martial Arts as a fighting
discipline only, its main purpose is the cultivation of the mind. It
draws heavily from Buddhism but its doctrine states that enlightenment
can also be gained through mastery of the body.
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| Shaolin Temple |
Shaolin training uses a combination of physical and
mental disciplines to strengthen the body and sharpen the mind.
Initially, students face many hardships and are preoccupied with
learning various routines and self defence skills. Once students have
passed the physical training, they begin to experience the internal.
This means they can feel qi or internal energy. They use their bodies
efficiently and can focus their minds.
For high level practitioners, the mind aspect pervades
their training and daily lives. Whether they are sitting, standing or
moving, the same mind is always there. They are very aware of their
bodies. They can control their heart rate and breathing. They can
function well with very little sleep and can influence their digestive
systems. In other words, they have greater control over the mind and
body than an untrained person.
Training at first begins as a way to strengthen the body
and gain self defence skills. However, it becomes a form of self
development and enlightenment. Taoist arts, such as Tai Chi, Xing Yi
and Bagua, all share similar elements with the Shaolin training. The
higher levels or stages of training are really the same. In the end,
all of these arts help us to realise that it is the mind that controls
the body. You may be thinking that you only want to get fit or learn to
relax. That is fine. However, you may find that you can go further.
It is a journey. Once you have travelled a certain distance, you may
see more interesting things ahead.
Both Buddhist and Taoist philosophies emphasise the great
potential that is within us all. Most often, this potential goes
untapped, mainly due to the tendency to settle for comfort and ease.
Life’s challenges help to bring out the potential. It is important to
realise that we have choices. It is up to the individual to choose to
rise above the challenges and grow.
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