How can I join the Shaolin Monks?

Question

I am really interested in the Zen buddhism styles and way of life that the Shaolin monks have, but is there any way I can sort of, well, join?

I already have 5 years of different martial arts training

Answer 1

If you speak Chinese, you can study and train at any one of the martial arts centers that congregate in the valley below Shaolin Temple. This won't require you to take monastic vows, but it's very hard training.

Alternatively, you can become a monastic at a temple in Korea or Japan that accepts westerners and trains students in English. Once established there, you can seek out martial arts teachers.

You might ask yourself why you seek this path. If you've trained extensively in martial arts in your own country, this might be a good path for you. But if it's a fresh enthusiasm, I suggest that you find a martial arts teacher near you and begin your training at home. This will help you determine if you truly have a calling for this path. Good luck!
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You have 5 years training -- that's wonderful. You might consider going to Mu Sang Sah temple in Korea (link below), which was established by western Zen monks (in the rich Korean Zen tradition) to train both lay and ordained people in Zen practice. I've practiced there and I know that some of the monks have studied extensively with Korean-style martial arts teachers. They've learned techniques that are not taught in the U.S. -- very exotic stuff.

Answer 2

When Mao zedong took over China, most of the real kung fu masters left China to start a new life in other countries like Taiwan, United States, Hong Kong, Vietnam. There are two main types of Kung fu and they are Shaolin and Taoist.

Answer 3

"Man searches far but the path is near" Gautama Buddha

The thing you seek you might already have, look a little closer at what you have rather than going off to some foreign country away from your nearest and dearest. I have felt the same way myself, but still have not perfected this part of my life yet so gonna work on it a little longer yet before moving onto something else.

Answer 4

You can join them anytime that you please, since "Budda is everywhere".

First, shave your head, eat tofu, praying and meditate few hours everyday, then you are officially a monk.

Don't change your name to Monk-yi or Monk-yee LOL.

Answer 5

Join them at what? Poker?

Answer 6

either you've been watching too many kung-fu movies or listening to too much Wu-Tang!

Answer 7

fill out an application