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The Shaolin Legacy
By examining the philosophical beginnings of Kung
Fu and the Taoist influence, we can begin to grasp the philosophies of virtually
all martial arts.
Bodhidharma was primarily concerned with the cultivation of Ch'i (intrinsic energy). Ch'i, derived from atmosphere or matter, is a body element that can be energized by the regulation of breathing. Doing so produces stamina and endurance, along with the feeling of well-being and mental balance.
This emphasis on Ch'i is Bodhidharma's main contribution to the art of empty hand fighting. For without this basic and essential energy source, Kung Fu development would have remained mere calisthenics, lacking mental and spiritual mastery.
"Breath is the flywheel of life," as Chinese cultural historian Huang interprets Bodhidharma's legacy. Every exercise was based on breathing. For example, consider these instructions:
Stand in a natural position, hands against the thighs.
Raise your arms slowly to the chest, breathing in.
Push your hands forward, with a stretching movement, until your arms are extended, wrists bent, palms pointing forward and fingers upward, breathing out.
While maintaining the stretch, move your hands fully to the left and
right with the palms turning upward.
At the same time, breath in and try to visualize the Ch'i, or vital energy, arriving at the tips of the fingers.
Bodhidharma's, teachings refined by succeeding Ch'an masters, would become the powerful yet graceful Shaolin Temple boxing, sometimes called Shaolin Ch'uan (Shaolin Fist) or Shaolin Ch'uan Fa (Way of the Shaolin Fist). As Shaolin Ch'uan began to become well known, word of its benefits spread to members of another famous Chinese faith, Taoism, which taught avoidance of force through contemplation and reason. Taoist priests became increasingly attracted to the Shaolin system because of its peaceful and non-offensive philosophy.
The approximate literal translation of the "Tao" is the "Way" or "Path," although, according to the Taoist classic literary work Tao-te-ching, its meaning is inexpressible in words: "The Tao that can be named is not the everlasting Tao."
The greatest of all Chinese philosophers to arise out of the centuries of revolutionary instability and excessive treachery was Confucius. He had many powerful followers and was concerned about the spiritual aspects of the life. The most influential, after the Confucians, were the Taoists, who directed their teachings toward the individual search for a higher form of physical and mental existence.
Beauson Tseng, a contemporary Chinese philosopher, summed up the main difference in this manner:
"If the Ways of Heaven of Nature (the Tao) be likened to an ocean, the fellow who exerts himself and makes wise use of his knowledge of hydrodynamics to swim in a beeline to his chosen destination--is a Confucianist. The other fellow, who holds that the most ideal spot for him is where the winds and currents will of themselves carry him to---is a Taoist. The more man lets science have free play, the more science can be made to serve man. Tao behaves much in the same way as science."
Early Taoist thinkers wanted to transcend earthly suffering by withdrawing from civilization and joining (or rejoining) the natural forces of life. They believed that living absolutely detached from organized society as contemplative hermits deeply secluded in the wilderness of the mountains and forests would accomplish this. Unlike Buddhism, Taoism does not promise Nirvana (entry to the Pure Land of Bliss) at the end of a spiritual life. Nor does it offer salvation after death. The Taoists treasure life because living is melodious and wonderful.
Tao is composed of two opposite polar but complimentary forces represented by Yin and Yang. Yin is characterized as the negative force of darkness, coldness and emptiness. Yang is the positive energy which produces light, warmth and fullness. Yin and Yang, together they are called Tao. To the Taoist, the logical elements of all universal being--seven the universe itself--are combined into Tao. They existed before the universe was born. Tao has no limits. Its existence is eternal.
Tao is not a supernatural force; instead it is the ultimate principle of the universe. Tao is the prime element from which everything is created in nature. If this sounds puzzling and abstract in the Western sense, it must be understood that from the Chinese scientific standpoint, Tao makes perfect sense in its description of the universe.
Created by the interaction of Yin and Yang, "Te," or "the Power," is the most important element of existence. Every object or substance possesses positive and negative elements. This is how the Taoist explains the opposing forces of life: Birth begets death, a rise includes a fall, day brings night, hot-cold, wet-dry, strength-weakness, and so on.
Lao-Tzu taught the idea of Wu Wei, usually translated as "non-action," to explain man's most conducive relationship with nature. On the surface Wu Wei means "not to do anything" or "to remain totally inactive." To the Taoist, non-action does not mean idleness, apathy or indifference. Rather, it implies the unresisting attitude that he or she adopts while abiding and communing with nature.
This Taoist concept inspired much of the philosophy behind the physical training of Kung Fu. Again, Kung Fu was not an art developed to perpetrate violence. It was designed to respond to outside or hostile forces only when necessary---such as when the serenity of one's household was violated.
However, many schools of Kung Fu have incorporated "deliberate efforts" in attempts to achieve mastery of self-defense. In basic training, a Kung Fu student practices strenuous exercises with deliberate efforts to ensure proper body conditioning. With continuous practice, day after day, year after year, highly controlled punches, kicks and blocks become mentally refined to the point of spontaneous reaction, such as those in nature, or Yin-Yang. Any oncoming danger can be foiled by an intuitive or "natural" response with a protective reflex. An inseparable part of the training is instinctive motions without planning. An antagonist's kick to the groin is avoided with the ease of swatting a mosquito.
However, this is not a machismo, win-at-all-costs, bring-home-the-trophy attitude. The Taoist martial arts masters believed that Kung Fu should be used only to preserve the natural flow of life, to avoid, divert, neutralize or blend with any destructive force. This art of self-discipline must not be used to seek out and subdue or control others. This fundamental attitude of Kung Fu is based on major Taoist precepts of pacifism, harmony and peace. Kung Fu is a martial art form that seeks harmony and peace with nature.
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