LEARN FROM THE BEST MASTER AVAILABLE
Learn from the best master available
Question
I have been studying Shaolin Kung-Fu, and Shaolin Chi-Kung for a couple of years and recently Zen Buddhism. If I may, I would like to tell you about my development, and possibly receive some feedback as to my progress.
— Thomas, Australia
Answer
What you have done is similar to what many other people interested in martial arts but training without a master are doing. There are three common factors. One, you and the others are inspired by the ideals of martial arts. Two, you are ready to dedicate time and effort to your study and training. Three, unfortunately and it is precisely here that my answers can be very helpful, you have wasted much time and effort.
Regarding the ideals of martial arts, bear in mind the following two points. One, some martial arts are not ideal, they are just brutal fighting. Two, even when a particular martial art has high ideals, there is often big difference between what is said and what is practiced.
Your choice of Shaolin Kungfu, Shaolin Chi Kung snd Zen for your pursue is excellent. They are, in my opinion, the best of the best. While some martial arts involve merely punching and kicking, Shaolin Kungfu is courage and strength in poetic movement. While some types of chi kung are not much more than dance and gymnastics, Shaolin Chi Kung is management of energy and mind. While some spiritual disciplines merely talk about higher realms, Zen emphasizes practical realization ranging from simple relaxation to the highest spiritual goals.
If you want the best, you must be ready to pay the price for the best. You should learn from the best master available, or at least from a good master. If you learn from a mediocre instructor or from videos, you are unlikely to get good results. If you learn from books, you may obtain good knowledge and some practical benefits but you are unlikely to have great practical benefits. If you practice good chi kung from a good book, for example, you may relieve pain or feel well being, but you are unlikely to experience inner peace or tremendous joy.
The above is taken from Question 1 Aug 2002 Part 2 of the Selection of Questions and Answers.
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