Shaolin Law #4 -- Wisdom and Courage

[Antonius]

This article is mainly for Shaolin Wahnam students, although others may also benefit. The issue has surfaced a number of times on the forum, but I don't know if it has been sufficiently addressed. I want to talk about wisdom and courage -- specifically the types outlined in Shaolin Law number 4.

4. Required to uphold righteousness, and to be both wise and courageous.

Sifu Wong lives this law. For years, he has had the courage to say what others would not. Years ago, when he first started to talk openly about chi kung, he was ridiculed. A "battle" ensued. But he chose to speak his honest opinons anyway, which took courage.

What makes Sifu's courage so refreshing is that it is tempered with wisdom. When he openly talks about dispersing clouds in his book, "The Art of Chi Kung," he does so with wisdom. He knows that people will ridicule him, but he also knows that others will appreciate his honesty.

And that's what it is -- honesty. Many people think that dispersing clouds with chi is impossible, but Sifu knows that it IS possible. Those of us who have witnessed clouds being dispersed are grateful for Sifu's honesty. How else would we even know that such things are possible?

Speaking honestly also applies to other masters, and other arts. Of course, it is tricky business for a Grandmaster to openly talk about the shortcomings of other masters, but it is often necessary. To do this takes both wisdom and courage.

What some of you may not know is that Sifu trains his instructors to do the same. Day after day, we openly speak our honest opinions on this forum, continuing in the spirit of our teacher. Sometimes, those opinions are not well received.

I find it fascinating that some Shaolin Wahnam students don't recognize the courage shown by the Shaolin Wahnam instructors. I honestly think that you need perspective. Where would you be today if not for Sifu Wong's courage? Would you be able to recognize a genuine master from a fake one? Would you be able to recognize a high-level art from a low-level one? Would you know all the secrets that you know?

Some of you may remember that a few years ago, Grandmaster Erle Montagiue spend some time on this forum. We were honored to have him here. And yet, Sifu Montaigue had some opinions that we strongly disagreed with. For example:

The most common and basic way of push hands is to use the postures known as 'P'eng', 'Lu', 'Chee' and 'Arn'. We both get into a very low and stable stance to begin with. Why on earth do people think that this ridiculous stance is strong and good for self-defence! You can't fight in this stance! You can't move in this stance and it gives one a false sense of security. You have not the time to get into this stance when attacked.

Sifu Montaigue is entitled to his opinion, but so are we. And we happen to strongly disagree with his view about traditional stances. Should we keep quiet about this? Should we continue to let people think that stances are only for practice, and cannot be used in combat? Should we cower in the face of these opinions -- on our own forum?

No. We should not, and we did not. The same applies today. When other masters come on to our forum, we need not keep quiet simply because they are masters. Different masters have different opinions. Since this is a Shaolin Wahnam forum, we reserve the right to make OUR opinions clear.

If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable while reading some these discussions, then I would ask you to analyze those feelings. What exactly are you feeling? Is it fear? Are you feeling uncomfortable in the face of honest confrontation? And how will this affect you over the years? Will you live your life cowering in the face of the opinions of others? Or will you follow in the example set by Sifu Wong?

[Maxime]

Dear Anthony Sihing,

Thank you for this thread.

I feel concerned, because it just followed my post on the ‘Yelding’ thread. So I felt the need to explain myself, because it seems my post has created some confusion.

I think one should not mistake the inside for the outside.

I think expressing the inside (opinions, ideas) is extremely important (honesty and courage) and in such respect there is no need to ‘be quiet’. I appreciate the courage of my seniors and the emphasis with which they defend their opinions. If I didn’t, I would not participate so often in the forum and would have left Shaolin Wahnam. On a personal note, regarding the ‘Yielding thread’, and despite my lack of skills, I sincerely agree with my Seniors demonstrations and explanations. I do not agree with them because they are my seniors (this would not being honest), but because the few I have practiced is in harmony with their own experience. I do not post technical comments because I don’t think what I would write would be interesting enough.

It is true that courage and honesty must be upholded whatever be the situations, whoever being involved (for example, another style’s Grandmaster). No doubt at all about this! I try to live my life that way, because I have seen so much suffering coming out a life of ‘coward’ and ‘dishonesty’. Recently I lost my job because I maintained some of my opinions in front of my superiors. I knew what would happen to me if I kept holding my stance, but I really felt they were wrong and doing wrong; do I now regret? Certainly not! I can face myself in the mirror, while some others can’t. And this makes a big difference in my everyday life. That is why, I feel deeply moved when you wrote:

If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable while reading some these discussions, then I would ask you to analyze those feelings. What exactly are you feeling? Is it fear? Are you feeling uncomfortable in the face of honest confrontation? And how will this affect you over the years? Will you live your life cowering in the face of the opinions of others? Or will you follow in the example set by Sifu Wong?

On the other hand, I think form is also very important. I truly believe that a crucial point in living a successful and rewarding life (...including for others) is to manage people’s feelings. This does not mean to ‘stay quiet’, but to find the proper way to deal with people (regardless their rank or status). One can say anything he/she wants, as long as it is done without letting an opportunity (even unconsciously) for others to become angry unnecessary. Maybe, an expression of safety first. I think it is my duty as a Shaolin Wahnam student to do whatever I can to maintain peace and harmony. Of course, I repeat, this does not mean (nor is it contradictory to courage and honesty) that I have to bow down every time I disagree.

Do I feel uncomfortable with what I read? No, because I uphold courage and honesty. Each post I write, I put my Heart in it. If I have to disagree (and I have already disagreed with some members here, including some of my seniors – remember the ‘Difference between Original Chinese Medicine and TCM thread' -? ) I will. But I will disagree trying to avoid, not confrontation because something fruitful can come out of it, but hurting others’s feelings. Even if one is right, he/she gots to maintain his/her stance, but with wisdom, i.e trying to avoid hurting people’s feelings.

Being courageous means keep on expressing one’s feelings and ideas in front of adversity.

Being wise means to know when and where not adding oil to the fire. In my humble opinion, it is not a matter of doing or not doing, but of how doing.
Whatever being the discussion, slight mocking or humor or exclamations or excessive quotes or verbal threats need not to be, in my view. Those are hurting people’s feelings, even unwittingly, and even if we know deep in our heart that we are right. We are trained to enter a fight while keeping our mind always calm, with a smile and a heart at peace. We can write exactly the same way.

That was the point of my post. And this, I believe, is not the issue of courage or honesty.

I am sorry if I have not been clear enough. I tried my best. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I am fully aware of my own limits and of my lack of knowledge. I sincerley hope I have not mislead anyone.

What would the Buddha or Great Heavenly Being Guan Yin do?

Shaolin Salute from a Warmheart brother,

Maxime

[Antonius]

Well said, Maxime.

To be clear, I was not thinking specifically of you when I wrote this thread, but rather of a trend that I've noticed over the past few months. If your post happened to be the "spark" for my article, then it was largely a matter of timing. I happen to have the time this morning to address this issue.

Regarding your points about mocking -- I both agree and disagree. I agree that we should be compassionate always, but I do not agree that hurting someone's feelings is necessarily to be avoided. As Sifu says, "one must sometimes be harsh in order to be kind." For example, I've watched Sifu drive a student to tears during class. At the time, I didn't understand that this was necessary, and it frustrated me. I later realized that Sifu had to be harsh in order to be kind -- in order to help the student to the next level.

As for humor -- I'm sure we all know that humor often contains truth. A joke is often funny precisely because it touches on the truth from a humorous angle. What you consider "mocking," I might consider humor. But I recognize that this may be a matter of cultural and individual perspective. Humor is not always easy to relate on a discussion forum.

Nevertheless, how I or my colleagues choose to handle a particular situation is our own prerogative. One thing you can be sure of is that if Sifu disapproves of us, he will let us know! But for the most part, Sifu encourages us to act, think, and speak for ourselves.

If you or some other students don't like how I handle a particular situation, that's fine. As you said so well, you need not agree with me simply because I am your senior. To do so against your own opinions would be lying to yourself. Actually, it takes courage to stand up to your seniors. I applaud you for that, even if I don't always agree with you.

[Maxime]

Dear Anthony Sihing,

From my Heart, thank you.

Regarding your points about mocking -- I both agree and disagree. I agree that we should be compassionate always, but I do not agree that hurting someone's feelings is necessarily to be avoided. As Sifu says, "one must sometimes be harsh in order to be kind." For example, I've watched Sifu drive a student to tears during class. At the time, I didn't understand that this was necessary, and it frustrated me. I later realized that Sifu had to be harsh in order to be kind -- in order to help the student to the next level.

Thank you so much for these illuminating words. Now I have a better understanding. As I already said, I am extremely happy to be corrected by my seniors, and honoured. Interestingly, I must be 'stupid' sometimes because 'being sometimes harsh in order to be kind' is exactly the type of advice I gave yesterday to my friend regarding a young lady drinking too much alcohol.
The most important point is being harsh (and mocking )...in order to be kind. Well, I don't see no contradiction with being compassionate here neither. You helped me relieving some confusion.

Nevertheless, how I or my colleagues choose to handle a particular situation is our own prerogative. One thing you can be sure of is that if Sifu disapproves of us, he will let us know! But for the most part, Sifu encourages us to act, think, and speak for ourselves.

Thank you. I got to work harder on my right understanding skills.

If you or some other students don't like how I handle a particular situation, that's fine. As you said so well, you need not agree with me simply because I am your senior. To do so against your own opinions would be lying to yourself. Actually, it takes courage to stand up to your seniors. I applaud you for that, even if I don't always agree with you. .

Thank you for your kind words, but I don't deserve them. Like I said, I agree with almost all what my seniors say, and the few I don't especially agree with usually comes from my lack of wisdom or knowledge.

Anyway, be sure that whatever I say, I say it with respect for my seniors in my heart. Furthemore, I sincerely believe it would be extremely disrespectful to hide my feelings to my Sifu or my Seniors, and foolish from myself (as I couldn't improve). As a student, I should not fear to be corrected. Thus, I am glad to learn everyday, alone in my country and far away from my brothers and sisters. I love this forum. I love my Family.

In a Family, if someone one time disagrees, it doesn't mean he/she doesn't love his/her family anymore. Disagreement must come from right understanding and with a loving heart. On the other hand, there are times when a Family is confronted with exterior threats; in such hard times, 'internal different perspectives' must be forgotten for the benefit of unity for the sake of the Family.

Thank you Sihing for getting my understanding more 'right'.

Shaolin Salute

Maxime

[George]

Thank you for your kind words, but I don't deserve them.

Dear brother,

If you trust your seniors enough to accept criticism from them, then trust them enough to accept their kind words as something you do deserve.

[yeniseri]

one reason

One reason I am attracted to this board is the way Sifu Wong has instilled his presence into the students and that is a rare thing today.

Alot of teachers espouse grand notions and all the named philosophies but they themselves do not show the greatness of application or are blinded by the same thing they were supposedly taught.

It is refreshing and wonderful a place like this.

Kudos to Sifu Wong
Ah men

[Nobody1]

Wisdom and Courage.

Forum,

Hello Sifu Anothy and thank you for putting this matter up for discussion, it does seem that it is in need of our attention.

It seems to me that they are both intertwined: Wisdom is Courage, Courage is Wisdom, like the famous "Form is emptiness, Emptiness is form", if viewed in this manner, all things are like this.



___________________________________
David, Nobody.

[Zhang Wuji]

I would like to pen some thoughts. Actually, having been away from the forum for quite a while, I should be posting something else. I am fascinated by another of Antonius' new threads which I will go to once I am settled down here.

It has been my greatest honour to learn from Sifu, and I am not exaggerating in the least when I say that my life has been totally and wonderfully changed - for the better. I am hardly recognise the person I am today from just 2 years ago. One of my my memorable affirmations which only occured 2 days ago was when my best friend said: "what has happened to you? I have known you for xxx years, and you are not like before." He, who is very anti-Chinese everything (although like me, he is a native speaker) since to him, all things Chinese are unscientific. I ended up talking to him for hours about qigong and Sifu.

To me, as a Shaolin Wahnam student, my task is very simple - to spread the great Shaolin art to benefit the world. I agree that we must make our opinions and stand clear, and defend them strongly. But there is to me a huge difference, and yet a thin line, between vigorous defence and arrogance. Is it not possible to be honest yet respectful. Maybe some of the guests who posts are not as courteous as they should be, but really that is their problem. I thought we were to, in the face of adversity, behave graciously without giving up ground. It would be sad if we were to degenerate to the same level of rudeness that we condemn.

OUtsiders who have not met a Shaolin Wahnam student face to face can only judge him or her by the posts he or she writes. I feel very strongly that we should treat dissenting views, and yes, even snide remarks with greater respect. I don't pretend to be able to do this all the time, and often I fail dismally, but I am now keenly aware that each time I respond without grace, I reflect badly on Sifu and the generations of Shaolin masters.

I have searched myself to see if I have dared to speak honestly when I should have. I believe I have. I have risked losing friends and my professional reputation when I praise the benefits of qigong, even when people cast disbelieving looks. Like in my witnessing for Jesus, sharing a wonderful and priceless gift is far more important than what people think. I honestly think that many of the Shaolin Wahnam students go out of their way to bear witness even if they are laughed at.

I have personally experienced Sifu's distant qi transmission. If dispersing clouds invokes disbelief, you should see the reactions I get when I tell them of distant qi transmission. Fortunately, my friends are still talking to me.

But would I be able to win people over if I am condescending and supercilious? say perhaps if I say "See, I practice qigong so I have more vitality than you, always complaining you are tired at work". Everyone who disagrees with you may deserve some dignity and respect, unless they have forfeited that right by utterly obnonxious behaviour. But even then, as Shaolin exponents, our threshold for insults should be higher than others, no?

I have utmost respect for the instructors to whom I owe a lot. Yet, I beg their forgiveness if I have to say that true courage is not just speaking your mind to defend your opinions. Like all of you, I draw much inspiration and wisom from our beloved Shigong. One story of Ho Shigong has always been in my mind and that is the story in Sifu's The Complete Book of Shaolin. When Shigong heard of the impending fight between Sifu and another grandmaster, he rushed out of retirement to stop it. He said:"What you call honour is just a false name, an attachment to vainglory....make friends, not enemies. It is easy to get into animosity but very difficult to get out of it. Don't waste your precious Shaolin arts on quarrels which may loom large and important from a narrow spatial and temporal dimension, but are acutally petty if we view them from a wider perspective. Use the Shaolin arts to help people, to relieve suffering and save lives, worldwide and for all times."

Because of these wise words, I must admit I was very upset when war of words between Antonius, Marcus and Sifu Stier almost became a physical battle. I cannot imagine what it must have seem to outsiders who peeped in and saw all those belligerent words. How, how can that sort of exchange help us to spread our art of compassion and calmness? When Da Shixiong Kai came out to say that we should not mistake righteousness for self-righteousness, I was very moved. All along, I have been in awe of Da Shixiong for his martial prowess, but it was then that I became even more in awe of his moral character.

Antonius, I am really more sorry than I can say that I have to write this, but I am encouraged by your openess. I really did not want to write this in a public forum but I thought very carefully and felt that a frank discussion should benefit all. Please forgive me if I have offended you.

[Antonius]

Dear Wuji,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. And no, you have not offended me. I'm not above taking criticism and/or advice from my classmates. I both agree and disagree with you, but I recognize that much of this may be due to differing perspectives.

I don't pretend to be able to do this all the time, and often I fail dismally, but I am now keenly aware that each time I respond without grace, I reflect badly on Sifu and the generations of Shaolin masters.

Assumptions are dangerous, but I'm going to assume that you feel that I am reflecting badly on Sifu and Shaolin Wahnam. That is your opinion, and you are entitled to it. But I suggest that you ask Sifu directly if he feels that I reflect badly on him or Shaolin Wahnam. I already know the answer, but I would like you to hear it from him, not from me.

It would be sad if we were to degenerate to the same level of rudeness that we condemn.

I agree. Do you really think that I was rude to Sifu Stier (no need to hide who we're talking about since everyone knows), because I don't see it that way.

I feel very strongly that we should treat dissenting views, and yes, even snide remarks with greater respect.

Didn't we do this for over a year? I feel that we showed great respect (and great restraint).

But even then, as Shaolin exponents, our threshold for insults should be higher than others, no?

Wuji, have you forgotten all the insults thrown in my direction, or those towards Shaolin Wahnam?

We all have a threshold. Mine was reached. A line was crossed, and I changed tactics. Even then, I feel that I showed respect. The difference is simply that I no longer withhold my honest opinions. Considering that I'm only a 33 year old instructor, I think that my threshold was quite high.

I cannot imagine what it must have seem to outsiders who peeped in and saw all those belligerent words.

How would it have seemed to insiders to watch their seniors cower in the face of a bully?

How, how can that sort of exchange help us to spread our art of compassion and calmness?

I think that there are times when it is necessary to take a stand, be it physical or verbal. Even the great pacifist Mahatma Gandhi advocated physical violence when necessary. According to Gandhi, the worst action one can choose is cowardice.

When Da Shixiong Kai came out to say that we should not mistake righteousness for self-righteousness, I was very moved.

Actually, I think that Sihing Kai and I agree more than we disagree. I do not feel that I was being self-righteous. Plus, lets not forget that Sihing Kai, at my age, was busy challenging every master he met.

Please forgive me if I have offended you.

I do not feel offended. As I said earlier, I see no problem with you openly voicing your opinions. Don't worry. I can take it.

Best,

[Antonius]

Oh, one other thing I forgot. Food for thought, if you will. If Sifu Wong had not accepted the challenge from the other master in Malaysia, then Sigung Ho would not have had a chance to teach that lesson.

Years ago, I was ready to accept a challenge from a school in New York. I was literally preparing to go down to the school the next week. Can you guess who stepped in and stopped me?

[joko]

Years ago, I was ready to accept a challenge from a school in New York. I was literally preparing to go down to the school the next week. Can you guess who stepped in and stopped me?

My guess: Sifu Wong stepped in and stopped you.

Regards,
Joko

[Zhang Wuji]

[QUOTE=Antonius]

Assumptions are dangerous, but I'm going to assume that you feel that I am reflecting badly on Sifu and Shaolin Wahnam. That is your opinion, and you are entitled to it. But I suggest that you ask Sifu directly if he feels that I reflect badly on him or Shaolin Wahnam. I already know the answer, but I would like you to hear it from him, not from me.

Dear Antonius

Thank you for your post. When I wrote my post, I had not slept for about 36 hours, and looking back, I think it could have been phrased much better. Actually, my post was not directed at you, but more a general observation of the cumulative responses I have been reading these couple of months.

I had mentioned you my name because you had kindly started this thread, and I wanted to address the issue you had raised. I am your junior, in skill and kungfu age, so I am certainly not saying that you reflect badly on our school. But I would be lying if I said I was not disturbed by the way you had responded to the challenge by Sifu Stier. It was not rude, but there were allusions to both parties or one party being hurt that I felt uneasy about.

I agree. Do you really think that I was rude to Sifu Stier (no need to hide who we're talking about since everyone knows), because I don't see it that way.

No, in fact, I think when you debate with him, you are one of the more courteous ones. I will bet Sifu Stier will say the same.

Wuji, have you forgotten all the insults thrown in my direction, or those towards Shaolin Wahnam?

Again, no. But this is where I think it is a matter of perspective. I did notice the insults, but I am not sure if they were malicious. If we are talking about Sifu Stier, I have always felt it was his manner of writing rather than the substance that may be the problem. The intent behind the insults in my view is more important. Since we are naming names , let me mention Alberto. I was fed up when he began attacking you, and I was about to write something to tell him off, when my fellow students jumped in to reprimand him (they are in the same time zone as you guys, so they react faster). I did not want to create an overkill so I refrained. I felt that some of his comments were out of line, and I would not have stood by idly if no one else had said anything. He was also rude to Emiko when she extended a very gracious offer to him, and I had actually typed a scathing response, which was unfortunately lost after I submitted it(like i said, this happens all the time to me, but in retrospect, it was a good thing, since it epitomised the very rudeness I deplore). Please understand that i do not take insults to our school and instructors lying down. If the likes of Vince (recall the russbo nonsense) turn up, I am sure you will find my posts very different.

I think that there are times when it is necessary to take a stand, be it physical or verbal. Even the great pacifist Mahatma Gandhi advocated physical violence when necessary. According to Gandhi, the worst action one can choose is cowardice.

Yes, of course, I agree. Maybe you may think I am weak if I say I try to avoid violence wherever and whenever I can, but I work with victims of crime, and I feel that much violence can be avoided. In the few cases that it could not be avoided, the victim made the mistake of not using it. To use a phrase often quoted by Tim Larkin: Violence is seldom the answer, but when it is, it is the only answer. Wisdom will help us to recognise the very narrow window in which violence must be used, and all the other cases when it would be foolish to.

We all have our own way of protecting Shaolin Wahnam's interests, and as I write this, I am increasingly convinced everyone is entitled to his or her own way of doing so. Mine is perhaps the "weak" way but that is the good thing about this family since many different types are tolerated or even welcomed.

[joko]

.....and I had actually typed a scathing response, which was unfortunately lost after I submitted it.....

.

Sometimes it happened to me as well. At first I was wondering why, and later from experience I know the reason. It happens when more than one person is posting at the same thread at the same time.

Now, usually I save first what I have typed using Notepad before pressing the Submit button, so in case it was lost I would not have to retype it.

Joko

[Charles David]

Standing Behind My Seniors

Dear Wuji,

You wrote:

Mine is perhaps the "weak" way

I can say, from my perspective, that your posts have never seemed weak. In fact I see great strength, courage and wisdom in your posts.


While we are on the topic of rude or adversarial guests, I will say that my tactic has generally been to allow my capable seniors handle it. For me this is only common sense, and they have ALWAYS PROVEN TO BE UP TO THE TASK. For my part I am always keen to observe how they handle the situations so that when my turn comes I will be able to respond as admirably as them.



With Shaolin Salute,

[LeeWeiJoo]

While we are on the topic of rude or adversarial guests, I will say that my tactic has generally been to allow my capable seniors handle it. For me this is only common sense, and they have ALWAYS PROVEN TO BE UP TO THE TASK. For my part I am always keen to observe how they handle the situations so that when my turn comes I will be able to respond as admirably as them.



With Shaolin Salute,

Which is what I do also So far my seniors have never failed to amaze me with their compassion, wisdom and courage in dealing with adversity on the forums. I am continually learning how to be a Shaolin Wahnam member everyday.

With Shaolin Salute,
Lee Wei Joo