Expert: Justin Choo - 3/5/2006

Question
I did not realize there are so many forms of Buddhism.  It seems like
there are so many different websites out there to specify what you feel
drawn toward.  Zen or Chan Buddhism is what I connected with.  I feel
like in study it is important to involve tai chi and wushu, but when I
look into things like this I get websites such as "become a martial art
master today!" / "Sword and other techniques of ancient samurai and
ninja-get good now!"  I don't know what I'm looking for here to be
honest, but I know it is not this.  I think that one would become skilled
based on what has been worked on through many things other than
just studying martial arts.  Then again, the temples that I came across
through Buddhanet.net seem like they do not like the teaching of
wushu.  I feel temporarily lost here :) which is fine, however, it all went
away temporarily when I came across the Shaolin temple in S. Henan
and I immediatly felt like it was correct.  Then I found out about all the
hype and tourism involved due to hollywood.  I don't know how to
come about apprenticing with someone who believes that I would be
taking it seriously.  I came across the Shoalin Temple Overseas in New
York-run by Sifu Shi Yan Ming, the future Abbot of the Henan Shaolin
Temple, but I am not sure if that is what I am looking for either.  I feel
like it is, but I don't want to just be taking wushu classes.  I don't have
the money they require for things like that anyway.  Should I just
ignore my desire to become as involved with a temple, and instead
study chan philosophy, wushu, tai chi and whatever comes to me on
my own?  I'm sure many people do that today, but I just felt that there
was a reason why I feel so adamant about becoming dedicated to this
way of life.  Thank you for your responses, you have been helpful and
it is very much appreciated.
: )

Benjamin
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I am not sure if help can be given from this website, so thank
you for your time in reading this.  I have admired a monks way
of life starting from when I was a boy.  I believe that the only
way to truely appreciating or properly living life is through
meditation and the connection we grow on, hopefully daily,
through our body and mind.  I feel as if I am finished with living
in the epicenter of a lifestyle I no longer want to be a part of-
unless it has the sole purpose of influencing other people to
leave a non-rewarding way of life.  I want to continue this
growth in myself and I have been trying to get information for
some time now with not much assistance- which is why I am
emailing you.  Please, if you can tell me any information on how
I can come about becoming involved and living in a buddhist
temple.  There is not much assistance to someone in western
society with dreams such as mine.  I know that it is a life long
commitment and I want to apprentice.  My name is Benjamin, I
am 21 and live in Los Angeles, California currently.  I am holding
myself back, for some reason, from finding a way to move to
where there are people just like me and just waiting outside
their door until I am allowed in.  I am not afraid of whatever it
will take to reach this goal in my life, any information that you
can give would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you again for your
time.
Answer -
Hi Benjamin,

Thank you for asking me.

I have searched through www.buddhanet.net and found this temple
which I think will be of help
to you:
Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara
1847 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Tel: (323) 737-5084, Fax: (323) 737-7915
Email: dharma@vel.net
Web site: www.dharmavijaya.org
Spritual Director and Chief Sangha Nayake of America: Bhante Dr.
Walpola Piyanada
Tradition: Theravada (Sri Lankan)
Affiliation: Sri Lankan Viharas in USA and Buddhist Sangha Council in S.
California
Teachers: Bhante Piyananda, Bhante Pallawela Rahula, Bhante
M.Pannaloka,
Bhante B.Kalyanawansa and Bhante Walpola Mahinda

The best approach is for you to get acquainted with a reliable temple
nearest you, such as the
one mentioned above.

There are 2 temples, one in England and the other in Australia which
are definitely very good
temples to correspond with. They are:

Buddhist Society of Western Australia
18-20 Nanson Way, Nollamara, Perth, WA 6061
Tel: (08) 9345 1711, Fax: (08) 9344 4220
Email: info@bswa.org
Web site: www.bswa.org
Tradition: Theravada
Spiritual Director: Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso
Teachers: Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso and Ajahn Sister Vayama
 
Ajahn Brahmavamso is an English monk and is well known for his flare
in preaching Buddhism



The other one in UK:
Amaravati Buddhist Monastery
Great Gaddesden
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 3BZ
Office Tel: (01442) 842455
Retreat Info - Tel: 843239
Guest Info - Tel: 843411
Fax: (01442) 843721
Web site: www.amaravati.org
Stewards: English Sangha Trust, Amaravati
Tradition: Theravada Forest Sangha •
Spiritual Director: Ven. Sumedho (Abbot)

Ven Sumedho is an American monk and is the senior of Ajahn
Brahmawamso; both are from the
same teacher, the late Thai monk Ajahn Chah.  


If you have the time and patience, please surf through the following
websites:
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda is my revered teacher. His writings
have benefitted countless
people throughout the world.

http://www.geocities.com/wave_books
You can obtain excellent publications from them.


http://www.buddhanet.net
http://www.dharmanet.org
http://www.buddhism.about.com
http://www.parami.org/buddhistanswers/index.htm
http://www.nibbana.com
http://www.triplegem.net
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv
http://www.bswa.org/modules/news/
http://dharmaavenue.com/home.htm  
http://www.thebuddhistsociety.org
http://www.fundamentalbuddhism.com
http://www.maithri.com/index.asp
http://www.parami.org/buddhistanswers/


In the meantime, have peace.

Smile from justinchoo :-)  

Answer
Hi Benjamin,

Welcome back.

You must understand that learning kung fu or wushu while practising Buddhism is just learning fencing while practising Christianity!  Buddhism is Buddhism.  While wushu or kung fu is another cup of tea,so to say.  Buddhism is the practice of the teachings of the historical Buddha who preached peace and happiness.  The Buddha was from India and he discovered the truth of existence.  Kungfu or wushu is purely the Chinese art of self defence, while tai chi is the Chinese form of "inner strength" physical exercise.  Buddhism and Wushu are as different as English baked potatoes and Japanese sushi!!!  You may have mistaken salt for sugar, for unknowingly both look the same to you.

So my dear friend Benjamin, you can practise Buddhism and at the same time take up the art of self defence; as easily as taking up singing while studying for your computer diploma.

Smile from justinchoo :-)