Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting!

The Shaolin order dates back to 540AD when an Indian Buddhist priest named Bodhidharma traveled to China to see the Emperor. He was joining a group of local Buddhist monks who were translating Buddhist texts from Sanscrit into Chinese so the general populace could practice this religion. The Emperor believed this to be his path to Nirvana, but Bodhidharma disagreed. Bodhidharma's view on Buddhism was that you could not achieve your goal through good actions performed by others in your name.

Bodhidharma left the Emperor's project and joined a near by monk order where he began teaching them moving exercises designed to both enhance chi flow and build strength. These sets, modified from Indian yogas were based on the movements of the 18 main animals in Indo-Chinese iconography (tiger, deer, leopard, cobra, snake, dragon, etc), were the beginnings of Shaolin Kung Fu. It is hard to say when these exercises became "martial arts" but this Buddhist sect became more and more distinct because of the martial arts being studied. 

Lucy has begun exploring her background in both schools of Taoism and Buddhism by practicing the Eight-Fold Path. 

1. Right Views - Ask yourself "Why do I do what I do?" (Mostly because that stuff I ate needs to come out somehow.)

2. Right Resolve - Are you prepared for the task at hand?

3. Right Speech - Words are powerful; do you use them wisely? (I am very selective for I have yet to utter a single word!)

4. Right Action - Once you decide on a task, is your procedure well-thought out, or is it hap-hazard? (I cry, which is the most efficient method of getting attention.)

5. Right Livelihood - Buddhists believe that work is a manifestation of spiritual development; enlightenment is difficult to achieve if you are in the wrong occupation. (I work little, as I am suited for little work - enlightenment is right around the corner).

6. Right Effort - Having embarked on a path, are you giving the journey the logistical and emotional support it needs to be accomplished. Buddhism frowns on half hearted efforts. (I cry to receive my emotional support; that is efficient and logistical. I never cry half-heartedly.)

7. Right Attention - Are you giving enough attention to yourself?  (I cannot even see beyond 12 inches; I am all I know).

8. Right Meditation - Have you the discipline to fully focus on the task at hand? (Summarized by my favorite Empire Strikes Back quote from Yoda: "Never his mind on where he is.")

"Be your own light, your own refuge. Believe only that which you test for yourself. Do not accept authority merely because it comes from a great man (Dad), or is written in a sacred book (Curious George), for truth is difference for each man and woman." - Buddha