First off, I wasn't sure exactly which forum to introduce myself in. If this shouldn't be posted here, my apologies, and please move/delete this post.
Second, I wanted to compliment Doc on this excellent website!
A bit about myself -- I have always had a love for (and been able to relate to) the arts. I find my life views to be closely aligned with those of Shaolin, and am dedicating myself to following its path. Up until now my life has been dominated by emotion and lack of discipline, thus I have been unable to focus on the Way. I also have a love for China, yet I know very little about her.
My first goal is to deeply study Buddhism and Taoism to gain a good base for my dedication to Shaolin. All the important things, such as the eightfold path, need to be the base for living. I will also study Chinese history and learn all I can about the land and her people.
From there, having trained a bit in Tae Kwon Do a few years ago, I need to regain my flexibility, stamina, and basic movements.
Once I have prepared in these things, I seek to join a school/temple such as the one you are setting up in Las Vegas. One at which I can study not just Gong Fu, but all aspects of Shaolin philosophy and life. I plan on spending my "alone" time practicing what I have learned and meditating, yet I greatly desire occasional training and inspiration from a true Shaolin Master.
My ultimate goal? I wish to become a Disciple. While I am sure that having a normal life with a wife, living in the United States and having a Career, would prevent me from becoming a graduated Shaolin Monk (also since I am 27 years old), I have the hope that I could achieve Disciple status someday.
I feel very fortunate that I have a supportive wife and also a career that allows me to freely travel around the country (and even internationally) on my days off, so I am EXTREMELY interested in your school in Las Vegas. (I live in the Detroit area). However, I would like to find a school in my area that I could train at when I am unable to be in Vegas.
As for my questions, basically they are this -- What possibility of Discipleship lies for somebody like me? Has your school in Vegas opened for training yet? How often, when the INS issues get finalized and the honored ones get their visas, will one be able to train directly under them?
And finally, what suggestions do you all have for someone dedicating themselves to living life according to the Shaolin path?
It has been my pleasure to find this place on the internet, and I look forward to many interesting conversations here with all of you as well as training with you someday!
Best Regards,
Edward
Second, I wanted to compliment Doc on this excellent website!
A bit about myself -- I have always had a love for (and been able to relate to) the arts. I find my life views to be closely aligned with those of Shaolin, and am dedicating myself to following its path. Up until now my life has been dominated by emotion and lack of discipline, thus I have been unable to focus on the Way. I also have a love for China, yet I know very little about her.
My first goal is to deeply study Buddhism and Taoism to gain a good base for my dedication to Shaolin. All the important things, such as the eightfold path, need to be the base for living. I will also study Chinese history and learn all I can about the land and her people.
From there, having trained a bit in Tae Kwon Do a few years ago, I need to regain my flexibility, stamina, and basic movements.
Once I have prepared in these things, I seek to join a school/temple such as the one you are setting up in Las Vegas. One at which I can study not just Gong Fu, but all aspects of Shaolin philosophy and life. I plan on spending my "alone" time practicing what I have learned and meditating, yet I greatly desire occasional training and inspiration from a true Shaolin Master.
My ultimate goal? I wish to become a Disciple. While I am sure that having a normal life with a wife, living in the United States and having a Career, would prevent me from becoming a graduated Shaolin Monk (also since I am 27 years old), I have the hope that I could achieve Disciple status someday.
I feel very fortunate that I have a supportive wife and also a career that allows me to freely travel around the country (and even internationally) on my days off, so I am EXTREMELY interested in your school in Las Vegas. (I live in the Detroit area). However, I would like to find a school in my area that I could train at when I am unable to be in Vegas.
As for my questions, basically they are this -- What possibility of Discipleship lies for somebody like me? Has your school in Vegas opened for training yet? How often, when the INS issues get finalized and the honored ones get their visas, will one be able to train directly under them?
And finally, what suggestions do you all have for someone dedicating themselves to living life according to the Shaolin path?
It has been my pleasure to find this place on the internet, and I look forward to many interesting conversations here with all of you as well as training with you someday!
Best Regards,
Edward
Comment