--A QUESTIONABLE ARTICLE--

After 300 years, Shaolin Temple resumes a ritual

By Li Fangchao, China Daily, May 26, 2007

Beijing, China -- For the first time in 300 years, the renowned Shaolin Temple held a ritual on Thursday to initiate 600 believers into monkhood. So in 300 years Shaolin has not ordained a single Bhikshu (monk)? I can name at least one in our generation, Hai Deng Fa Shi- Dharma Master Hai Deng (Ocean Lamp). And up until the current Abbot took over, he was living example of a persecuted tradition. Now they dont persecute Buddhists because they CONTROL THEM.

On that same day, millions of monks and believers nationwide observed the Buddha bath festival which usually includes the washing of all statues of the Buddha. Or just one statue, as a remembrance to purify our own hearts.

The ceremony used to be considered an official ritual to recognize a believer into true monkhood. No its not. Its a ceremony for honoring our teacher, Sakyamuni Buddha.

Shi Yongxin, leader of Shaolin Temple and vice- president of the Buddhist Association of China, said that Buddhism in China has embarked on a "golden era" of development with a rapidly increasing number of believers. Just because people SAY they believe doesnt mean that they believe or practice, and more people does not signify a "golden era"; true practitioners, 1 or 1 million signify that the real teaching is flourishing.

According to Shi, China has about 100 million registered religious believers, most of whom are Buddhists and Taoists. "They form an indispensable force to construct a harmonious society," he said. Maybe the more money they give the more harmonious it will be.

Shi said the ritual was suspended for 300 years because the altar where the ritual was held was destroyed. The 26-meter-high three-storey alter was restored last year at the temple, located in Dengfeng, Central China's Henan Province. You dont need a special altar...you just need sincere intentions. Buddhism isnt concerned with outward appearances, its concerned with transforming your faults and bad habits.

The 600 Buddhists were selected out of 1,000 pious Buddhists nationwide. So the Buddhists were picked, like winning a lottery?

Shi said that only Buddhists who have passed a long-term inspection and are believed to have a "pre-destined lot" with Buddhism will be allowed to take the ritual and admitted by the temple. This ceremony is for everybody.

"Only Buddhists who practice Buddhism to a high level can be tonsured and allowed to take the ritual," Shi said. What level? 1st Dwelling? Srotaapanna maybe? (that will be funny to Buddhists)

The ritual will last 28 days during which time the 600 monks will listen to doctrines, learn Buddhism rituals and manners in the temple. 28 days to become a monk?...What kind of monk? Maybe a fake lottery monk.

Both Buddhism and Taoism seem to be attractting more believers. I wonder how much the government spends on advertising?

An international forum on the "Daode Jing", a classic of Taoism, was held last month and lured 300 Taoists from around the world who wanted to explore the true essence of the classic text. Yea, the more people the more clearer it will be...

I saw this article and i just wanted to add my 2cents, maybe you care maybe you dont. No big deal.

kenny-