I began my study of the martial arts, as most students do, because I wanted to protect myself and those I care for from agressors. Ironically, I found two martial forms that were designed by Buddhist teachers who wanted to bring more peace into their students lives. In both cases these Buddhist teachers understood that before one can teach peace, one must subdue and then control the violent offenders. The one who wins is the one who establishes the rules for peace. The first martial art form I learned was design by a Japanese Buddhist. Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu. The second martial arts form was designed by the Chinese Shaolin Buddhist Monks. Shaolin Tang Lang Kung Fu. These paintings are a tribute to their influence in my life.
Shaolin Monks practicing through four seasons
Winter: Shaolin Practicing the Dao
Acrylic on Panel
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The Dao, or the single edge Broad Sword, consider the 'Grandfather of Swords' was developed during the Han Dynasty, 206-1 B.C.E.
Spring: Shaolin Practicing The Jin
Acrylic on Panel
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The Jin, or the double edge sword was developed during the late Spring and Autumn to early Warring States (500-350 BCE) and is considered the "Gentleman of Weapons."
Summer: Shaolin Practices Qi Xing Tang Lang Quan
Acrylic on Panel
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Qi Xing Tang Lang Quan or Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu was born during the transition from the Ming Dynasty to the Ching Dynasty during the 1650s by Wang Lang, a student at the Lashang Monastary in Shandong province in Northern China. He observed a Mantis defeat a cicada ten times his size, and decided to develop the techniques which gave the smaller opponent the victory.
Fall: Shaolin Practices the Gun
Acrylic on Panel
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The Gun, or the Staff is fashioned with one thick end as the base and a thinner end near the tip, and is cut to be about the same height as the user or six feet long.
Yugen: Mystery, The Sword and the Lotus
Acrylic on Panel
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"Whatever the trials or dangers, even "Hell under the upraised sword," remain calm and remember the doctrine imparted to you by your teacher." From the Esoteric Principles written by Professor Henry Seishiro Okasaki, founder of Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu.
Professor Seishiro Okasaki believed that the martial arts provided two very important functions. It imparted the knowledge of fighting techniques that would allow even a small person to stop a larger person from doing harm, and it caused a person to wake up his mind and spirit. This awakening experience he called Shabumi, as in to be fully aware and at peace. He was a Buddhist. Buddhism is not a religion, according to it's founder, Siddhartha. It is a training of the mind to become calm and aware of every moment by releasing desires and fears. He was aware that this is a skill, and to achieve this peace, one must practice. Learning fighting causes one to focus on each moment one is practicing. Therefore the practice becomes a meditation. He compared this growing body of martial knowledge to a lotus flower that grows unseen beneath the surface of the water until it floats to the top and blooms. The sword being lifted by two sparrows by threads represents the continuous reminder that we live in a world where danger is always present, often coming from unseen places. Be prepared. Learn the techniques that will give you the ability to stop a person with malevolent intent. The stone monolith with the kanji carved into the surface are the combat techniques written into his mokuroku scroll which Professor Seishiro Okasaki taught his students. As the stone rises from the water more of the techniques become apparent. The water represents the mind. To become a martial artists is to learn how to wake up to peace of mind, through the art of subduing an adversary. I studied Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu for many years. And then I continued my martial arts studies in Shaolin Tang Lang Kung Fu for many more years. I am grateful to all my teachers who brought me through my lessons.
The Slicing of a Water Droplet
Acrylic on panel
Prints are available