Saturday 25 January 2014

Buddhist Retreat


Date: 14th August 2014 – 20th August 2014
Number of people: 6 (Places are limited so register today to avoid disappointment.)
Closing date: 15th June 2014
Location: Tiankai Temple, Beijing, China
Standard fee: £350
Standard fee covers the cost of running the event
Supporting fee: £420
Supporting fee is an optional higher fee for those who wish to contribute to our charity project.
The fee includes all meals, accommodation, teachings and practice. We are not responsible for International airfares to and from China or any other legal costs such as visa fees, travel insurance or personal spending.


General information

This year UK Shaolin Temple Charity is running a small charity project trip to Tiankai Temple in China, an authentic Chan Buddhist temple. This project is towards UK Shaolin Temple Central Temple campaigning and Tiankai Temple funds for more information about this campaigning please click here.
Its aim is also to promote cultural exchange and create a deeper understanding of this traditional monastic way of life, the Buddhist teachings and spread a deeper awareness of Chan culture.
Participants will experience what it is like to eat, sleep and practice like an authentic Chan Buddhist monk or nun, whist at the same time raising money for this beautiful, traditional and peaceful temples in the UK and China. This also will be a deeply rewarding and unique experience to whoever takes part, however it may also prove to be quite challenging too.
As this is a very traditional temple we are keeping numbers to minimum so that harmony and equilibrium of the temple and its practices are not disturbed. Therefore this time there will be only 6 spaces available.
When you take part in this experience it means that you will be welcomed into this community to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings and learn and practice the traditional ways of the Chan Buddhist monk or nun.

The Precepts and Rules

Eight precepts besides the five precepts, which are observed for life at all times, lay Buddhists may accept the eight precepts. Undertaking the eight precepts is part of both lay Buddhist initiation and regular lay Buddhist devotional practices.
Generally, monks, nuns and lay Buddhists from the Tiankai Temple take eight precepts; however, for retreats people can take five precepts intend eight, you also can choose to eight precepts.
The Eight Precepts:
The Eight Precepts are precepts for lay Buddhist who wish to practice Buddhism more strictly than through adherence to the usual five precepts. The eight precepts focus both on avoiding morally bad behavior, as do the five precepts, and on leading a more ascetic life.
  1. I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
  2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
  3. I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
  4. I undertake to abstain from incorrect speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
  5. I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.
  6. I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is after sunrise, before noon).
  7. I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
  8. I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep.
The Five Precepts:
These basic training rules are observed by all practicing lay Buddhists. The precepts are often recited after reciting the formula for taking refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
  1. I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
  2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
  3. I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
  4. I undertake to abstain from incorrect speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
  5. I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.

Daily Schedule

14th August 2014 – Arrive:
  1. Registration in the Registration office
  2. Introduction
  3. Rest and food
  4. View the Tiankai Temple
  5. Free time
15th August 2014 – 20th August 2014:
04:00Wake-up
04:30 – 06.30Morning service (Meditation & chanting)
06:50Breakfast
08:30 – 10:30Labor activities
10:50Lunch
14:00 – 15:30Worshipping Buddha
16:00 – 17:30Study (Video class)
18:50 – 20:30Evening service (Meditation & chanting)
21:30Silence time
22:00Lights out

Generosity or Dana

We are often asked how much a retreat costs. This note is to provide information indicating cost of running this event.
At the end of every retreat there is an opportunity for participants to make a contribution. People are invited to give, where faith arises, what they feel they can offer. Donations are voluntary and can be made anonymously.
Your spirit of generosity will help the Tinakai Temple and UK Shaolin Temple to continue to provide facilities for teaching and practice into the future.

Gift Aid Scheme

Under the Gift Aid scheme, the UK Shaolin Temple is able to claim the basic rate of tax on donations received from UK taxpayers. Gift Aid is one of the most popular tax-effective donation methods in the UK. Gift Aid is also one of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity. It is a scheme introduced by HM Revenue & Customs,  which allows us to reclaim the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer. Gift Aid is worth at least an extra 25p for every £1 you give. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you! please click here for more information.
Please Note: We CANNOT take any bookings 3 months before the retreat starts, also we CANNOT take any bookings after we have 6 people registered. Bookings can made online or by post, we do not accept booking by email or by phone. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Confirmation

On receipt of a booking form we will send a booking confirmation or information about your place on a waiting list. Please supply a stamped addressed envelope or an e-mail address.

For more information please click here: http://www.shaolincentre.org/buddhist-retreat/

Friday 10 January 2014

Shaolin culture



Shaolin culture has been in the world more than 1600 yeas and it contains within it many traditions from philosophical to physical. One of its most renowned is Shaolin Kung Fu. Kung Fu's original purpose of was to improve the wellbeing of its monks. Although more importantly, it was used to express the wisdom of Ch'an in a physical form.

Other influences on the Shaolin culture is the wider Chinese culture. A sincere comprehension of Shaolin culture therefore also requires the study of Ch'an and Chinese culture and history.


Shaolin culture was passed down from dedicated warrior monks through generations of disciples. Now, the UK Shaolin Temple wishes to continue this tradition in the UK. We do this in order to preserve this unique culture and also allow for more people to learn and develop from their teachings.

Sunday 5 January 2014

A message from Shi Yanming


My teaching is Kung Fu, which is based on traditional Shaolin Kung Fu. I hold a deep respect for the old Shaolin culture but sadly; it appears to be vanishing rapidly with the rise of its popularity in recent decades.

Ironically, while traditional Shaolin culture is disappearing, more and more people appear to be riding on its past success.  For example, more alleged Shaolin masters are appearing, especially in the media. For instance, my Temple name was given to me in 1997. In accordance with the Shaolin naming system, mine should be the only Shi Yanming of my generation, however there are more Shi Yanmings than myself.

I want to preserve Shaolin’s esteemed traditional culture so that it is not diluted or lost to commercialism. This is my duty, as well as my personal mission.


My effort to achieve this is to build a temple. This temple will not only be a home for Shaolin teachers such as myself, but also home for anyone who desires to learn traditional Shaolin culture. I envision this temple to be a spiritual home for all people. As a result, it will become a home for Shaolin culture itself. Once Shaolin is preserved in its purest form, it will allow more people to develop from its teachings in the future. I will try my hardest to see this journey through to its end, no matter how hard or long it may be.


I am certain that there are many people who also share this wish. They can be anyone, not just unsung, talented masters but also ordinary people who are deeply moved and inspired from the teachings of Shaolin. My wish is for all of us to unite together in this cause because without it, Shaolin culture may be lost.

Amituofu.