How a Zen Buddhist Master Rejected Me.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 เม.ย. 2018
- I adventure to a Chinese Zen Buddhist Monastery to see if the Master would share some of his Wisdom. Things don't go to plan...
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Actually it's funny, because in his rejection the monk gave us the essence of Chan buddhism which is to be in the moment and nothing else. It's as simple as that. Thank you.
It's great advice, but I don't see how it distinguishes the philosophy. The exact same advice can be found in the Old Testament, Taoism, Islam, Hinduiism, the Stoics... those are the ones I know of.
I think it's a fundamental truth needed for any kind of spiritual advancement.
@@Durzo1259 The difference is that you are God
@@Durzo1259 from the char durzo blint?
@@_GreenShadow_ Why would you limit yourself like that?
The master literally did the TH-cam interview and shared his wisdom with the world without even doing the interview. Amazing! That was great teaching.
I, from central China’s Wudang Mountains, feel happy to hear from George, whose Taoist name is Tang Ning Zixu.
In The history of China, Buddhism and Taoism have been competing with and absorbing good content from each other.
Here in Wudang or in Taoism, there is a saying: 老道老道，吃饭睡觉 which means:
An old ( veteran) Taoist eats and sleeps.
The monk in the monastery where Zixu’s staying is saying something quite like this!
I don’t mean in this B. Imitate T.who knows? Maybe on the contrary - T. Imitate B.?
I don’t want to just talk good way of eating and sufficient sleep is beneficial for health.
I want to say: in a larger sense, our whole life is a cultivation which we should practise in a manner of meditation, or should lead in a meditator’s manner, I. e.
When you eat, you eat. Don’t talk.
When you sleep, you sleep, don’t trouble your mind to think!
When you do tai chi chuan, concentrate on the practice!
When you are a Taoist ( Sanfeng Sect ) disciple, go on a Taoist way - I guess this is what the Zen Master “saying”?
When you have meant to have an experience through 5 month China Tour of Kung fu, Tai chi and oriental wisdom ( as shown at top of your TH-cam channel banner), you should cover all the contents - each part, more or less.
The VERY last suggestion was proposed by me. Or I very much approved when the disciple Zixu mentioned to a certain degree.
I quite understand a young western man can’t resist the temptation of the term Kung fu or the picture of Kung fu training in a monastery. Since he is already in China, you, anyway, need let him try, or have a taste of that....
So here I also give answers to those who asked me why I should let George go.
Because I know George who said he would come back to Wudang in a few weeks is to come back. The end of his becoming Disciple movie saddened quite some people, and me as well. But I would not, like a parent does to the kid, keep him all the time with me.
Nevertheless, I’m very happy to hear that he will come back shortly!
Eventually he will become more dedicated to the WAY !
Wudang Taoist Wellness Academy I have missed the two of you in the videos as well, Master Gu. And your words are very profound.
Greetings, Master Gu 🙏🏻. If I may, I think there is something to be explained here, unknown to westerners.
In the East ( and my experience is from studying in a sufi school ) it is ‘allowed’ to become a disciple of one master only. At the beginning, there is a preliminary period, when both the master and the student observe and assess each other. Afterwards ( this period can last years ), if the master agrees and the student is willing, he becomes ‘initiated’ - he is from that time a lifelong disciple of the master. Traditionally, once one has received initiation from a master, no other master will accept him as a disciple/initiate. This is how it has always been and what I have witnessed myself. This doesn’t mean one can’t learn from different masters, just not as a disciple, as an insider, but as a regular student.
Master Gu - please don’t take it to heart. We in the West have no knowledge of this master and disciple relationship. It is a cultural difference that can cause many misunderstandings.
Hope this helps, sorry for the length ( I could have written more :-) ).
May we all find what we are searching for 🔆
Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts. I just recently “met” you and George. For a 70 year old house bound person to have a way to see and listen to you is beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks especially for explaining the character for dao as I am learning to write characters
You are an excellent Master and your videos with George have been very helpful and amazing!
I am just getting into Tai Chi now and I have bought your course, both because your form is a great model, but also to support you, your great spirit, and your temple!
@@laseryohanna for me also it has been Wild and a Dream beyond my wildest, and sweetest, and more indescribably profound, to be able to 'meet' George and Master Gu, Who complement each other, George rendering understanding possible. Specially here, in the Champagne beautiful but lone region where I live, in the countryside, this knowledges would have been inaccessible if it werent for the Generosity of Master Gu and the Eagerness of George to share this with us in this real meeting Space that TH-cam, and the internet can be. When It is True Sharing, Real Sharing, Sharing of Truths, it is Real, not Virtual, it is as Real as if someone had came and whispered it to me in my garden while I watch the soft flowers of the cherry tree and the Young Golden Apple tree dance with the wind.
This really reminds me of Alan Watts "Way of Zen". Zen is a finger pointing at the moon, a sudden cry or a good laugh. Zen is, realizing there is nothing to learn and nothing to strive for. You already are, what you need to be.
@paul w Is that so? well that could very well be.
good enough for lazy white people!
@@oakstgorillas ?
Not really.
@ciaran perry…. yet your comment seems pretty close to nothing.
"The essence of the Way is detachment and the goal of those who practice is freedom from appearances."
(The Zen teaching of Bodhidharma)
Excellent video! As a now non-practicing Buddhist, I can go back to the mid-70s when I was heavily into Zen. The overarching teaching was, yes, when you eat, just eat. When you sit, just sit, be in the moment because there is nothing else. Unfortunately, people will forever be doing something but their minds are away on a different subject! Thanks!
What he meant was "I have a terrible hangover, now would you please gtfo".
Here's what the Zen dude meant: "This Is It."
What makes you think he has anything to teach? ;)
"Can we talk about the taste of chocolate?"
Zen master: "taste chocolate"
What he meant is really simple: First you need to learn, then you can share it by yourself.
Thank you for doing what you're doing, George:-)
The teacher did not forget to turn up. The teaching is nothing. An American once went to a Japanese zen master and explained his interest in zen. The Japanese master impressed, performed a tea ceremony but only used hot water, no tea. This was a great compliment to the visitor who understood the metaphor. Your master not turning up was a great compliment to you. When you were dissatisfied and pressed him further he said “when doing kung fu, just do kung fu etc..” the real teaching is no teaching.
Great way to present Chinese Culture even I am Chinese still love to watch and learn from your video :) you made it interesting and easy understanding, very well done George, keep the great work. Yanxin
Your vids are getting more & more fascinating. Quite the adventure and most inspiring!
Thank you! I love following your journey. It helps me remember to stay focused on my journey. 💜
I really apreciate your effort to share. Almost a year ago I was learning kung fu, it was awesome, but at some point I also got the feeling that to get more wisdom you need to have money, so I'm very thankful with you for trying and all the videos. By the way that king fu monastery looks incredible, enjoy!
The slick editing and pulsating music at the beginning has such a Western "gotta get out in the world, down my Starbucks, accomplish 15 tasks today, and become successful" attitude it's no wonder you were told no, and rightly so.
Buddha bless George! Can't wait to see the new video
George, thanks so much for sharing! I'm really enjoying following along with your adventures, even as I begin my own tai chi lessons here locally. You're inspiring! Best wishes to you and much love.
He is saying; "everything in it's own time."
everything in it's right place
Thank you for what you are doing here. 🙏🏻
Please, thank Master Gu also. 🙏🏻
Ha, George! Great the way you kept mediating in anticipation of the Zen Master coming over. I would do such a thing my self! Have a great weekend and never stop putting your energy into something that you think yield awesome results, such as the catching the Zen Master on film! Good luck!
Dude it's so cool that you did this. I would love to do something like this.
I love this---so helpful. Thank you!
Wow well done for being so honest and open
You're good at filming and making videos🔥💯 Keep it up!
Hi George. I have just recently discovered you on youtube and want to say what a great work you are doing to explore different things in life and share with us your valuable insights. I graduated in London and have been working in IB for over 10 years. Whilst the finance career is both stressful and rewarding I admire individuals like you who has the audacity and determination to leap into the relative unknown where your heart points to. I will continue to be watching your videos. If you are back in London one day and free for a coffee or dinner please let me know. Would like to treat you good food and drinks for the great work and interested to become a personal friend.
Perhaps a subtle lesson that if you want to ask about Zen then you ought to devote yourself to Zen; if you want to ask about Daoism, then devote yourself to Daoism. Don’t worry about filling your head with both and trying to analyze the differences, merits, and issues with either. Just pick and live one, rather than trying to create competition.
Exactly, you must be always focused on the present and what you are doing at that moment, dont think just feel. The way your master explained it is perfect :) Keep up the great work
wow the excitement is so amazing 👍
I try to live in the moment as often as possible. I've been a follower of taoism for many years now. Life is beautiful when you open your eyes and see what is in front of you
Thank you, George!
very cool video, like it so much 👍thank you 🙏🏻
Great insight at the end brother.
🙏🙏 thanks George! 🙏💕
Thanks George for your wisdom.
Another great video mate! Hopefully you can convince him :D
Im happy I understand what you said thanks for simplifying it
I learned much about zen buddhism living in a homeless shelter. You don't need robes, a master, a set of wooden beads or any of that. Learn to meditate, if your life improves, keep doing it. And your practice if kept up, is equal to anyone else's out there.
Do NOT be fooled by those who would consider you more or less ''zen'' depending on who you studied with, what books you read or whether or not you've been to Japan or China or India.
Pretty people sitting in lotus position in pretty places are NOT better than you.
You can have an extraordinary experience in an ordinary place.
To await the master to share his wisdom is like giving something you have to another , and ask them to give it back to you.
Wisdom cannot be implanted to another.
Knowledge can, but not wisdom.
Awesome!!
What's up George awesome video brother😎👊👍
Not all things are for showing...let people ready and find their way !!!
Great vid
It’s actually a very deep line about “when u eat - u eat etc”
There is a lot of ways you can understand it and a lot of hidden meanings you can find in it
actually there is nothing hidden about it.its very simple, but our minds always want something more...
Due i found you just few weeks ago, thank you for doing all this...
Thanks nice video
This actually helped me with something.
Very interesting thanks for sharing
Very good GT
When you go back to the Wudang mountains I would love a udemy wudang tai chi course! Keep up the good work!
Great! I'm looking forward to it!
I always like the music in your videos. Make a playlist!
🙏🙏🙏🙏☯️☯️☯️☯️ Thank You ☕️🥥
yay new video
actually he gave you the utmost supreme wisdom.all you ever need to know. its up to you if you choose to listen.
Love you're doing George. I'd love to have an experience like this if you wouldn't mind sharing some of the details some time...
many zen masters do that, in the past it was difficult to get accepted by a master, people had to wait for long. There is a famous story about the first Bodhidharma's student who cut his arm of so Bodhidharma would accept him.
Basically he is saying you can't film while walking. One job at a time. No multi tasking. Concentration is the key for success in everything.
Thanks for a great video. What monastery is this? I couldn't find it in the description.
i think what he meant maybe telling you to concentrate on doing your best at that certain things. i had alot of things on my mind...thanks for reminding me of that. i'll try again...
Your moves have improved, grasshopper 😁
Be like water 🙇♀️🙇♀️
You can know everything in every moment if you let the Universe in and don't block it with one's own delusions. I have known this a few times in meditation, but as more permanent state of being it currently eludes me. I am still working on it. Ideally one needs to be in tune with the whole universe, like the best harmonies ever written. (Musician, music makes the most sense to me.)
I await the master’s decision if he will share his wisdom 😌
Not knowing how near the Tao is, people seek it far away ...what a disappointment. They are like those who, in the midst of a waterfall, cry in thirst so imploringly. ...Padawan.
@@mael-strom9707 You condescending twat. Don't go around calling people Padawan. Are you some kind of "Master"?
Dumb Ass !
Theravada buddhism and Daoism makes way more sense in my personal views. Zen buddhism is a whole new ball game....Great video regardless!
Keep the tai chi training videos coming
Thanks for the wonderful videos sharing Taoism and other philosophies. I'm curious, how is your stress level as you manage your TH-cam workload along with everyday life while trying to live a lifestyle of the here and now?
Once I gave up TH-cam (photography videos), I became much more peacefully minded and since adopting regular meditation now during the lockdown, I've even ceased listening to a lot of music as well. I cherish silence once more and this notion of "do one thing at once". Flowing immersed in the river, with no mental weight of self-documentation or attempting to swim up or downstream.
Maybe you are better able to manage the competing timelines of life, presence and documentation of your journey or it simply isn't an issue for you.
I want to go to that place and to WTWC too George!!!
Those were wise words from the Master.
Nice 👍🏽
I'm a runner in training for the great Welsh marathon in Llanelli Wales U.K. in 2019 April.
Yoyoyoo, what’s the song that starts at 5:11 plz
Btw love ur content ^^❤️
George this video was fantastic, and so inspiring. I'm living in southern China right now (Shenzhen) and I want to experience a Zen Buddhist environment for myself, would you share the name of this monastery with me?
did you do it?
Hi George. It's been my lifelong dream to go to the Wudang mountain to train. How much do lessons cost with these masters?
To die but not to perish is to be eternally present because the time is always now; now is the time!
People who believe in relativity know that the distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.
'He who tells a secret cannot keep a secret.' Anon.
You are just as wise and much kinder than that Zen "Master"
Subbed and bell'd btw
Hey cool I want to learn
The time is always now.
Go George !
In Indonesia there is call TriDhrma : One tample With 3 Religion inside.
Taoism, Budhism,Confuism
That looks like Columbus Park at 6:21, in the heart of Chinatown.
George i teach my five sons to follow the sun. Sleep when the globe rolls away from the sun and rise when our globe points back to the sun. Darkness has some value .
What is this temple called and where is it located
Is this video a DVD?
@George how did kung fu come to this particular temple ??
Bro you been down to Havasupai?
Thank you George. I was very sceptical towards younger generations (=millenials) thinking they are all shallow and narcissistic. You've just proved me wrong.
Blessings to you All
There will always be about the same percentage of "shallow" and "enlightened" people
The amount of concentration it would take a heart surgeon to clamp an artery is the amount of concentration we should have in all we do. Those who are meant to visit such places have been picked long before their existence, so Zen master is correct on that. Everything has happened, is happening and will happen accordingly to plan all we really have to do is be present and allow life to unravel.
When the Master was saying "when you eat, you eat" he was quoting a famous Chan Master, Linji Yixuan (simplified Chinese: 临济义玄; traditional Chinese: 臨濟義玄; pinyin: Línjì Yìxuán; Wade-Giles: Lin-chi I-hsüan; Japanese: 臨済義玄 Rinzai Gigen; died 866 CE) was the founder of the Linji school of Chán Buddhism during Tang Dynasty China. In Japan the school is known as Rinzai. The Linji quote is: " when hungry, eat your rice; when tired, close your eyes."
BTW, love your channel!
great content you got here on your vid as usual! looking forward to the next vid but I'd still prefer Wudang/Taoist Way if I were you.
Ego resides in the mind and if you do spiritual practices such as meditation, taichi, yoga or other activities, the ego feels threatened. George, may I humbly suggest to watch a movie called Becoming Nobody? It's a documentary about the life of Ram Dass, a Harward professor who, in the late 1960s, together with a colleague (Timothy Leary) were fired for researching the effects of LSD on students and themselves. They were the pioneers of the hippy movement and later on in life, Richard Alpert became Ram Dass: a spiritual guide.
I think what he meant is that you should spend your time focusing on the present moment and nothing else.
Amazing thanks for sharing this with us all. Cheers and your the man. Personally I prefer Master Gu but it's also great to see Kung-fu and the Buddhist side of China. Your travels have been so inspiring to me. Thank you
can some1 give me more information about Wu Wei Si?
What is the video after this one?
Buddhist and Taoist is a family, ancient culture and civilization of century....
I want go where is it at
This is my home town.
You lucky sausage George looks like you found the real thing! I can't go and have a lovely time there unfortunately.. I smell and trouble follows me wherever I go. Perhaps the stars will never be in alignment - all I have is a couple of snow-frosted pentagrams to show for all those years of devoted Buddhist practice. If we get to hear any words from the master we should count ourselves lucky. Some of them won't say a word. Cheers!
Seems to me you did much better than you realized! Journey On