Dharma Master Yin Le (印乐法师 – Yin Le Fa Shi) is the “new” Head Monk (Abbot) of the Shaolin Temple in Henan province – the birth-place of Chinese Ch’an Buddhism. Master Yin Le is said to be a good and pure Ch’an monk. We wish him well at te Shaolin Temple – and give a bow of respect. This is where the Indian Meditation Master – Bodhidharma – visited around 520 CE (dates vary) bringing this particular school. Other Indian Buddhist monks visited this temple both before and after Bodhidharma. My Ch’an lineage has a warrior element – and is linked to the Caodong lineage – but Master Xu Yun (1840-1959) taught Charles Luk (1898-1978) that money should not be handled or stored-up. This was taught to Richard Hunn (1949-2006) – and he passed-on this vital teaching to me (although I had independently trained as a Ch’an monk due to my connections to the Chinese community). Traditionally, a monk or nun must never touch money or charge for teaching the Dharma (this purity brings a great and pure karma). It is the same for a lay-person – even though they may work for money elsewhere as long as they do not teach Buddhism in return for cash (or any type of payment – even in kind). To teach the Dharma for money or wealth brings hellish karma and makes a mockery of the Ch’an School.
Years ago, when I first accessed the internet, I used to argue with young Americans (and some UK and EU people) that the gongfu they were learning for vast amounts of money in China and the West – was not real and product of youth-orientated (Western-derived) gymnastics. They were so brain-washed they thought the lay-men who taught them in robes were real Shaolin monks! Furthermore, they said that our gongfu was “old fashioned” and “out of date”! Many of the ethnic Chinese “teachers” were greedy and money-orientated – seeing spirituality as “weak”. I stopped arguing as I did not want to be seen as attacking the CPC – which I would never do. In return, I was asked to appear on Chinese TV and explain my connection to China – but I politely refused. The last thing I wanted was further exposure and hundreds of people asking for instruction. It is important to live humbly and simply – and not for show. It is best to disappear and not be seen. If in doubt, keep out of sight.
People with money think they can buy you – like a tin of baked beans off the shop shelf. People with money and a bad character think they can “purchase” their way into your lineage – no, they cannot. The only currency that is acceptable is “virtue”. Virtue is comprised in equal measure by loving kindness, compassion, and wisdom. True Ch’an, true gongfu – is to help the weak, relieve the suffering, and uplift the destitute. It is NOT giving those who already possess everything – even more things! Master Xu Yun is right. Master Xu Yun was attacked throughout his life by those who were greedy, hate-filled, and unwise. Money cannot purchase genuine inner awareness or outer ability. What has happened to Shi Yongxin is truly unfortunate. When I wrote an article about Master Xu Yun some years ago (via a Chinese friend who has a relative who is a Ch’an monk in China) – he assisted me with historical research – and did NOT ask for money. Sometimes we are victims of circumstance. However, if it is all proven true – then Shi Yongxin must make amends for his errors.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 