Disciple Acceptance
Shaolin Temple Disciple Acceptance Guide
Core Purpose of Shaolin Inheritance
The primary goal of our shaolin temple disciple acceptance program is to uphold the sacred lineage of “Uniting Zen and Shaolin Kungfu, Cultivating Shaolin Kungfu with Virtue.” Following the ancient maxim, “Learning Etiquette Before Practicing Art, Cultivating Virtue Before Practicing Shaolin Kungfu,” this process ensures we select disciples with exceptional moral character, strong determination, and genuine talent.
By strictly adhering to the “Ten Taboos of Non-Transmission,” we preserve the authentic intergenerational bloodline and spirit of traditional martial arts intangible cultural heritage.
Principles of Admittance
Adhering to the Shaolin Code of Ethics
Disciples must exhibit correct conduct, modesty, perseverance, and deep respect for teachers and the Dao. Adhering to the shaolin code of ethics means practicing “Filial Piety, Fraternity, Loyalty, and Trustworthiness” while completely rejecting rebellious, bullying, or deceitful behaviors.
Requirements for the Shaolin Kung Fu Martial Arts
While “extraordinary talent” is not mandatory, beginners must demonstrate strong imitation skills, sharp comprehension, and a deep passion for the shaolin kung fu martial art. A foundation in sports talent, flexibility, coordination, and physical health is highly preferred to withstand the rigorous lifestyle. Minors require parental or guardian consent and a signed inheritance commitment letter promising to pursue long-term study without utilitarian motives.
Follow-up Training and Management
Enrolling in Traditional Martial Arts Lineage Classes
Accepted disciples enter a structured, multi-stage traditional martial arts program divided into Foundation Building, Skill Improvement, and Practice. Students systematically learn classic routines (Xiaohong Fist, Dahong Fist, Luohan Fist), traditional weapons (knife, spear, sword, staff), Zen practice, and basic Shaolin medicine.
Inside the Daily Shaolin Monks Training System
The daily shaolin monks training implements full-time, closed-door management, practicing the daily disciplines of “Sleeping like a bow, Sitting like a bell, Walking like the wind, and Standing like a nail.”
Rigorous Testing: Assessments are conducted at every stage. A student who fails twice consecutively will be deemed unsuitable for the lineage and advised to leave, ensuring the highest standard of cultural quality.
Inheritance Responsibility: Disciples must never use their learned skills for evil or arbitrarily pass unique school secrets to outsiders.
The Official Shaolin Temple Disciple Acceptance Ceremony
Following ancient systems, this solemn ritual establishes the sacred master-disciple relationship through “Respecting Ancestors, Honoring Teachers, and Making an Agreement” under the watchful eye of orthodox inheritors and elders.
Setting Up the Hall: The incense hall is arranged with the memorial tablet of Patriarch Bodhidharma placed in the center alongside the teacher-invitation letter and the Six Gifts of Apprenticeship (celery, lotus seeds, jujubes, longans, red beans, and dried meat).
Offering Incense: The disciple offers three sticks of incense to Patriarch Bodhidharma and past ancestors, holding them to the brow while silently reciting the inheritance oath.
Presenting the Letter and Ritual: The disciple kneels, presenting a handwritten teacher-invitation letter and the Six Gifts. They then perform the Three Kneels and Nine Kowtows to honor Heaven, Earth, the Ancestors, and the Master.
Master’s Instruction & Token Exchange: The master reads the school precepts, patting the disciple’s shoulder to entrust them with historical responsibility. Tokens are exchanged, such as Shaolin prayer beads, practice weapons, or hand-copied scriptures, to symbolize the passing on of art and heart.
Taking the Oath: In front of the ancestral tablet, the disciple signs the inheritance commitment letter, promising: “Being a Disciple for Life, Bearing the Responsibility for Life.”
Following the ceremony, a group photo officially records the disciple’s inclusion into the orthodox shaolin temple disciple acceptance genealogy.
