Today, the Shaolin Monastery teaches and promotes martial arts. There is very little, if no available literature about their current teachings and promotion of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Clearly there is more mass interest in Kung Fu than meditation. First, we need to consider the CCP secular position. Kung Fu brings in tourism, but suppressing their religious teachings may be a concession. The CCP fears large organizations that may grow beyond their party rule, like the 100,000 practitioners of Falun Gong. At one time they had more members than the CCP and feared, although never a reality, a political coup. The Falun Gong were deemed an evil cult by the CCP. Members were arrested and sent off to years of reeducation camp. (A remaining remnant of the Cultural Revolution) Second, Shaolin warrior monks are not fully ordained Buddhist priests. They take the same five precepts as any ordinary Sangha (congregation) member:
I shall not kill
I shall not steal
I shall not be dishonest
I shall not misuse intoxicants
I shall not misuse sexuality
Only ordained monks are required to take the vow of celibacy and vegetarianism*. Although, when living in the monastery (which is a training center for monks) everyone follows the monastic rules of the ordained monk. This includes 5 more precepts:
Eating only at appointed times (not after noon).
Refraining from dancing, singing, music, and entertainments.
Refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
Refrain from seeking luxuries; lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
Refrain from accepting gold and silver (vow of poverty to be reliant on the Sanga) Living closely in a large group, the objective of Sila (precepts) is to create a harmonious environment conducive to training and develop the discipline required to live in the secular world after graduation. Monks live on a weekly schedule with a day or two off the training schedule. Although, training is continuously. Off the temple grounds or during holidays with the abbot’s permission, some of the monastic precepts are relaxed. For example, monks can watch movies, listen to music, and enjoy the hospitality of friends. *If a monk enters into a relationship that bears offspring, they can no longer commit their entire life to the Sangha. They are required to leave and raise their child. Once the child reaches the age of maturity, they can don their robe, return to the order, and continue their practice.
Originally Indian Buddhists ate meat. They practiced begging. They received all donation / offering without discrimination. It is only China that associates Buddhism with the requirement of vegetarianism. Parishioners usually give appropriately.
