The ten precepts detailed below and give a guideline of skills and practice requirements for those who want to become a Shaolin Monk. These are the 'Holy Grail' for a warrior to be and if you truly want to join this elite group you will need to understand them.
1. Precept 1
Agility - The body must be agile, fast and alive with energy. If you take any step you hand must make a corresponding quick movement. The movement of all body parts must be completely coordinated. If about to strike do not even look at the shadow of your hand, never attract attention to your fist. Only if you improve your skills constantly will you reach the pinnacle of your combat potential.
2. Precept 2
'Motion and rest of two arms and two feet must be in coordination and in supplement of each other' It is believed that the motion of the heart is in control of how energy or 'chi' is distributed to the whole body and originates at the cinnabar or 'dantian' field i.e. three to five centimeters below the navel.
How the chi is vibrating affects how the body will behave. If the chi flows freely the body will be heroic and tough like a tiger or dragon. When the body's force and energy combine it is manifested by the ability to 'exert astonishing sounds.
3. Precept 3
It is believed that during a fight all the five elements should be uniquely fused. The five elements of nature interact constantly and to understand them they should be observed. An understanding of the laws of birth and the 'surmounting of the five elements' enables a Shaolin warrior to absorb the meaning of combat arts.
Each element originates with unified chi energy, the force which causes the body to act. If you grasp these concepts you will have incredible strength. Blood and chi are required to be in harmony and if so the Shaolin warrior will have superior health and strength.
