"Where is the abbot? I need to speak to him now". Ling whispered to an elderly monk who was litting candles in the alter.
"oh..the abbot? He is doing his seven days meditation retreat in his room. No one is allowed to disturb him within this seven days".
The elderly monk notice the tall and lean red haired lad and motion them to follow after him outside of the prayer halls.
"Talk here is better". The monk put his palms together to greet Hwaorang.
Hwaorang, wearing a smirk on his face, threw the monk a classy two-fingered salute.
Xiao Yu was doubly shocked and froze. That idiot! that's not how you should greet a monk!. Recovering from her bewilderment almost immediately, she squeaked:" UM!..." Rushing to give a quick announcement:" My friend here would like to stay here for 3 months..and I wonder if it is possible to let him stay?".
Silence filled the air.
"3 months?...that's very long stay...and what is the purpose of your stay?" The monk directed his eyes at Hwaorang, asking calmly and politely.
"I er..come to pay a visit to Ling. "Hwaorang said timidly after he glanced at Ling who was giving him a warning look"..and..at the same time I er...want to learn some Shao Lin Kung Fu".
" I see...lots of young man or boys had travelled far to come to this place to learn our ancient martial arts...however...to master the Shao Lin Kung Fu, one needs to have great dedication and spirit. It takes years to forge the vast and complex skills of one martial art technique....not only that...you must also seek wisdom and observe the Shaolin's standard of precepts that highlights the basis of morality. Usually..ten comes, one stay...lots of hard work. It is not so easy a thing". The elderly monk chuckled softly in his deep voice. "It is rare that the masters here will accept any disciples unless the disciples are interested in the road of pursuing the spiritual path and renunciation". The monk smiled broadly with a twinkle in his eyes.
Xiao Yu added quickly: "My friend here is actually a black don in Taekwondo. He teaches in the Baek Dojo in Korea. He does have some background in Martial Arts...also...we forgot to mention that he is also interested in volunteering to teach english in exchange for some martial arts and Buddhist philosophical knowledge....One of the monks in the monastery, Pu Lin is already looking forward to learn English from Hwaorang.... so Pu Lin can better his english in the future and travel in the western countries to propagate the Dharma and.. the existent ancient treasures of the Shao Lin Kung Fu".
The elderly monk contemplated for awhie and nodded his head slowly. "Yes...I've heard of Pu Lin talking about this goal of his to propagate dharma in the west..this is a lofty vow indeed...I personally believe the small Pu Lin has great wisdom for his young years....perhaps...." The elder paused and fingered the beads in his hand and relented, making the other two gulped with anticipation " perhaps...the right affinity has come...if Pu Lin personally himself looked forward to learning English from your friend here...then I believe they must share some karmic affinity....very well. You may stay for 3 months. I will arrange a place for you to 'gua dan' then...Xiao Yu..please take care of your friend and explain to him the rules of our monastery...so he may know what to expect and how to get around". The elderly monk put his palms together as a gesture of taking leave and withdraw back to the prayer halls in silence.
"Good one Ling...that was a close one".
"What were you doing with that two finger salute?? That is the most impolite thing EVER to do when you are greeting a monk! You idiot" She snapped as soon as
the elder monk stepped back into the prayer hall.
"it is not as if he cares...." He replied with a cool candor.
Xiao Yu had a half mind to whack him on the head for his ignorance but decided to restraint herself from accumulating more bad karmas and doing further wrongs inside the vaccinity of the peaceful monastery. She folded her arms in a rebellious pout.
Hwaorang turned to her suddenly and flashed her a dazzling smile: "Hey Ling! mind if you can get me something to eat? I'm starving". The moment he finished speaking, Hwaorang's stomach gave an awesome growl making Xiao Yu look down at his stomach and back up at his silly smiling face.
"Uh...Hwaorang?". She started uncomfortably.
Hwaorang shrugged. "What?"
She was tongue-tied with a troubled look. "Um..."
"um what?" Hwaorang queried impatiently. "just get me anything..I dont' care whether I have to eat your cooking...I'm so hungry, I'll eat any veggie or stinky tofu for dinner..just get me something to fill up".
Before Hwarang could even add anything more, Xiao Yu broke in." Sorry to tell you this Hwaorang...I don't mean to torture you...but...strictly speaking...No eating is allowed after 12pm..this is one of the monastery's rule".
Posted by in4/moonflowerdiary
at 5:29 PM EDT
Updated: Monday, 6 June 2005 8:10 PM EDT
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Updated: Monday, 6 June 2005 8:10 PM EDT
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