How is Hung Fa Yi connected with Chan Buddhism?
- William Elliopulos, 9th Generation HFY Disciple (San Francisco)
Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun Kuen has a deep connection with Chan Buddhism which includes the understanding of one's true nature where all illusions are shed. We understand from the oral teachings passed down from generation to generation and from my sifu to me that Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun Kuen was developed inside the Southern Shaolin temple which was a place where people went to commit their lives to the study of Buddhism and self cultivation. I've included a brief history which shows my interpretation of the HFY connection to Chan.
Buddhism was founded in the country of Nepal over 2500 hundred years ago and spread to neighboring India 400 years later and then onto China and Asia. By the time it had reached India two distinct branches were formed and were called Mizhong and Shenzhong each with many major sub-branches. One way of to outwardly distinguish these two types were by the clothing that each wore. Mizhong Buddhists dress similar to the Dalai Lama and Shenzhong Buddhists dress was typical of a Shaolin Monk.
The first Shaolin temple was ordered built in the Huo Nan province by order of emperor Wei around 377 A.D. to be used for Buddhist preaching and worship. During the time there lived an Indian prince known in China as Da Mo who came to the temple for religious purposes. When he arrived he found the monks tired and physically ill. One legend states that instead of entering the temple he locked himself in a cave outside in order to perform a self-cultivation process known as Bai Gwan.
When performing Bai Gwan a person will seclude themselves in a room, cave or isolated environment in order to meditate and be without any outside influences. In the early stages of a persons spiritual development, Bai Gwan may take from a few hours to a few days and is usually directed by a sifu or guru. In the later stages a sifu may disappear on Bai Gwan for years without their students or the rest of the world knowing. A student would not dare ask where the master had gone. Da Mo performed Bai Gwan for over 9 years in the same spot in the cave. Upon completion he produced two books. The first, Shi Sui Ching, described methods of self cultivation and second, Yi Gin Ching described methods of strengthening the human body. Both were taught at the Shaolin temple to produce both internal and external power.
Over time, martial techniques were developed in order to protect the monks from external forces and are known for their animal names. During the period of 600 to 1600 A.D. the Shaolin martial way flourished and developed and researched barehand and weapons techniques, massage and herbal remedies along with the development of internal and external power. The study of Buddhism and self cultivation was still the main focus.
In 1644 the Manchurians overthrew the Ming dynasty and used brutal methods against the Chinese people to gain control of the country. It was during this time revolutionary activity was very active in and around the Shaolin temple. The Hung Fa Ting was one such place whose sole purpose was to restore the Ming Dynasty to the rule of China. Ex Ming military leaders who together with the Shaolin monks developed a new fighting system based on science and physics but also included the Buddhist influence of the Shaolin monks and was called Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun. The Shaolin temple was attacked and burned shortly after the Manchurians took over China. Some monks were fortunate enough to escape and they lived amongst the people forming underground revolutionary groups: One such group was known as the Red Opera Troup. These organizations relied on loyalty, trust, morality and righteousness and only provided certain information to those that belonged.
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