Q&A for How to Be a Shaolin Monk

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Is training and living inside a Chinese Shaolin temple free?

Community Answer

Yes, there are no fees associated with the training and living components.

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How long does it take to become a master Shaolin monk?

Community Answer

Becoming a master Shaolin Monk will require your dedicate your entire life to training.

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What age is too old to become a shaolin monk?

Community Answer

It's never too late, as long as you are healthy and capable of undertaking the lifestyle.

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Do female monks have to shave their heads?

Community Answer

Yes, since Buddha's teaching do not discriminate on the basis of gender, both males as well as females have to shave their heads.

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How old do I have to be?

Community Answer

There are monks that are as young as 8 or 9, they are sent by either their parents to practice for a period of time (like with any other Buddhist temple or monastery) or they are orphans taken in by a member. A recommended age is around 18+, and that you have an exercised body and mind.

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Do I need to have a lot of money to become a Shaolin monk?

Community Answer

It may vary. If you want to become a Shaolin Monk without leaving your lands, then it'll be quite difficult. If you go to the main Shaolin Monk temple, then it'll require no money, but you will incur travel expenses.

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Is it okay to use my training as self-defense?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if you're truly in danger of being hurt.

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Can a girl become a Shaolin monk?

Community Answer

Yes she can, with proper work and dedication.

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Is this training available worldwide?

Community Answer

Yes, there are Shaolin instructors in just about every country. Google to find the closest temple in your area.

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Are there any types of monk that are allowed to have hair or long hair in Asia?

Community Answer

No. Shaving your head is said to show respect and affinity for Buddha. It is also said that shaving your hair is like cutting ties with the outside world.

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How can I learn Kung Fu at home if I do not have any money to buy things or instructional DVDs?

Community Answer

Borrow a book on the subject or watch video tutorials. You can utilize the things you have at home as training equipment, such as broomsticks, heavy furniture, bricks etc, to build strength and agility. Seek out Kung Fu classes in your area and see if you could help out in the gym in exchange for lessons.

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Do I have to be a Buddhist and can I quit after a few years of training?

Community Answer

You do not have to be a Buddhist and you can quit whenever you please.

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How can I be a Shaolin monk if I'm a girl?

Community Answer

Do your research. Google: Shaolin Nun and see if any articles, images, or websites appear. It is a start.

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When is the recommended age to start training at a Shaolin Temple in China?

Community Answer

There is no recommended age. You can start as young as 3 and at any age after that.

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Can I become a Shaolin monk if I have a family and only want training?

Community Answer

You can be a student and learn the art, but you can't become a Shaolin monk.

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Can I become a Shaolin monk if I am gay?

Community Answer

Yes. Monks are celibate and choose not to engage in any sexual activity, so your sexual preferences will not play a role

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Do I have to learn martial arts to be a Shaolin monk?

Community Answer

Yes, but one can become a non-Shaolin monk without learning martial arts.

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Can I become a Shaolin nun if I'm not from China? Does it matter if I'm married? Is there an age requirement?

Community Answer

To become a true Shaolin nun, you cannot be married; you can become a Lay nun. There is no age requirement to becoming a Shaolin nun/lay nun. Search Google for Shaolin Temples near you. Going to China will give you the best experience at becoming a Shaolin nun/lay nun.

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Can I be a Shaolin nun if I'm married and not from China?

Community Answer

No; Shaolin nuns practice celibacy and are not married. They devote their lives to their studies, teachings, and training. You can become a Lay Nun and still be married. You do not have to travel to China to become a Lay Nun. Search Google for Shaolin temples near you.

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Question

Do I need to speak Chinese if I train at a Shaolin temple in China, or can I just speak English?

Community Answer

Although it is preferred to speak Chinese, English is acceptable. But it is likely that there will be a language barrier. You will hear people mostly speak Henan dialect, which is most common, as well as Mandarin.

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Can I become a Shaolin Monk if I am an atheist?

Community Answer

No, Shaolin Monks live by a strong belief in Buddhism. If you truly want to become a Shaolin Monk, you can choose to devote your life to Buddhism.

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Can I be a Shaolin nun if I am a married 60-year-old woman?

Community Answer

Yes, but you must divorce your partner, as monks are without family and worldly possessions. Your spouse may hinder your journey on your path.

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Can I become a monk with a criminal record?

Community Answer

In one of the legends of Gautama Buddha, he takes on as one of his disciples a bandit who murdered every person who crossed the road he was watching and stole their possessions. So, no I don't THINK that a criminal record would stop you from becoming a monk, but if you are planning on going to China, you might want to check the immigration policy and other such things.

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Can I become a Shaolin monk if I am a tall African American?

Community Answer

Of course you can. Your race, background, age, height, gender, etc., have nothing to do with Buddhism. It's free for all to believe.

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Is it free to become a Shaolin monk?

Community Answer

Yes, if you go to the main temple. If you want to train without leaving your lands, it might be difficult to go back and forth to Buddha temples, as they are not that common and can be pretty far apart.

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Do I have to be Buddhist?

Community Answer

Absolutely! You can’t be a Buddhist monkfish you’re not Buddhist, just like you can’t become a Christian monk if you aren’t Christian.

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