Theologically, Shaolin is a form of Mahayana Buddhism called Ch'an
(Zen). This does not mean they do not also study Taoism and Confucianism,
but there are not "Taoist Shaolin Monks" per se. As for God,
these belief systems do not directly address the matter, neither denying nor
affirming the existence of a universal being.
Contrary to what stories you may have been told, real Shaolin IS NOT against
any religion, including Wicca, or any form of Paganism, Shamanism, etc..
Most of the leaders of the "Shaolin" Nine Dragons school at least dabbled in some form of
Witchcraft earlier in life. Sean in
particular has no tolerance for any "magic" since a bad personal
experience in his youth. David never denounced any religion to me, except
for Satanism, which he supposedly practiced when he was in grade school.
In college, he claimed to be born again, and carried his Ryrie Bible around with
him everywhere for years.
In my own experience, some people's meditations and other spiritual exercises
in Paganism have had a positive effect on their ability to manipulate body
energy, as does Yoga and certain other disciplines.
On another note, I have been accused of not being qualified to judge a
Buddhist lineage because I'm not a Buddhist (at least not on my name badge).
Even though this has nothing to do with knowing his credentials are false both
firsthand and through countless testimonies of people who knew David, they
should be aware that I studied Buddhism long before I met him, and long after.
What Song Mountain people take from possibly legitimate books and videos is as
accurate as any other person who can read and see and practice, and they are
welcome to any and all benefit from that. But calling themselves
traditional and claiming a lineage with nothing more than a fanciful belief
and facts to the contrary is dishonest. They are committing fraud every
seminar they hold, no matter how good it is, and people have a right to know
before drowning in a typically subjective experience such as meditation and
have nothing to compare it to. If any of them truly respected Buddhism,
they would want to take a closer look, or at least one would think so.
"The power of religion has been sorely
underestimated by our scientists. No other force in history has been so
effective at compelling human beings to say things in languages they don't
understand"
- Mauve'Bib's introduction to The New Improved Testament of the
Orange Catholic Bible, edited by Princess Serutan.
