Introduction to the Shaolin Virtues

Virtues have been around for thousands of years and are established through culture, religion, societies, and other social groups. They help to guide our behaviour towards a common standard so that we can live more peacefully.

The Shaolin Virtues is not that different from other virtue systems, except that its goals are to help us reduce suffering through a simplified system of teachings. It consists of six virtues that teach us how to understand ourselves and the world, so that we can reduce the suffering we experience in life through our actions, thoughts, and experiences.

The Shaolin Virtues do not tell us what is right or wrong, or what is good or bad. It does not require one to do anything and there are no restrictions. That is why virtues adopted by other systems such honesty, integrity, kindness, honour, etc. are not part of the Shaolin Virtue system. Instead, these attributes will naturally surface as one practices and develops the Shaolin Virtues wisdom.

The Shaolin Virtues teach us to understand our reality by improving our focus, developing will power, interpreting the systems of rules that we live by, examining the impacts of our actions on others, and working together to solve problems.

The philosophy of the Shaolin Virtues can be tested any time and anywhere. It is an accumulation of Master Dao’s knowledge, experience, and wisdom. Whereas many philosophies are complicated and profound, the Shaolin Virtues system is clear, simple, practical, and easy to follow. It empowers us to understand ourselves and to make better decisions in life.

What Are the Six Shaolin Virtues?

There are six Shaolin Virtues, and they are:

• Shaolin Virtue of Focus
• Shaolin Virtue of Strive
• Shaolin Virtue of Perseverance
• Shaolin Virtue of Respect
• Shaolin Virtue of Compassion
• Shaolin Virtue of Leadership

Click on one of the virtues above to learn more about them.

In order to avoid conflict with definitions in various dictionaries, we create a new idea by adding “Shaolin Virtue of” in front of each key word. We can then associate philosophical teachings with each idea. Below is a short summary of each Shaolin Virtue.

Shaolin Virtue of Focus

The Shaolin Virtue of Focus is about the will power to concentrate one’s mental energy. It is easy to get distracted. One must stay focused to have a clearer perspective, develop awareness, and understanding of oneself. When you are not focused, you may forget what’s important, carry out a task poorly, and get confused easily.

Shaolin Virtue of Strive

The Shaolin Virtue of Strive is about the willpower to improve. It’s not so easy to make the decision to learn new things and improve oneself. One has to overcome low spirits, low energy, or face oneself humbly. When you strive, you open new doors and broaden your understanding. When you do not strive, you close your doors and lose the opportunity for growth.

Shaolin Virtue of Perseverance

The Shaolin Virtue of Perseverance is about the willpower to continue when things become difficult. When faced with a challenge, it is too easy to give up. One must learn to push on and develop new perspective. When you persevere, you develop more stamina and strength so that things become easier. When you do not persevere, you become weak and stagnant like a pool of stale water.

Shaolin Virtue of Respect

The Shaolin Virtue of Respect is about understanding and navigating the many systems of rules that we follow. Examples of systems of rules include government, local laws, home, parents, religion, social, and school. We must respect the many systems of rules, including those that are not written down, in order to foster fruitful communication. When you understand how to respect people and systems, you will develop friendly relationships and increase your sphere of influence. When you do not respect the rules, you corner yourself into isolation.

Shaolin Virtue of Compassion

The Shaolin Virtue of Compassion is about understanding how people suffer and how people behave. It is a powerful idea that requires a strong foundation in the Shaolin Virtue of Focus because one can only understand others as much as one understands the self. When you are compassionate, you develop the ability to help others. When you are not compassionate, you wallow in selfishness, confusion, and fear.

Shaolin Virtue of Leadership

The Shaolin Virtue of Leadership is about working together to solve problems. It is the most powerful virtue because when people unite, they can solve any problem together. True leaders require the command of all the other five Shaolin Virtues in order to be truly effective. When you provide leadership with others, problems are identified, solutions are provided, and appropriate action is taken. When you try to provide leadership on your own, your capability to resolve problems is greatly diminished and there is a potential to create even more problems.

Peace in the Heart through the Shaolin Virtues

Peace in the heart is the sustained achievement of no suffering and negative feelings. As humans we have the capability to feel great suffering which is very uncomfortable. Naturally we find it important to explore means to happiness. Shaolin wisdom teaches us that the source of suffering are our own desires and the existence of the self and yet without desire are we still human?

To achieve happiness we must persevere in our search for this idea of peace in the heart. Can it be attained only through the fulfillment of our desires? i.e. fame, wealth, love, etc. Or can it be attained through the determination to minimize our desires?

To find the answers, you must explore your own path with the Shaolin Virtues.