Shaolin Buddhist Disciples: Lineage Inheritance, Apprentice Acceptance and Dharma Name Conferral
The inheritance, apprentice acceptance and Dharma name conferral of Shaolin Buddhist disciples follow rigorous norms, which were gradually refined after Master Fuyu established the relevant systems in the Yuan Dynasty（1271—1368 AD）. Centered on the transmission of the Dharma lineage, these practices have distinct rules for monastic and lay disciples, as detailed below:
1. Lineage System
The core of disciple inheritance at the Shaolin Temple lies in the Dharma lineage transmission of the Caodong Sect. After Master Fuyu became the abbot of Shaolin Temple in the Yuan Dynasty（1271—1368 AD）, he reformed the ten-direction jungle system into a hereditary system for the monastic community and formulated the seventy-generation lineage poem of the Shaolin Caodong Sect. Since then, all monastic monks at Shaolin have followed this lineage for their inheritance. This lineage is not based on blood ties but on the transmission of the Chan school’s mind seal and the sect’s mantle with the Dao and Dharma as the core.
For example, Master Zhenxu passed the Dharma to Master Xingzheng, who in turn transmitted it to Ven. Yongxin. Each generation of inheritance represents the continuation of spiritual practice concepts and monastic rules. Additionally, while other sects such as the Linji Sect have also flourished at Shaolin, the inheritance of the abbotship through the ages has primarily centered on the Caodong Dharma lineage, ensuring the purity of Shaolin Chan Buddhism.
2. Rules for Accepting Apprentices
Shaolin accepts two types of disciples: monastic disciples and lay disciples, with markedly different standards and requirements for each:
•Monastic disciples: Must possess a devout Buddhist faith and a voluntary willingness to renounce secular identity. They undergo a strict assessment covering moral conduct, understanding of Buddhist doctrines, and other aspects. After entering the temple, they receive formal ordination, strictly abide by the monastic rules and precepts, and focus on the practice of Chan Dharma and the inheritance of Buddhist teachings. For instance, Shi Xiaolong became a formal monastic disciple at the age of two, studying under Ven. Yongxin and receiving a comprehensive monastic education.
•Lay disciples: The acceptance criteria focus more on their interest in Shaolin martial arts and Chan culture. They are not required to shave their heads or renounce secular identity, and their daily practice mainly consists of learning martial arts and basic Chan principles. A notable example is Wang Baoqiang, who entered Shaolin at the age of eight. Though he studied under Ven. Yongxin, he was a lay disciple, did not receive formal ordination, and was not bound by the same strict monastic rules as ordained monks.
3. Norms for Conferring Dharma Names
The conferral of Dharma names for Shaolin disciples corresponds to their identities: monastic disciples follow a fixed lineage for their names, while the rules for lay disciples are relatively flexible, as outlined below:
•Monastic disciples: A Dharma name consists of the surname Shi (representing reverence for Sakyamuni and serving as an identity marker for monastic disciples) + a generation character (strictly in accordance with the seventy-generation lineage poem formulated by Master Fuyu, such as the sequence De, Xing, Yong, Yan, Heng—Master Xingzheng’s “Xing”, Ven. Yongxin’s “Yong”, and Ven. Yongxin’s disciples’ “Yan” all align with this lineage) + a unique given name bestowed by the master (to distinguish disciples of the same generation). This Dharma name is an important identity symbol for monks and is used in monastic Buddhist rituals, Dharma transmission, and other occasions.
•Lay disciples: The rules for conferring Dharma names are more relaxed. Some are granted a Dharma title, which cannot be prefixed with the surname “Shi” and does not replace their given name, serving only as an identity reference during their practice at the temple (e.g., Wang Baoqiang’s Dharma title is “Hengzhi”). Other lay disciples practice under their given names directly. For lay disciples, the conferral of a Dharma name is more a recognition of their spiritual practice identity than a formal continuation of the Dharma lineage, unlike for monastic disciples.
Conditions and Apprenticeship Acceptance Process for Becoming a Shaolin Disciple
Disciples of Shaolin Temple are divided into monastic disciples (bhikkhus) and lay disciples. The acceptance of apprentices adheres to Buddhist doctrines and precepts, national religious policies, and Shaolin’s ancestral traditions, with distinct criteria and procedures for each category, as detailed below:
I. Core Conditions for Becoming a Shaolin Disciple
(I) Conditions for Monastic Disciples
Monastic disciples must renounce their secular identities, focus on Chan practice and Buddhist Dharma inheritance, and meet strict and multiple requirements:
•Basic Qualifications: Limited to males (females must go to nunneries), generally aged between 17 and 60. They must be in good health, with complete six sense faculties (no physical defects or major illnesses), and normal sensory and mental functions. No criminal record, no gang-related or dishonesty-related bad background, and must have upright conduct and a proper demeanor.
•Identity and Family: Must voluntarily become a monk, with no marital relations (married individuals must first dissolve their marriage), no debt disputes, and be free from all secular ties. Written consent from parents and family is mandatory to ensure no worries. Employed personnel must resign in advance, and students must complete relevant withdrawal procedures.
•Faith and Culture: Possess true faith, devoutly believe in Buddhism, understand the significance of monastic life and basic Buddhist doctrines, and be willing to abide by monastic rules and precepts for life. Have a certain cultural foundation—Shaolin Temple has higher academic requirements than ordinary temples, usually requiring a high school diploma or above, and a bachelor’s degree or above for special positions.
•Other Requirements: No cult beliefs or bad habits, willingness to accept long-term assessment and training by the monastic community, ability to adapt to collective monastic life and intensive practice rhythm, patriotism and love for religion, abiding by laws and regulations, and practicing core socialist values.
(II) Conditions for Lay Disciples
Lay disciples do not need to shave their heads or renounce secular life, focusing mainly on practicing Shaolin martial arts and Chan culture, with relatively relaxed conditions:
•Basic Conditions: Open to both males and females (no explicit upper age limit; minors require guardian consent), in good health, no major or infectious diseases, no criminal record, and good conduct.
•Interest and Cognition: Have a strong interest in Shaolin martial arts and Chan culture, practice voluntarily, respect Buddhist doctrines and Shaolin’s ancestral rules, and be able to cooperate with the temple’s practice arrangements and management.
•Other Requirements: No need to renounce secular identity (may retain marriage and occupation), no mandatory academic requirements, but must have basic communication skills and consciously abide by the temple’s temporary regulations during practice.
II. Shaolin Apprenticeship Acceptance Process
(I) Process for Accepting Monastic Disciples
The process follows a progressive norm of “Application – Assessment – Conversion to Buddhism – Shaving Ceremony – Ordination”, fully coordinated by the temple’s monastic community and supervised by Buddhist associations and religious authorities:
1.Voluntary Application and Identity Verification: Applicants must personally go to Shaolin Temple to submit an application for monastic life, stating their willingness, and provide materials such as ID card, household registration book, certificate of no criminal record, and parental consent letter. Special personnel from the temple verify the applicant’s identity and background, confirm no identity disputes, debts or marital issues, and conduct a preliminary assessment of whether they meet the basic conditions.
2.Temple Residency for Assessment and Mentorship Learning: Those who pass the preliminary verification may reside in the temple to experience monastic life. The temple assigns a spiritual mentor (guidance master) to teach basic Buddhist doctrines, monastic rules and precepts, and introductory Chan practice, and confers the Three Refuges and Five Precepts (refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication). The assessment period is usually more than one year, during which the monastic community conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s conduct, faith firmness, practice attitude, and adaptability to collective life. Those who fail the assessment must leave the temple.
3.Formal Shaving Ceremony and Identity Confirmation: After passing the assessment, the spiritual mentor presides over the shaving ceremony. The applicant shaves off secular hair, puts on monastic robes, and officially becomes a monk, receiving a Dharma name (following the seventy-generation lineage of Shaolin’s Caodong Sect, with the surname “Shi” (representing reverence for Sakyamuni) combined with a generation character and a unique given name). After the shaving ceremony, they are incorporated into the monastic community management and participate in daily Buddhist rituals and Chan practice sessions.
4.Ordination, Registration and Dharma Lineage Inheritance: After shaving, further acceptance of the Three Platform Ordination (including Samanera Precepts and Bhikkhu Precepts) is required. The ordination ceremony must be held in a temple qualified for conferring ordination, and can only be carried out after review by the provincial Buddhist association and registration with national religious affairs authorities. Upon completion of ordination, the monk is awarded an ordination certificate and a monastic registration certificate, officially incorporated into the Dharma lineage of Shaolin’s Caodong Sect, and enjoys the legal religious identity of a monastic monk.
(II) Process for Accepting Lay Disciples
The process is relatively simple, focusing on confirming practice qualifications and providing guidance, with no requirement for ordination or registration:
1.Registration Consultation and Qualification Review: Applicants may consult at Shaolin Temple’s reception desk or submit registration information through official temple channels (online registration for conversion to Buddhism is not allowed), stating their practice intention. The temple verifies the applicant’s identity, health status and conduct; minors must be accompanied by a guardian for confirmation, and eligible applicants are initially selected.
2.Teacher Worship and Practice Arrangement: After passing the review, a master is assigned by the temple (or chosen by the applicant with the temple’s approval), and a simple teacher-worship ceremony is held to establish the master-disciple relationship. Some disciples receive a Dharma title (not prefixed with “Shi”, serving only as an identity reference during practice and not replacing the secular name), such as Wang Baoqiang’s Dharma title “Hengzhi”.
3.Daily Practice and Management: Disciples must practice Shaolin martial arts, basic Chan principles and Buddhist culture according to the master’s arrangements, and abide by the temple’s practice discipline and schedule. No long-term residency in the temple is required; practice time can be arranged according to personal circumstances. The master is responsible for daily guidance and conduct supervision to ensure that the practice conforms to the core concepts of Shaolin culture.
III. Core Notes
•Online registration and online conversion to Buddhism are prohibited throughout the apprenticeship acceptance process. All applications and ceremonies must be completed within Shaolin Temple, following the principles of “voluntariness, conformity to Dharma, and solemnity”. Conversion to Buddhism and shaving ceremonies without review and registration are invalid.
•Monastic disciples provide their own basic daily necessities, and lay disciples may need to bear certain amount of fees for practice materials; there are no mandatory charges.
•If a monastic disciple returns to secular life, violates major precepts or disobeys monastic rules, the temple will revoke their ordination certificate and monastic registration certificate, and arrange for their departure or expulsion from the monastic order after a resolution by the monastic community. If a lay disciple violates practice regulations, the master may terminate the guidance relationship.
•The apprenticeship acceptance process is supervised by the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association and local religious affairs authorities to ensure compliance with national religious policies and maintain the legality and standardization of religious activities.
Ceremony for Accepting Lay Disciples, Conferring Dharma Names and Issuing Certificates at Shaolin Temple and our Center
The acceptance of lay disciples at Shaolin Temple is not only a recognition of the practitioners’ original aspiration and perseverance, but also an important carrier for the inheritance of Shaolin’s Chan-Martial Arts culture. Only those who hold a sincere love for Shaolin culture, uphold upright conduct, have studied diligently at the martial arts hall (temple practice center) for more than one year, and passed the multi-dimensional assessment by their master and the monastic community can be honored with this title. They will be officially incorporated into the lineage of Shaolin lay disciples and experience the solemn ceremony of Dharma name conferral and certificate issuance.
This assessment runs through the entire practice process and is by no means a formality. The master will observe the practitioner’s moral character through daily words and deeds, checking if they are humble and polite, respect teachers and the Dao, abide by Shaolin’s principle of “virtue first, integration of Chan and martial arts”, free from impetuous and utilitarian intentions, bad habits and improper behaviors. From the practice attitude, the purity of their love is tested—whether they can uphold their original aspiration in the daily polishing of basic skills and recitation of Chan principles, not slack off due to monotony, not back down due to difficulties, and truly understand the spiritual core of Shaolin culture. The one-year period is a deep integration between the practitioner and Shaolin culture, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of their mentality, aptitude and sincerity by the monastic community. Only when both internal and external qualities meet the standards can they pass the layers of screening and obtain the qualification for acceptance.
The ceremony of Dharma name conferral and certificate issuance is usually held in the quiet Chan hall of the temple or the Buddha-worshipping area of the martial arts hall, simple yet solemn, permeated with the heritage of thousands of years of clan tradition. On the day of the ceremony, the practitioner, dressed in neat traditional costumes, stands in front of the table with reverence, performs the teacher-worshipping ritual to the memorial tablets of Shaolin ancestors and their master, thanking them for the master’s kindness and the clan’s acceptance, and practicing the ancient tradition of “one day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father”. The master sits upright in front, holding the clan genealogy, and confers an exclusive Dharma name on the practitioner in accordance with the inheritance rules of Shaolin’s Caodong Sect. Though not prefixed with the surname “Shi” (exclusive to monastic disciples), the Dharma name is still formulated with implicit Chan meaning and expectations—either embodying the path of practice or highlighting the pursuit of character. It is not only a recognition of their identity, but also a guide for their future practice. For example, Wang Baoqiang’s Dharma name “Hengzhi” carries the profound meaning of upholding the original aspiration and devoting oneself to learning.
After the Dharma name is conferred, the master personally presents the Shaolin Lay Disciple Certificate to the practitioner. The certificate is uniformly produced by the temple, printed with the Shaolin logo, the disciple’s secular name, Dharma name and acceptance date, confirmed by the master’s signature and the temple’s seal. It possesses both a sense of ritual and authority, serving as the official proof of being a Shaolin lay disciple. The master will give instructions on the spot, admonishing the disciple to reflect on themselves through the Dharma name, abide by Shaolin rules, refine their Chan and martial arts practice, uphold kindness and cultivate virtue. No matter what circumstances they encounter in the secular world, they must remember the teachings of Shaolin culture, live up to the clan’s recognition and inherit the spirit of Shaolin.
From then on, the practitioner officially becomes a Shaolin lay disciple. Though not required to shave their head, renounce secular life or seclude themselves in the temple, they can retain their secular life and identity, yet have formed a deep Dharma affinity with Shaolin and been incorporated into the clan’s inheritance system. This recognition is both an honor and a responsibility—it means they can continue to follow their master to delve into Chan and martial arts, comprehend the essence of Shaolin culture, and also bear the mission of passing on Shaolin’s philosophy of “integration of Chan and martial arts, establishing oneself with virtue”, ensuring that the thousand-year-old Shaolin cultural heritage thrives through generations.
