What Chinese are talking about … (1)
I hope this will become an occasional post, based on what I hear on the ground.
Shaolin Monks, originators of Kung Fu, Kneel to Chinese Government
Shaolin Buddhist monks, the world famous monks of astounding feats of athletic skill, concentration, and mind over body, originators of the martial art of kung fu, have indicated their subservience to the Chinese government in a ceremony held at their home temple in Dengfeng County in Henan Province. This is a first in 1500 years, that the monks would indicate political subservience.
All photos: http://english.sina.com/china/s/2018-08-28/detail-ihifuvpi1509972.shtml
August 28, 2018 - Beijing: Shaolin Temple raises the red flag by Kirsty Needham (China correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald)
Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu and famous home of the fighting monks, has raised the Chinese national flag for the first time in its 1500-year history.
A flag raising ceremony on Monday was attended by officials from the United Front Work Department, which oversees religious groups in China because of the Communist Party's fear they may be a threat to its rule ....
The national flag would bring socialist core values into religious venues and "enhance national awareness" the temple said. Shaolin temple raises the red flag
This is a surprising development for Chinese, who generally see Buddhism, and the Shaolin monks in particular, as sacrosanct. Even in an era of crackdown on religion, on Tibetan Buddhism, this was unexpected, both for the brazenness of the demand from the United Front bureau and the willingness of the monks to acquiesce.
From a South China Morning Post piece –
Red flag for Buddhists? Shaolin Temple ‘takes the lead’ in Chinese patriotism push
... While the move was applauded by some, critics said it risked tainting religion with politics.
“As a Buddhist, this makes me feel uncomfortable,” one Weibo user wrote. “Before, I thought of religious faith as pure, but now it confuses me … With patriotism interfering with spiritual life, there is no space at all for individual thought. Is this what a harmonious society looks like?”
Another wrote: “The Buddha and Marx have shaken hands … Buddhism is meant to cultivate the mind, body and spirit – what has it got to do with politics? Haven’t the monks in the monastery renounced worldly living? I feel uncomfortable and just think that raising the national flag at the temple is simply not appropriate.” SCMP - Red flag for Shaolin monks
Monks and United Front officials watch the ceremony
The pressure on the Shaolin monks is likely related to two developments – first, the Shaolin monks have had their share of scandal, as they have become a global revenue generator from shows and demonstrations. The government will always take a strong interest in a historical cultural phenomenon that generates millions of dollars each year. For more see Rise and fall of CEO monk.
Second, forcing the monks to raise the flag is a sign to all other religions in China, particularly Catholicism, that there is no greater force than CCP in the universe. This has greater significance in light of the concurrent deal between the Vatican and the government to permit government involvement in selection of bishops in China. This is anathema to many Chinese Catholics, in China and outside, but the Shaolin flag-raising emphasizes that CCP will brook no competitors for power. (For more on the new era of crackdown on Christianity, see for example this South China Morning Post piece - Christianity crackdown)
There is another aspect to the Shaolin development. The Shaolin Buddhist monks do not owe allegiance to the Dalai Lama, but in the current environment in China, religious activities must be dealt with directly and forcefully. The Dalai Lama does not cooperate, so pressure must be brought where it can.
There is ongoing fear in CCP that the current Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, will not name an heir, a new Dalai Lama, making Beijing scramble to figure out who will be a leader they can control. This is the nature of the deal made recently between the Vatican and the Chinese government – the Vatican will choose to approve bishops preselected by CCP. Beijing has in fact demanded that the current Dalai Lama, in exile, name a successor, otherwise, CCP will do so for Buddhists. Even CCP is reluctant to take this move – atheistic CCP appointing a new head of Tibetan Buddhism. From a 2004 Time Magazine interview with the current Dalai Lama –
The institution of the Dalai Lama, and whether it should continue or not, is up to the Tibetan people. If they feel it is not relevant, then it will cease and there will be no 15th Dalai Lama. But if I die today I think they will want another Dalai Lama. The purpose of reincarnation is to fulfill the previous [incarnation's] life task. My life is outside Tibet, therefore my reincarnation will logically be found outside. But then, the next question: Will the Chinese accept this or not? China will not accept. The Chinese government most probably will appoint another Dalai Lama, like it did with the Panchen Lama. Then there will be two Dalai Lamas: one, the Dalai Lama of the Tibetan heart, and one that is officially appointed.
Alex Perry. "A Conversation with the Dalai Lama". Time. October 18, 2004.
To further confound CCP, the Dalai Lama issued a statement in 2011 –
Bear in mind that, apart from the reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China. Retirement and Reincarnation Message
Checkmate, in advance.
Short video about the flag raising ceremony -
The required Shaolin flag raising is, among other symbolic representations, a response to a Dalai Lama checkmate. Hell hath no fury like a CCP scorned.
