Everybody Sign In?

We have all been through those days when somebody forgot to sign in. Shifu would ask who didn't sign in. And I would have all these thoughts going through my head:

1. I signed in. No problem. It's not me.


2. Did I really sign in? Did I forget today?


3. So I walked in. Said Amituofo. And then did I sign before changing or did I change before signing?


4. Oh phew.... Somebody else. Not me. Yay!

Have you ever wondered why Shifu is so militant about signing in? My theory is that this is just one of the rules that he likes to enforce (other than no shoes in the temple, no talking during class, etc.).

Livia offered an interesting theory today. She said the sign in sheets are on the stool facing the main altar. Whenever we sign in, we bow to the altar unknowingly paying respect to the place. That's why when we forget, Shifu makes us do it.

I guess this is one of the things at the temple that you can make it into what you want. I see it as just one of the rules. Livia sees it a little deeper.

And here are words from Livia:

Bowing

Today after class Sucheela, Cheng, Natalie, and I were talking about Bowing to Sifu. As a matter of fact today was the first time I did the whole bowing thing. I just felt it was right. Also I'm planning in becoming a disciple if Sifu accepts me. We were talking about how if you want to bow you do but if you don't you don't have to. But then I mentioned something that I noticed a long time ago which is that Sifu makes sure that you sign every class and when you sign you Bow. The way the sign in sheet is facing the altar and you have to bend to sign in therefore you bow. And I think is cool even if you don't know you are bowing because regardless you are.

Amituofo.

And now a word from a Kung Fu Dork...

Hi readers of this little blog,

Mo, Sucheela and I created this blog with the intent of making it a fun place where we could post about lessons learned, observations, comments, experiences, etc., while training. We are friends with many of you and feel that this blog should be a friendly way to enhance our sense of community. We are also thrilled if our blog proves interesting to those who don't train at USA Shaolin Temple.

Unfortunately, lately, there have been quite a few negative comments left anonymously. While people are entitled to their feelings and we don't discount the validity of their ideas, we don't understand why they've chosen our little blog to air such apparent bitterness. Case in point, today Sucheela wished everyone good luck for testing this weekend, and it somehow spurred a thread unrelated to her simple sentiment. There are certainly other forums in which these people could address their concerns. I encourage people to create their own blog if they are so compelled -- blogging can be fun!

Consequently, we have decided turn on the moderate comments option on this blog; meaning, if you leave a comment, it will not instantly appear. Rather, your comment will only appear once one of us has viewed it and approved it. We did not wish any kind of restrictions be placed, but sadly, this is definitely a case of a few rotten apples ruining the bunch. Our little blog is not designed to be a free-for-all forum for whatever. Remember, it primarily is about the experiences of Mo, Sucheela, and myself. Please respect our feelings, as this is our blog, respect others, and most importantly, respect yourself!

We hope you keep enjoying our posts, and that you keep your beautiful comments coming. Good luck if you're testing this weekend, and MORE CHI!

Amituofo,
Qbertplaya