The Seventh Form

By TANMAY SOLANKI

"Master Woo !..... teach me Kung Fu !" "Oh shut up you !

Aeons passed since anyone climbed the blessed mountain of Shaolin. Even for an ancient like me, I find it hard to agree.....! That you have managed to get here and your audacity shows no fear. Where do you think you have come ? and what do you think you will learn? In this age of the bullet, the pistol rules the roost........ and you think Kung Fu will suffice.... 'your confidence to boost'."

" Holy Master.... I know the bullet is faster and the times have changed.... chivalry is rare as people tread with care, for the fear of gun wielding goons.... who with a caress of the holster, can drop dead a man so soon. But what about the seventh move, which can contain the enemy in its groove. Was it not practiced by the Ancients; and are you not one of the Holy recipients". " So what if I am..... it is difficult and definitely not possible of your cult ". " And so it must be.... for that move alone can leave the enemy guessing; And before he makes his move he will find you caressing...... his throat and wrist and with a slight twist; he is flat on the ground like dead hound".

"I admire your courage my son, and I will teach,... when comes your turn. But before that.... open your heart, as I shall open my special art.....; what actually brings you here O seeker ; your will is strong, but your body grows weaker. In this situation and will of nature, what desperation made you climb..... something beyond your stature" " It is Revenge !....... O Holy One....... that I seek ! I was restrained..... I was meek. But now is the time to get even, to avenge the blood of my kin..... now in Heaven. " Your purpose..... O seeker.... is impure, though I can say one thing for sure..... times have changed and so have traditions; both my heart and the Rules...... bend at your rendition.

The Shaolin forbids revenge and violence in any form, though in your case, you mean no harm. I know, O seeker, it is 'Order' not revenge that you'll bring ! to humans and family and neighbourhood.... a foundation on which Shaolin always stood. I will teach thee.... if you show discipline, and while you are here, never think of your kith and kin . Let the Sun be your guide; with it you rise, with it you eat, with it you practice and with it you sleep. And when your purpose is done, surrender this 'Form'..... to the people in need. The Clan of the 'Good' will prosper..... with Shaolin's heed. Get up this very moment! and kneel before the Buddha; and ask him to guide you through your journey with faith; And in the meanwhile, relieve yourself of any hate. Just focus on the art and your goal ahead; and when the time comes, the anger will be fed.

Join me as I unleash the 'Seventh Form'; and forget yourself to flow in the norm. Imbibe every move till you are reborn; though your journey is impossible.....Shaolin still has the 'Seventh Form.' " --------------------------

By TANMAY SOLANKI