Shaolin Virtue of Respect

What is the 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.

How Will the Shaolin Virtue of Respect Help Me?

By developing your Shaolin Virtue of Respect:

• You will become less stubborn in your thinking
• You will get along with others more easily
• Your environment becomes less confusing
• You will interact with others more easily
• You will matter more to others
• You become more calm
• You will understand the physical limits of your body and mind, and how to maintain them
• You will better understand your place in society
• You will develop self-esteem

Why is the Shaolin Virtue of Respect Important?

If you do not develop your Shaolin Virtue of Respect:

• You break rules without realizing it, and thereby cause suffering to others
• You will feel alienated from society, family, and social circles
• You will be conflicted about law enforcement and privacy
• You will more easily anger from external events

How Do I Develop the Shaolin Virtue of Respect?

• Become more aware of the systems of rules that impact you (i.e. government, social group, partners, family, school, work, etc.)
• Contemplate the rules that are written and not written (inferred or assumed) - why are they there and are they still needed?
• Contemplate the rules you have set for yourself (what rules do you have for yourself and why? can you remove or simplify your rules?)

Pitfalls of the Shaolin Virtue of Respect

• Assuming a rule is necessary (i.e. never challenging the system and its rules)
• Having too many rules for yourself (gets tiring and reduces speed of decision making)
• Assuming external rules are more important than your own rules
• Assuming your own rules are more important than external rules
• Assuming others understand your rules

What Happens When I Apply the Shaolin Virtue of Respect?

As you develop your Shaolin Virtue of Respect:

• You will be able to effectively communicate with others in a positive way
• You will resolve conflicts with a win-win attitude between yourself and others
• You will be able to effectively help others understand why conflict exists
• You will be able to communicate a system of rules that makes sense in your family, social group, business, or workplace
• You will more effectively assess yourself and improve your lifestyle