In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Depending on where you are, there might be practitioners of Shaolin Kung Fu in your area. These teachers will be your best resource for learning more about Shaolin Kung Fu and the steps you will need to take to get on the path toward being a Shaolin Monk. For those in the United States, there are a number of Shaolin temples and organizations that will be helpful. It is highly recommended that you talk to one of these teachers or monks before you continue your path to becoming a monk yourself. Consider:  The USA Shaolin Temple in New York City. Other regional Kung Fu Centers. If you don’t have a practitioner in your area, you might have to travel. After your preliminary education, visiting a shaolin temple will be your next step on the path to becoming a Shaolin monk. Here, you will meet individuals who have trained as disciples of Shaolin. The masters at many temples in the United States received their training at the principle Shaolin in China. However, training at a temple in the United States will probably not be as immersive and complete as training in China. If you don’t want to train at a temple in your home country, you can travel to China. China is the home of Shaolin Kung Fu, and as a result there are many Shaolin Temples there that take in students. Learning in China can be the best way to move toward becoming a Shaolin Monk. But consider the following:  Training is full time. You won’t be able to work, socialize outside the Temple, or spend much time doing much else. Your life will be devoted to training. It could be costly to travel and train at a temple. There are a wide range of Shaolin Temples in China, varying on quality, so do your homework before you decide to make the trip. The most important part of becoming a monk is gaining acceptance into a training program at a temple. If you can meet up to the rigorous requirements of the program, you’ll eventually be graduated as a Shaolin Monk. After you’ve been graduated, you’ll find a place as one of many types of monk. Types of monk include:  Clerical monks. These are monks that perform the day to day religious rites. Scholarly monks. These are monks who commit themselves to knowledge and scholarship. Warrior monks. These are monks who focus on the martial arts aspect of Shaolin. After you’ve graduated as a monk, you’re going to have to adhere to strict requirements of Buddhism. Your life will completely change. There are a lot of things you’ll have to give up and a lot of things you won’t be able to do anymore. Consider:  Shaolin Monks commit to a life of celibacy. Shaolin Monks can’t consume animal meat. Shaolin Monks don’t drink or smoke cigarettes. Shaolin Monks reject a life based on material possessions, conspicuous consumption, and consumer culture. There are some Shaolin monks who have been trained as monks but do not adhere to the strict requirements of Buddhism—these are lay monks. Being a Shaolin Lay Monk might be right for you if you can’t commit your entire life to such requirements.  Lay Monks can marry and hold down an outside job. Lay Monks may smoke or drink cigarettes sometimes. Lay Monks might even eat meat.
Summary: Locate Shaolin teachers or monks in your area. Try to enroll as a disciple at a temple in your area. Consider traveling to China to study at a Shaolin Temple. Gain acceptance as a disciple at a Shaolin Temple. Adhere to the strict requirements of Buddhism. Think about taking the path of a Lay Monk.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Making friends is sometimes a numbers game, much like dating. That means that the more potential avenues you have for meeting people, the better your chances are of actually meeting someone you like spending time with! Comment and post regularly in the groups that you’ve joined. This will increase your chances of having a positive interaction with someone. People are also much more likely to notice you if you participate in multiple groups. The amount of time and energy you spend communicating with the person should be equal to the amount of time and energy they invest. If you’re always the one sending the first message, asking all the questions, doing all the talking, or even writing longer responses than them most of the time, the investment is not equal. Overloading the person with information on yourself can be overwhelming to them and it might scare them off. It’s important to share and allow yourself to be vulnerable to build a friendship, but do this a little at a time. Start with the basics about yourself and save your deepest secrets and other more personal information about yourself for another time after you’ve gotten to know each other better. For example, you might start by sharing about where you grew up, what kind of music you like, and what your hobbies are. Then, once you know each other better, you might talk with them about things like career choices, relationship issues, and other personal problems. Being a good listener is an essential component of friendship. When you’re friend is talking, make sure to look them in eyes and show interest in what they’re saying. Put away your phone or any other potential distractions when you’re talking with your friend. Some other good listening strategies to adopt include:  Nodding to show that you understand what they’re saying. Using leading phrases to show that you’re listening, such as “Mmmhmm, “I see,” and “Go on.” Asking questions if something they say is unclear, such as, “What did you mean when you said that you couldn’t play last night?”
Summary:
Participate regularly in multiple online communities. Balance the time and energy you spend communicating with the person. Share a little about yourself at a time. Give the other person your full attention when they’re talking.