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INDOOR DISCIPLE - 入室弟子
The Pai Si Ceremony
Pai SI (拜師), literally means “bow to teacher”. Is a formal Chinese traditional ceremony whereby a master accepts a student to become his disciple. It is a relationship between master and student. Taking the student as a kung fu family member and nurture as they would their own offspring. The student at his turn pledges loyalty and commitment to carry on the teachings of the art, this is the way. Considered as one of the most important ceremonies a kung fu practitioner can be invited to perform. This ceremony is what sets the disciple apart from the “outdoor students” (new members). A sifu will share 100% of his kung fu secrets, but only with the inner-circle. Those whom have earned the opportunity and are considered to be entrusted with this kind of knowledge, the kung fu life.
Historically, old Chinese residential architecture gives a large gate into a large courtyard. On the other end of the courtyard are the inner rooms. The two Pai Si levels are based upon this: The “yap moon” (in the door) being the first one. signifises that the disciple has been let "in the gate" and into the courtyard. The “yap sut” (in the room) is the higher level and signifies one who has traversed the courtyard. After being accepted into the kung fu clan, one is thought to be closer to the master of the system then his/her own family/siblings. Anything the member does or doesn’t do will have a very important impact. Not only to the school, but also to the master and the art.
The Ceremony
The first step in the ceremony is called Pai Si Teep (拜師帖). The announcement is made to the kung fu family clan. During the ceremony, the student (todai) who is performing the ceremony will kneel before the master (sifu), who is seated front of him. He then will have to recite the kung fu codes and commandments. If the sifu accepts, the todai will “kowtow”. Bowing three times with his head touching the floor. This is considered the highest sign of reverence. Then he will offer a cup of tea, The sifu accepts the todai as an “indoor student” or disciple, he will take the cup and drink it. It signifies the acceptance of the todai as a “moon yan” into the family clan. This confirms the ceremony and the todai will offer his sifu a red envelope. Officially ending the pai si ceremony with burning incense to the kung fu altar. Keep in mind that this Is just a basic, simplified explanation of the ceremonial process. It is way more complicated. As for many traditional Chinese kung fu schools have different variations of their pai si ceremony. Some of them may even last for couple of days, but they all follow the basic guidelines…this is kung fu tradition.
A disciple who has completed the Pai Si ceremony becomes like a son or daughter. It is important to keep in mind that a discipleship does NOT mean blind obedience! It truly means mutual loyalty between the two. The disciple pledges to continue to train hard, learning everything the master teaches while maintaining the integrity of the school and the art. In return, the master pledges to completely pass his kung fu knowledge on to the disciple to the best of his ability. However, loyalty does demand some obedience and supplication! That is the nature of the relationship between master and student. Off course, it must remain positive and not be abused by a master. Eventually a Pai Si ceremony should not be taken lightly, for it is a big step into the martial forest and must come from the heart, mind and spirit.
一日為師, 終生為父
"When a student takes 3 steps forward...the master will approach with 6 steps, when a student decides to take 2 steps backwards...the master has no choice to retreat with 4 steps"
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