Shaolin - The History

Jessi · Feb 3, 2019

47MartialMan said: ↑

I do not wholeheartenly believe there exists authentic Shaolin Monks nowadays
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Okay, I just noticed, that I actually CAN put a link here

Please note: I am NOT doing this for commercial reasons!
This master never takes ANY MONEY for his lessons!
I am aware that I just registered here .. and 10 minutes later I am posting links .. and I understand that this looks a bit awkward ...

But it is only because I saw this topic here, and I actually DO HAVE something to say about this, as one reason that shows that my master is an authentic Shaolin Monk is that he never charges any money for the teaching. In the old and original teaching of Shaolin it was believed that this is a teaching that belongs to humanity. Therefore it should be given to humanity and not be used to enrich oneself.

(link deleted)

(another link deleted)

Strength and clarity!

Jessi

aaradia · Feb 3, 2019

Mod note: Welcome to MAP Jessi. I understand the instructor mentioned does not charge for instruction, but if one is using MAP to direct traffic here to promotion of another site, youtube channel, etc. it is still considered advertising according to our Terms of Service. Our TOS can be found by clicking on the Terms and Rules button on the bottom right hand corner of every page.

If you wish to use MAP to do this still, then please contact our listowner Mitch for our advertising rates. The idea is, if MAP is going to be used for promotion elsewhere, then it is entirely fair to ask to help with the costs of keeping MAP afloat.

If you have any further questions, please PM a moderator.

Thanks!

Jessi · Feb 5, 2019

Ok, no prob, I get it.
I understand your concern and I accept it completely.
It´s sad, but that´s how it is .. otherwise each forum would be full of advertising links .. and no conversation at all.
Thanks for informing me
Cheers

Hans Larrave · Feb 22, 2019

Anth said: ↑

The Founders

For over fifteen hundred years the Shaolin Monks from China's Henan Province have applied the discipline of martial arts as a unique manifestation of their religion. The name Shaolin has become synonymous with the finest and most extraordinary feats of discipline, strength and courage; and with the growth in popularity of modern Kung Fu, the reputation of the Shaolin Monks has become established throughout the world.

The Soldier Monks

In the early years immediately following the founding of the Shaolin Temple in 495 AD, the first Soldier Monks created a set of eighteen different fighting actions - the original Kung Fu - which utilised all parts of their bodies. These were combined with the use of various weapons made from simple farming tools and were initially a means of providing daily exercise and as a form of meditation. Later they were used as a means of self defence.

The Defenders

Nowadays the Monks are renowned as much for their peaceful existence as for their elite fighting skills but, as in centuries past, they continue to practice their Kung Fu disciplines and remain ready to defend their Temple.

The Protectors

As the acknowledged founders of Kung Fu, the Shaolin Monks have experienced a turbulent history. Over the past fifteen hundred years they have engaged in battles to protect the Chinese Emperors against warlords and foreign invaders and to defend their Temple against attack. Their involvement in these military campaigns further developed the martial art we know today as Shaolin Kung Fu.

The Monks Practice Martial Arts

In the year 497AD the scholar monk Buddhabhadra (Ba Yuo in Chinese) left his native India and settled in the Songshan Mountains of Henan Province. He became very interested in Chinese Wushu (martial arts or Kung Fu to Westerners), although it is not known if he received any training himself. His disciples, Seng Chou and Hui Guang, however, perfected their skills, and according to historical records, Seng Chou was able to "walk a wall" and leap up on to a rooftop with one bound to demonstrate the formidable strength in his legs. For Hui Guang, it was said he could keep a shuttlecock in the air by kicking it 500 times without stopping while, at the same time, balancing on the rails of a well. Hui Guang and Seng Chou were the first Shaolin Monks to practice martial arts.

The Monks Embrace Zen Buddhism

Bodhidharma is the other famous character in Shaolin history. The Indian form of Buddhism, Hinayana, found its way into China in the first century BC, but didn't fit Chinese conditions. It was, therefore, not well received by the Chinese because of the differences between India and China, such as natural conditions, social customs, languages etc. But everything changed following Bodhidhama's founding of the Ch'an Sect. Ch'an is the Chinese form of the Sanskrit word dhyana, which means contemplative concentration, but is better known in the west by its Japanese rendition, Zen. Bodhidharma came to China in 527AD. There, he taught his disciples this new form of Buddhism, which was more suited to the Chinese culture and settled at the Shaolin Temple. Because the Shaolin monks embraced this new form of Buddhism, which is tolerant of most things except killing, robbing, looting and illicit sex, the Ch'an Sect spread rapidly and came to dominate more than 70% of Buddhist temples throughout the country.

The Monks Provide A Retreat

What contributed to the Shaolin Monks' awesome abilities was the geographical location and distinct historical circumstances of their Temple. Its location in the Central Plains of China became an ideal retreat for retired generals, assorted malcontents and fugitives from the law who were drawn to the Temple because of its tolerant atmosphere. Most of these people were already Wushu experts and could, therefore, pass on their skills to others. The Monks Become Soldiers

The monks became soldiers to protect the Temple from bandits. At this time China's monastic economies were expanding as a result of royal patronage. The Temple grew considerably in size and importance when Emperor Wen Di of the Sui dynasty donated 1,648 acres of land on which it built exquisite halls and pavilions and acquired many employees and attendants to maintain and farm the extensive grounds. This obvious wealth made it a target for marauding bandits and thus the Monk-Soldier was born.

"Dhamra Chakka" Wheel of Life

In the last fifteen hundred years of China's history, these Buddhist Monks have participated in battles for the Imperial Government against warlords and foreign invaders. They were usually rewarded with more land or high ranking positions within the Imperial army. It was this mass participation in military campaigns that marked a turning point in the development of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Special thanks go to Triple A for allowing us to use information and photographs found on there official website www.wheeloflife.co.uk
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This looks like a very nice article. Don't trash it by making it a facebook post. Put it up as an article on a real site.

jakesantiago · Mar 1, 2019

Yes, I also agree with Hans on this. It is a pretty great article and it would be a waste to share it directly. However, you can promote it on social media though after blogging about it.

Tman · Mar 9, 2019

The Shaolin Monastery today is a Communist controlled tourist attraction. Everything the performers do, is monitored by government officials.

The actual Shaolin monks were killed/had to flee during the Communist revolution.

jakesantiago · Mar 14, 2019

Yes! I have also heard about (sneaky advertising link deleted). The Communist Revolution had some really weird turns and ends that now lead to lost of culture.

Adrianosaunder · Mar 24, 2019

This is very nice

Thankyou

officially4h · Apr 23, 2019

Is this information authentic.

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