The History of Shaolin Tempel

[lisa bella]

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.