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Exploring the Ancient Sutra Library of Shaolin Temple
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Song in central China, Shaolin Temple has been revered for centuries as the sacred birthplace of both martial arts and Chan Buddhism. Yet, hidden within its ancient walls lies a quieter, profound treasure—the Sutra Library, the spiritual…
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Why Learn Meditation? How to Meditate?
In the bustling world of the five desires and six sensory dusts, modern people are overwhelmed daily by external challenges and inner chaos. Meditation, or seated Zen (Zazen), is an ancient, effective practice that offers a pathway to peace and insight. But why should we…
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The Thirteen Staff-Wielding Monks Rescued Emperor Taizong of Tang
Is the story of the thirteen staff-wielding monks rescuing the Tang Emperor true? Who exactly were these monks who saved the emperor? Where did the rescue take place, and how was it carried out? This event is substantiated within the Shaolin Temple by both physical…
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【Shaolin Legend】Crossing the River on a Reed
Bodhidharma, the First Patriarch of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism, was the direct disciple of Prajñātāra, the 27th Patriarch of Indian Zen Buddhism. One day, Bodhidharma asked his master, “After I receive the Dharma, where should I go to spread the teachings?” Prajñātāra replied, “Go to…
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【Shaolin Legend】The Pavilion of Standing in Snow (Lixue Pavilion)
Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Xiaoming of the Northern Wei dynasty, there lived a man named Ji Shenguang at the foot of Hulao Pass. His parents were devout followers of Zhenwu the Great, a deity in Taoism. When Shenguang was born,…
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About Shaolin Games
Shaolin Games: A Global Celebration of Chan Wu Heritage 1. The Tradition of Shaolin Games (考功) The Shaolin Games (Kao Gong) is a centuries-old tradition that evaluates practitioners’ mastery of seven core disciplines: This system encourages diligence (virya) among Shaolin’s Fourfold Community (monastics, lay disciples,…
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Inscribed in Stone, Remembered by the World: Shaolin Temple Stele Inscribed on UNESCO Memory of the World Register
On April 17, 2025, UNESCO announced the new inscriptions to the Memory of the World Register. China’s nomination “Shaolin Temple Stele Collection (566–1990)” was successfully inscribed! This signifies that this treasured library of stone inscriptions, comprising 499 precious stone steles spanning 1424 years (from the…
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The Holiest Site of Shaolin Isn’t Even Inside the Temple?
In the movie Avatar, the Tree of Souls in Pandora is the most sacred place for the Na’vi people. Its powerful magnetic field serves as a spiritual conduit connecting them to Eywa, the planetary consciousness. Similarly, in the mystical birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the…
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Discover Shaolin: Where Zen Meets Martial Mastery
Imagine a 1,500-year-old temple where monks practice not just silent meditation, but also fluid yet powerful martial arts. This is Shaolin Kung Fu—a living art born in China’s Songshan Mountains, seamlessly weaving Buddhist faith, Zen wisdom, and ancient combat into one profound tradition. Its spirit…
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Two Saints, One Mountain: How a Weaver Boy and a Wall-Gazing Monk Ignited Shaolin’s Eternal Flame
When dawn mist veils Mount Shaoshi, the monastery bell startles crows from ancient pines. Few pilgrims know this sanctuary of Zen and Kung Fu began with an Indian weaver’s fateful encounter with an emperor. Chapter 1: The Weaver’s Sutra — Buddhabhadra’s Journey Luoyang, 495 AD.…
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- Zen Healing (6)
