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【Chan Story】The Shortcut and the Dead End
An old physician took in two apprentices. Half a year passed, yet he had not taught them any medical skills, only having them read medical texts and identify herbs. Secretly observing the two, he noticed that the elder apprentice was honest and diligent, neither arrogant…
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【Chan Story】Weeding the Mind
A young man came to the temple seeking ordination. The abbot asked him why, and he replied, “Life is too painful.” When the abbot inquired further about the source of his pain, the young man said, “When I see others doing better than me, I…
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【Chan Story】Letting Go and Gaining
In the temple lived two brothers in faith, Liaofan and Liaochen. At the break of dawn, they would go out to beg for alms, returning only when the stars filled the sky. Later, only Liaofan continued to go out daily, while Liaochen bought large quantities…
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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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The Evolving Role of Women in Shaolin Kung Fu
Historical Constraints: The Monastic Tradition 1. Ancient Prohibitions 2. Folk Traditions Modern Transformation: Breaking Barriers 1. Institutional Reforms 2. Global Pioneers Comparative Perspectives: Women in Martial Arts Tradition Female Role Key Figures Shaolin Post-2000s inclusion; performance focus Shi Yan Ran (elite team captain) Wudang Taoist…
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The Global Dissemination and Influence of Shaolin Kung Fu
The Global Dissemination and Influence of Shaolin Kung Fu Tracing the evolution of Shaolin Temple from an isolated monastic retreat to an international cultural symbol—through initiatives like overseas branches and Kung Fu cinema. An analysis of how Shaolin Kung Fu adapts to diverse cultural contexts,…
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Shaolin Kung Fu: Schools and Systems
Shaolin Kung Fu: Schools and Systems An analysis of the major branches of Shaolin martial arts—such as Luohan Quan (Arhat Fist), Yijin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Change Classic), and the 72 Unique Skills—along with their technical characteristics. A discussion on the classification of Shaolin Kung Fu (e.g.,…
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Shaolin Cultural Symbols in Contemporary Art
Shaolin Cultural Symbols in Contemporary Art An analysis of how Shaolin elements—such as Kung Fu and Zen wisdom—are reinterpreted in modern art forms like film, dance, and painting. Drawing from the dialectical relationship between “tradition and innovation,” this discussion explores the artistic expression of Shaolin…
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Shaolin Zen Music: The Zen Essence in Sound
Shaolin Zen Music: The Zen Essence in Sound Exploring the rhythms and melodies of Shaolin Buddhist music—such as chanting (梵呗), temple bells, and drums—reveals how sound art conveys the wisdom of Zen. Drawing from The Essence of Art‘s perspective that “art awakens inner experience,” this analysis…
Shaolin Temple — a 1,500-year-old sacred land of Zen and martial arts! Founded in 495 AD, it’s the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. Monks here masterfully blend spiritual wisdom with physical discipline, creating the unique “Zen in motion” culture. Every brick and tile whispers legends, drawing global seekers of Eastern wisdom and martial arts mastery.
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