Shaolin: Story of Gongfu

#chinatrip Currently, the Shaolin Temple is protected by the state and is open to tourists. It is one of the most famous symbols of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO recognized the ancient buildings of the monastery and its role in spreading Zen Buddhism and martial arts in Japan, Korea and many other countries as valuable for the history of mankind. Tourists from all over the world come to Shaolin Temple to watch a show of martial artists, admire the architecture of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties and see the Talin Pagoda Forest – the burial place of hundreds of monks. Shaolin Temple is the most famous temple in China, it is rightfully called the "cradle of Zen Buddhism". The kind of Buddhism that originated in this historical place places special importance on both martial arts training and Zen meditation. This type of meditation, practiced in Japan, appeared here, in the Shaolin Monastery. Shaolin monks had a great influence on the spread of Buddhism and martial arts in Korea and Japan. Much more than in China itself, where many styles of martial arts, religions and philosophies coexisted. Shaolin was founded by an Indian named Bato. Around 495, with the support of the emperor, who approved his teachings, the construction of the legendary complex began. Another Indian, known in China as Damo, arrived in the country around 526. It is known that in India he devoted a lot of time to Mahayana Buddhism. This type of Buddhist practice requires intensive training: physical exercises and martial arts, as well as teaching and meditation. When Damo arrived at the Shaolin Temple, he criticized the monks for being weak and not proficient in any kind of martial arts. He was asked to leave the monastery. He is said to have retired and meditated in a cave for a while, after which he was accepted by other monks and the training began.