少林寺 Shaolin Temple

The 10th International Shaolin Wushu Festival opened on last Sunday in Shaolin Temple located in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province.

More than 1,800 athletes from 63 countries and regions took part in the festival which lasted until Wednesday. Most of them competed in martial arts events and some aimed at a Wushu grade.

Shaolin Monastery 少林寺 (shào lín sì)

A Chinese saying goes, “Chinese kung fu ranks the best in the world, and all kung fu originated in Shaolin(中国功夫甲天下，天下武功出少林).” Shaolin kung fu is a school of martial arts that has been the most widespread and influential. It was born in Shaolin Monastery, a Buddhist sacred place located near Zhengzhou, Henan Province.

Shaolin is known for both Chan 禅(chán) and Wu 武(wǔ) martial arts. Chan Buddhism, introduced from India, developed in China and aimed to train and improve one’s wisdom and thinking. To practice Chan one needs to sit in meditation 坐禅(zuò chán) and seclusion 闭关(bì guān). When meditating you sit with two legs crossed for a long period of time which can be tiring. That was why monks practiced martial arts to strengthen their physique and ease fatigue. As a result martial arts became another discipline learnt and practiced by Shaolin monks.

Their martial arts were integrated with Chan essentials. Whether it was boxing(拳术), cudgel play(棍术), sabreplay(刀术), swordsmanship(剑术), kickboxing (散打), or qigong(气功), they all combined with Chan Buddhist teachings to form a comprehensive system of martial arts. Practicing martial arts improves the practice of Chan Buddhism. In return, Chan Buddhism helps martial artists improve their wisdom and body.

Shaolin Monastery is home to many precious cultural relics, including Pagoda Forest(塔林) which is a cemetery of Shaolin abbots and outstanding monks.