The Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Martial Arts and Chan Buddhism. It has been around for over  1500 years. The original Shaolin temple is located in Song Shan Mountain of China's Henan Province. The name "Shaolin" was inspired by the lush forest of the Shaoshi Mountain. The temple was thus named Shaolin ("Shao" meaning "young" or "new", and "Lin" meaning "forest"). This monastery played a prominent role in Chinese history.
Shaolin Temple was built in the year 495. Bodhidharma is acknowledged as the First Patriarch of Chinese Chan Buddhism and is credited with providing the foundations for Shaolin Kung Fu.
The Shaolin Temple’s fame also brought many hardships. During periods of unrest, the temple often became the focus for the imperial government’s wrath and retribution. The temple was destroyed  numerous times and has been rebuilt numerous times. It still stands to this very day.
The current Abbot of Shaolin, Venerable Shi Yongxin, has made many plans to restore and preserve the Shaolin Temple and restore it to its glory. He is preparing to declare the Shaolin Temple as a historical landmark. He has many great ideas for the Temple and we look forward in seeing what the future will hold for Shaolin. |
