鸟瞰中国-ChinafromAbve（上）_3.ShaolinTemple.docVIP

Lesson 3. Shaolin Temple I. Script Far to the north in Songshan mountain is one of the most iconic Buddhist monasteries in Asia. The Buddhism was’t always about peaceful meditation. More than a millennium ago, its priests had to learn how to defend themselves in China warlike past. According to legend this secluded monastery is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. Here trained the legendary Shaolin monks. This fifteen-hundred-year-old fusion of Kungfu and religion is kept alive by the neat order of monks that inspired over a hundred martial arts movies. And it still attracts Kungfu apprentices from all over China. “I’m 18 years old. I come from Anhui Province. I have been in Shaolin Temple since I was 13. Since I was young, I have always wanted to become a Shaolin warrior monk.” The origins of the order are lost in legend. But it’s believed the first two Chinese disciples to join the monastery brought martial arts skills with them. Those skills were blended with Buddhism and Shaolin Kungfu was born. “The difference between Shaolin Kungfu and other schools of Martial Arts is that it encompasses Zen. Zen is cultivation of the mind, an inner mediation of the heart.” This balance between mastery of the mind and body made the monks a key fighting force during the Tang Dynasty, helping Emperor Lee ShiMin to seize the throne in the early 7th century. “The training is very tough, so tough to the extent that you almost want to give up. But I have to persevere. I must train harder and do better than my peers.” “He (Yan Fei) is considered quite good, because he is able to endure hardship.” Today Yan Fei has a crucial assessment sparring with his weapons master. He must prove proficient with complex San Jie Gun, also known as the triple stick. He’s already failed this once before. “At first, it was really tough practicing with the triple stick. I couldn’t control it, it was making a fool of me. But after years of practice, I have learnt how to manage it.” In t