The Spiritual Legacy of Shaolin Temple PDF Download

Author: Andy James
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 0861713524
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 211

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Book Description
An internationally renowned teacher of Qigong instructor introduces readerso the wisdom of the Shaolin Temple, where Buddhism and Taoism have blendednto interesting new forms and the martial arts were revolutionized. Original.

Author: Christopher Ford
Publisher: Martial Arts Collection
ISBN:
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"Shaolin Temple: The Ancient Heart of Martial Arts" is an exploration of one of the world's most iconic and mysterious martial arts institutions. This book delves deep into the history, philosophy, and practices of the Shaolin Temple, offering readers a window into the ancient traditions of Shaolin Kung Fu and Chan Buddhism. With vivid storytelling and rich insights, it unveils the secrets of Shaolin's legendary monks, their incredible feats, and their profound spiritual journey. Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast, a seeker of wisdom, or simply curious about the Shaolin legacy, this book is a compelling and enlightening read that will leave you inspired and informed. Join us on this extraordinary voyage into the heart of Shaolin. Chapters included: Chapter 1: The Origins of Shaolin Temple Chapter 2: Shaolin Philosophy and Spirituality Chapter 3: Legends and Tales of Shaolin Chapter 4: Shaolin Kung Fu: The Art of Combat Chapter 5: The Shaolin Way of Life Chapter 6: Shaolin in Modern Times

Author: Lu Zhouxiang
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429537212
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 307

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Book Description
Shaolin Monastery at Mount Song is considered the epicentre of the Chan school of Buddhism. It is also well known for its martial arts tradition and has long been regarded as a special cultural heritage site and an important symbol of the Chinese nation. This book is the first scholarly work in English to comprehensively examine the full history of Shaolin Monastery from 496 to 2016. More importantly, it offers a clear grasp of the origins and development of Chan Buddhism through an examination of Shaolin, and highlights the role of Shaolin and Shaolin kung fu in the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people in the past two centuries.

Author: Anthony Parkinson
Publisher: Anthony Parkinson
ISBN: 1088290620
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 56

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Book Description
"Sacred Sites of Asia: Spiritual Journeys to Revered Temples and Monuments" is a captivating exploration of the profound spiritual and cultural heritage found across the diverse continent of Asia. This book, nestled within the "Travel and Exploration" genre, takes readers on a transformative voyage to some of the most revered and awe-inspiring temples and monuments in Asia. Within its pages, readers will embark on a soul-stirring pilgrimage, uncovering the rich tapestry of Asian spirituality, history, and culture. From the iconic temples of Japan to the ancient ruins of Cambodia, and from the majestic Himalayan monasteries to the sacred riverbanks of India, this book offers a vivid and immersive journey into the heart of Asia's most sacred sites. Each chapter is a doorway to a different world, where readers will discover the profound significance of these sites, their role in religious traditions, and the stories that have been woven into their stones over centuries. The book delves into the spiritual rituals, cultural practices, and historical contexts that make these places not only destinations for travelers but also sources of inspiration and reflection. "Sacred Sites of Asia" invites readers to witness the beauty of Asian art and architecture, experience the serenity of contemplative spaces, and gain a deeper understanding of the people and beliefs that have shaped these remarkable places. Whether you are a traveler seeking spiritual enlightenment, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of Asia, this book provides a compelling and comprehensive guide to the continent's most sacred treasures.

Author: Meir Shahar
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
ISBN: 0824865022
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
"Written in clear and lucid style and ambitious both in scope and methodology, this book offers a fascinating window into Chinese culture, religion, and history. Ranging from historical and ethnographic documents to a wide variety of literary sources, it weaves them all into a compelling narrative. In this fashion, Shahar is uniquely able to bring together social, historical, and mythological elements, providing a demythologized account of martial Chinese traditions such as Shaolin Boxing. This is sinology at its best."—Bernard Faure, Columbia University "The book clearly belongs in a new group of books challenging conventional understandings of Buddhism and violence. Meir Shahar documents with meticulous accuracy and mellifluous prose the fighting monks of Shaolin monastery in China, who appear first in the Tang dynasty (618–907) and continue to the present. Scholars of Buddhism and Chinese history will learn much from the author's scrupulous analysis of the historical record—particularly the texts on stone steles at the monastery—that documents the monastery's traditions of fighting. Anyone interested in martial arts or Bruce Lee films will find it fascinating to learn about the actual history of the monastery’s fighting techniques. I found the book a powerful and compelling read." —Valerie Hansen, Yale University "Meir Shahar's book will assure that the martial arts of Shaolin take a prominent place in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Shahar has mastered a prodigious amount of secondary scholarship, pored over a wealth of primary documents, and brought a critical rigor to the study of these materials that is unprecedented in any language. Throughout, his analysis is cogent and clear. The result is a delightful tour of one of the most enigmatic and compelling stories of Chinese religion: the emergence and development of martial arts at Shaolin Si. Entertaining as the book is, it delivers as well a meditation on the sources of Chinese religion, and how fiction and scripture, myth and history combine to produce novel traditions. The Shaolin Monastery will appeal not only to scholars of Chinese religion, but to those interested in military history, self-cultivation, martial arts, and popular culture."—John Kieschnick, University of Bristol The Shaolin Monastery charts, for the first time in any language, the history of the Shaolin Temple and the evolution of its world-renowned martial arts. In this meticulously researched and eminently readable study, Meir Shahar considers the economic, political, and religious factors that led Shaolin monks to disregard the Buddhist prohibition against violence and instead create fighting techniques that by the twenty-first century have spread throughout the world. He examines the monks’ relations with successive Chinese regimes, beginning with the assistance they lent to the seventh-century Emperor Li Shimin and culminating more than a millennium later with their complex relations with Qing rulers, who suspected them of rebellion. He reveals the intimate connection between monastic violence and the veneration of the violent divinities of Buddhism and analyzes the Shaolin association of martial discipline and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Shahar’s exploration of the evolution of Shaolin fighting techniques serves as a prism through which to consider martial-art history in general. He correlates the emergence of the famous bare-handed techniques of Taiji Quan, Xingyi Quan, and Shaolin Quan in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to the social, political, and religious trends of that age. He then goes on to argue that these techniques were created not only for fighting, but also for religious and therapeutic purposes. Thus his work fills an important gap in the understanding of Chinese religion and medicine as well as the martial arts. The Shaolin Monastery is the most exhaustive study to date on the topic and the most systematic introduction to the history and the religious context of the Chinese martial arts tradition. It will engage those interested in Chinese religion and history and martial arts, illuminating for specialists, martial artists, and general readers alike the history and nature of a martial tradition that continues to grow in popularity in its native land and abroad.

Author: Kiew Kit, Wong
Publisher: Cosmos Internet (Publishing Division)
ISBN:
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 368

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Book Description
Shaolin Kungfu has been considered by many as the best martial art in the world. But kungfu is just one of the three treasures of Shaolin, the other two being chi kung and Zen. For the first time ever, this inspiring book, written by an internationally acclaimed Shaolin Grandmaster, brings to you the crystallization of Shaolin wisdom and practice spanning many centuries. Its scope and depth is amazing, touching on, among many other things, poetry and enlightenment. Yet it is written in a language easy to understand. Profound concepts and difficult techniques are explained systematically with many illustrations. The book includes: * The background and scope of kungfu. * Form and combat applications. * Principles and methods of force training. * Energy training and mind training. * Secrets of the masters. * Traditional Chinese weapons. * Maintaining one’s health and vitality and the healing of so-called incurable diseases. * Interesting stories and legends of Shaolin. * Zen and spiritual development.

Author: Liáng Wénshēn (梁文深)
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"From Ancient Origins to Modern Mastery: The Enduring Legacy and Evolution of Shaolin Kung Fu" is a captivating invitation to explore the profound depths of Shaolin Kung Fu, a martial art that intertwines physical discipline with spiritual growth. This book promises to be a comprehensive guide, tracing the lineage of Shaolin from its ancient roots to its contemporary influence. The narrative beckons readers to traverse the historical corridors of the Shaolin Monastery, unveiling the evolution of this martial art form through engaging storytelling. It's a journey that promises to enlighten both the mind and spirit, offering insights into the philosophical underpinnings that have sustained Shaolin Kung Fu's relevance across centuries. As the book unfolds, it pledges to reveal the intricacies of the Five Animal Styles, each mirroring the characteristics of the creatures they're named after, and to share the wisdom of legendary masters whose lives embody the essence of Shaolin. The text aims to bridge the past with the present, showcasing how Shaolin's teachings extend beyond martial arts, imparting lessons of mindfulness, resilience, and compassion applicable to all facets of life. The closing chapters seem poised to look ahead, contemplating the future trajectory of Shaolin Kung Fu in an ever-evolving world. It's an exploration that seeks to inspire, educate, and guide readers through the rich tapestry of Shaolin's history and its ongoing legacy. This book appears to be more than just a historical account; it's an invitation to experience the transformational journey of Shaolin Kung Fu, encouraging readers to discover its timeless wisdom and integrate its principles into their daily lives. Whether you're drawn to martial arts, intrigued by history, or in search of spiritual guidance, this book offers a window into the soul of Shaolin and its enduring impact on the world.

Author: Lu Zhouxiang
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351610031
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 244

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Book Description
Chinese martial arts is considered by many to symbolise the strength of the Chinese and their pride in their history, and has long been regarded as an important element of Chinese culture and national identity. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts comprehensively examines the development of Chinese martial arts in the context of history and politics, and highlights its role in nation building and identity construction over the past two centuries. ? This book explores how the development of Chinese martial arts was influenced by the ruling regimes’ political and military policies, as well as the social and economic environment. It also discusses the transformation of Chinese martial arts into its modern form as a competitive sport, a sport for all and a performing art, considering the effect of the rapid transformation of Chinese society in the 20th century and the influence of Western sports. The text concludes by examining the current prominence of Chinese martial arts on a global scale and the bright future of the sport as a unique cultural icon and national symbol of China in an era of globalisation. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts is important reading for researchers, students and scholars working in the areas of Chinese studies, Chinese history, political science and sports studies. It is also a valuable read for anyone with a special interest in Chinese martial arts.

Author: Lyman C.D. Kulathungam
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1610975154
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 293

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Book Description
The human spirit seems incapable of being stagnant, ever pushing the boundaries of knowledge and experience. We try to understand life through questions regarding our own existence, the nature of the universe, and the nature of God. The question of our collective heart is the external manifestation of an internal longing--a quest, if you will. This thirst to understand reality can be seen in superstructures that are scientific, social, political, and especially religious. When considering the doctrines, institutions, and rituals of religions, we observe certain core aspirations expressed by the people of these communities. These aspirations generate from an underlying quest which seeks a way out of our perceived predicament: a salvific quest. Regardless of whether we view ourselves as religious, pre-religious, post-religious, or non-religious, we find ourselves involved in such a quest; it seems to be an integral part of our human personhood. Using a unique framework of analysis, this book explores Christ's relevance to the quest expressed by the communities of eight major living religions--a relevance that neither degrades Christ nor demeans other "saviors." Christ is not part of the human quest, but is well equipped to satisfy that quest.

Author: Benjamin D. Espinoza
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 197870724X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 294

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Book Description
Scholars have been arguing for years that Star Wars is more than light sabers, Wookies, Millennium Falcons, and troubling familial relationships. Star Wars is an exciting space fantasy that we can explore from multiple academic perspectives, such as philosophy and psychology. This volume adds to that conversation by asking, “what would it look like if we analyzed the Star Wars universe theologically?” In Theology and the Star Wars Universe, contributors from various theological traditions take on this task by exploring the nature of the Force, the spiritual role of the Jedi, nonviolent and liberationist readings of the Franchise, and the enduring power of hope. Written for the restless, curious academic but accessible to diehard fans, Theology and the Star Wars Universe is an exciting foray into the study of theology and popular culture.