The Spiritual Legacy Of Shaolin Temple

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.

"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

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.

"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.

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.

Treating bodies as more than discursive in social research can feel out of place in academia. As a result, embodiment studies remain on the outside of academic knowledge construction and critical scholarship. However, embodiment scholars suggest that investigations into the profound division created by privileging the mind-intellect over the body-spirit are integral to the project of decolonization. The field of embodiment theorizes bodies as knowledgeable in ways that include but are not solely cognitive. The contributors to this collection suggest developing embodied ways of teaching, learning, and knowing through embodied experiences such as yoga, mindfulness, illness, and trauma. Although the contributors challenge Western educational frameworks from within and beyond academic settings, they also acknowledge and draw attention to the incommensurability between decolonization and aspects of social justice projects in education. By addressing this tension ethically and deliberately, the contributors engage thoughtfully with decolonization and make a substantial, and sometimes unsettling, contribution to critical studies in education.

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.

This book explores the concept that the reality which is created by the consciousness inherent in the Western worldview is exceptionally limiting and probably unsustainable. After describing the contexts within which the book was written the author documents his personal journey in search of wholeness and meaning. From his experience of this journey he suggests that the wisdom, insight, and praxis contained within - what he describes as the meta-narratives of - Holism, Indigenous cultures, and Eastern traditions are manifestations of a holistic consciousness. The author explores the concept that a shift to such a holistic consciousness is required in order to redress the imbalance that is evident in all humanity's relationships, and he suggests that enabling such a shift in consciousness would have deep implications for the concepts and contexts of community, adult learning, meaningful work, and sustainability.