over the past few months i've read some posts written by various "russboians" about a connection, said to be direct and inextricable, between the likes of shaolin gongfu and chan buddhism. the affiliaton between the two however, in my mind, is kind of like saying the art of dance is somehow rooted in hinduism or some other religion. personally i think it's another instance of where religion is given credit for something that has evolved naturally by itself over time, from age-old pujas, tribal dance, qigong, yoga, and so on...
the first paragraph defining shaolin gongfu on wiki appears as follows:
it would seem the association relating gong fu to the shaolin temple is verifiable for some forms, sets, and drills. but even if the martial arts practiced there were completely genuine in and of themselves, how are they, at the same time, linked to buddhism exactly?
can someone explain how it's accurate to make the association between shaolin gongfu and buddhism? or rather, perhaps just clear up my misunderstanding?
peace,
one...
the first paragraph defining shaolin gongfu on wiki appears as follows:
Shaolin Kung Fu refers to a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery. Of the tens of thousands of kung fu wushu styles, several hundred do, in fact, have some relationship to Shaolin; however, aside from a few very well known systems, such as Shaolin Five Animal, the 108 Movements of the Wooden Man Hall, Enchanted Staff, White Eyebrow, etc., it would be almost impossible to establish a verifiable connection to the Temple for any one particular art.
it would seem the association relating gong fu to the shaolin temple is verifiable for some forms, sets, and drills. but even if the martial arts practiced there were completely genuine in and of themselves, how are they, at the same time, linked to buddhism exactly?
can someone explain how it's accurate to make the association between shaolin gongfu and buddhism? or rather, perhaps just clear up my misunderstanding?
peace,
one...
Comment