The Influence of Buddhism in Chinese Martial Arts Essay

Gutowski 1 BrandonGutowski Carrie Morris Narration of Asia 30 January 2012 The Influence of Buddhism In Chinese Martial Arts Since first introduced During the Han Dynasty, Buddhism has played a major role in Chinese art and culture. This is especially true in the traditions that surround the art of Shaolin Kung-Fu, and their strong belief in Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Kung-Fu was Influenced by the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and focuses heavily on the belief that enlightenment is attained through meditation. In this essay, Buddhisms influence on Shaolin Kung-Fu will be discussed, from how it started to how it thrives today in modern china. Michael Kampan O Reilly states in Art Beyond the West that Zen Buddhism teaches one can find†¦show more content†¦The tong qi-gong became the foundation on which Shaolin kung-fu was built. Eventually the kung fu was used as a form of fighting and the temple became known for its warrior monks. In 574AD Emperor Wudi banned Buddhism, the Shaolin was destroyed (Sara Naumann). During the Northern Zhou Dynasty Buddhism w as revived and The Shaolin rebuilt. It says in Art Beyond The West by Michael Kampan O Reilly that during the fourth and fifth centuries Buddhism became wide spread for the first time in China (126). The Tang Dynasty is when the Shaolin flourished. Thirteen warrior monks rescued the Emperors son Li Shimin from an army that was trying to take over the Tang. Once Emperor, Li Shimin named the Shaolin the Supreme Temple in all China. Shoulin kung-fu developed and advanced over the next few hundred years known as Shaolins Golden Era (Sara Naumann). Qing ruler burnt the Shaolin temple down, destroying there sacred texts.the Shaolin temple was rebuilt and destroyed over and over in the following centuries. At the brink of extinction, a few surviving monks continued to practice kung-fu behind closed doors. ant the end of the Qing Dynasty a few Shaolin monks went to Shingou Si, where they worked to preserve kung-fu. Among these monks were Zhan Ju, Zhan Mo, and Ji Qing. A few years later the re was a renewed interest and acceptance of kung-fu, and it remains to this day(shaolinShow MoreRelatedChin Culture, Economic, Political, Military Perspective1060 Words   |  5 PagesChina being an extremely large country, the customs and traditions of its people vary by geography and ethnicity. The Chinese Communist Party that rules the nation is officially atheist. However, it is gradually becoming more tolerant of different religions. There are currently only five official religions, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. 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