History of Shaolin: Buddhism, Kung Fu and Identity

Shaolin Monastery at Mount Song is the epicenter of Chan school of Buddhism and is a special cultural heritage site. This book is the first scholarly work in English to examine its history, origins, and development of Chan Buddhism, and its role in constructing a national identity among the Chinese people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Shaolin Monastery, perched atop Mount Song, holds a revered status as the epicenter of the Chan school of Buddhism. Renowned for its martial arts heritage, it has been cherished as a unique cultural treasure and a significant emblem of the Chinese nation for centuries. In this groundbreaking work, the first of its kind in English, scholars delve into the comprehensive history of Shaolin Monastery, spanning from 496 to 2016. What sets this book apart is its ability to provide a clear and insightful understanding of the origins and evolution of Chan Buddhism, shedding light on the profound influence of Shaolin and its martial arts on the formation of a national identity among the Chinese people over the past two centuries.

The Shaolin Monastery, nestled atop Mount Song, stands as the epitome of the Chan school of Buddhism. Its martial arts tradition has earned it widespread recognition and has long been revered as a precious cultural heritage site and a vital symbol of the Chinese nation. This remarkable book, the first scholarly exploration in English of Shaolin Monastery's history from 496 to 2016, offers a profound and comprehensive account of the monastery's journey. Moreover, it provides a clear and insightful perspective on the origins and development of Chan Buddhism, highlighting the profound influence of Shaolin and its martial arts on the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people throughout the past two centuries.

The Shaolin Monastery, perched atop Mount Song, is revered as the epicenter of the Chan school of Buddhism. Its martial arts heritage has made it a renowned cultural treasure and a significant symbol of the Chinese nation for centuries. In this groundbreaking work, the first of its kind in English, scholars delve into the comprehensive history of Shaolin Monastery, spanning from 496 to 2016. What sets this book apart is its ability to provide a clear and insightful understanding of the origins and evolution of Chan Buddhism, shedding light on the profound influence of Shaolin and its martial arts on the formation of a national identity among the Chinese people over the past two centuries.

The Shaolin Monastery, nestled atop Mount Song, holds a revered status as the epicenter of the Chan school of Buddhism. Its martial arts tradition has earned it widespread recognition and has long been cherished as a precious cultural heritage site and a vital symbol of the Chinese nation. In this groundbreaking work, the first of its kind in English, scholars delve into the comprehensive history of Shaolin Monastery, spanning from 496 to 2016. What sets this book apart is its ability to provide a clear and insightful understanding of the origins and evolution of Chan Buddhism, shedding light on the profound influence of Shaolin and its martial arts on the formation of a national identity among the Chinese people over the past two centuries.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367660390