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For more than 1,500 years, the Shaolin monks from China's Henan Province have applied the discipline of martial arts as a unique manifestation of their religion, performing feats of astonishing physical prowess and mental concentration within their Ch'an (Zen) Buddhist practice. Originally a means of daily exercise and a form of meditation, the fighting actions evolved into what is now known throughout the world as Kung Fu. Now, GREAT PERFORMANCES presents an exciting theatrical performance featuring the ordained Soldier Monks of the Shaolin Temple. With music, lighting, and a stage set evoking the ancient East, SHAOLIN: WHEEL OF LIFE tells the story of the monks' early struggle to establish and protect their temple in a performance that celebrates their history, religion, and tremendous physical and mental skills.
THE BACKGROUND
For more than 1,500 years, the martial arts skills of China's Shaolin monks have developed into a unique manifestation of Zen Buddhism. The name "Shaolin" has become synonymous with the most extraordinary feats of discipline, strength, and courage; and with the growth in popularity of Kung Fu today, the monks' reputation as its acknowledged founders has become established throughout the world.
In the early years, immediately following the founding of the Shaolin Temple in 495 A.D. in Henan Province, the first soldier monks created a set of fighting actions -- the original Kung Fu -- that utilized all parts of their bodies. These actions were initially a means of daily exercise. They were later combined with the use of various weapons, made from simple farming tools, and developed into a form of meditation.
The Shaolin monks have experienced a turbulent history. During the past 1,500 years, they have been called upon many times to defend both their country and their temple from a succession of warlords and foreign invaders. Their involvement in these campaigns further developed what has become known as Shaolin Kung Fu.
Today, the monks are renowned as much for their peaceful existence as for their elite fighting skills, but, as in centuries past, they continue to practice their Kung Fu disciplines and remain ready to defend their country and their temple.
@vampir335 actually im wrong, the thing i wrote is the hommage they would sing to Guan yin boddhisatva but the are singing the amitabah buddha chant. So its namo amitabah, and thats for sure
oscie1 6 months ago
@oscie1 are u sure ?
vampir335 6 months ago
@vampir335 namo guan shi yin bodh sat
oscie1 6 months ago
i wanna know what they are chanting in the beginning "nahoami gua ga?
vampir335 6 months ago
does anyone know if they are making another world tour? I WANT THEM TO COME BACK TO PERU , I DIDN'T SEE THEM THE FIRST TIME
shaolinshifu1 7 months ago
can anyone tell me please where to find, buy or download the suntracks to this amazing dvd?
chupaxxx 8 months ago
imam ovaj film ceo u HD davno
SelenaDarijoSrdjan 11 months ago
I saw these guys in the Peacock theatre in London back in 2002, I love shaolin! such a fascinating history
CrankDATdance56 1 year ago
I saw these men in 2003 in St. Louis, shortly after I joined a Norhtern Shaolin school. They are a part of what inspired me to keep training, though their kung fu in this show is no longer full traditional temple art. *bows*
Bastion83 1 year ago