Shaolin Three Perfections: Qigong · Acupoint Pressing · Seizing

Author: De Qian
Editor-in-Chief: Zhang Qingyuan et al.
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Qigong, acupoint pressing, and wrestling are known as the three of Shaolin, considered the essence of martial arts. They are the crowning achievement of martial arts and have been the focus of study by generations of Shaolin monks. This book provides a detailed introduction to the origins, characteristics, content, and practice methods of these three, including: dynamic and static qigong, light and gentle exercises, the power of palm and fist to split stones, acupoint striking techniques, wrestling and unlocking methods, and health-enhancing practices. Excerpt: Chapter Shaolin Orthodox Qigong Section Overview
1. Shaolin Qigong Origins According to records in works such as The Biography of Martial Monks, The Annals of Shaolin Temple, and The Collection of Shaolin Martial Monks, Shaolin qigong originated with Master Chou during the Northern Wei Dynasty. In the 19th year of the Tahe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (495 AD), Emperor Xiaowen ordered the construction of Shaolin Temple on Mount Song for the Western Indian monk Bodhidharma. Soon after, Bodhidharma converted Hui Guang, Chou (later known as Monk Chou), and others into monks. Chou, due to his small stature and weak constitution, was often mocked by other monks. To avoid humiliation, he resolved to practice martial arts. Later, his lightness skills became so refined that he could leap onto beams and dash across walls swiftly. Monk Chou was not only skilled in martial arts and qigong but also deeply studied Chan (Zen) Buddhism, achieving high proficiency in Chan meditation. He could sit in meditation for seven days without drinking water or eating, remaining motionless and silent. Inspired by his example, other monks practiced martial arts and qigong widely to improve their health, propagate Chan Buddhism, and spread the Dharma. In the third year of the Xiaochang era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (527 AD), Bodhidharma came to Shaolin Temple and meditated for nine years in the Zhu Cave at the Five Breasts Peak. After leaving the mountain, he transmitted the essence of Chan to Shaolin, leading to the widespread popularity of Chan Buddhism and the deepening of Chan-based internal qigong practices. By the Tang Dynasty, due to Shaolin Temple's contributions to supporting the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong granted permission to recruit monks into the army, allowing Shaolin martial arts to flourish. The unbroken tradition of Shaolin monks practicing martial arts and qigong throughout the generations led to the continuous development of Shaolin qigong and the emergence of numerous masters with extraordinary skills. For example:
- In the Song Dynasty, the chief monk Hong Wen, a venerable monk, excelled in hard qigong and (standing post exercises). Even in his old age, he could balance a hundred pounds on his head and support people on his knees.
- In the Yuan Dynasty, Monk Huigu was renowned for his lightness skills, able to leap across streams and cliffs, extinguish candles through walls, and subdue opponents from a distance.
- In the Ming Dynasty, Monk Xingke also mastered lightness skills, performing similar feats.
- During the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the female martial artist Qingyu had the ability to cross water by stepping on lotus leaves.
- In modern times, Monk Henglin could break stones with his fists.
- Other masters include the external qigong "Wind-Swaying Willow" of Master Dechan, the internal qigong "Double-Lotus Knees" of Monk Suoyun, and the household disciple Feng Genhuai's iron head and palm-stone skills, among countless others.
While practicing, Shaolin monks also collected and compiled Shaolin qigong, engaging in extensive writing. Works such as The Shaolin Fist Manual by Monk Foju of the Song Dynasty and The Collection of Shaolin Qigong by Monk Xinghong of the Ming Dynasty compiled various Shaolin qigong techniques, leaving behind invaluable martial arts resources for future generations. Over the long course of history, Shaolin qigong continuously developed and enriched both within Shaolin Temple and among the general populace. However, in modern times, due to the decline of the nation, frequent wars, and famine, the fate of Shaolin Temple mirrored that of the entire country, deteriorating steadily. Especially in 1928, warlord Shi Yousan burned down Shaolin Temple, and the fire raged for over 40 days. Not only were the main halls of the temple destroyed, but all the treasured and copied Shaolin fist manuals and qigong records were reduced to ashes. The monks scattered, destitute and unable to practice martial arts or qigong.