Shaolin Three Secrets Qigong. Acupoint Pressing. Grappling

Author: De Qian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-08-01
Features: Qigong, acupressure, and grappling are known as the three of Shaolin, considered the essence of martial arts. They are the crown of martial arts, the content that generations of Shaolin monks have dedicated themselves to studying. This book provides a detailed introduction to the origins, characteristics, content, and practice methods of these three, including: dynamic, static, light, and gentle qigong, the power of palms and fists to split stones, acupressure to strike vital points, grappling and unlocking techniques, and methods for strengthening the body and enhancing health. Excerpt: Chapter Shaolin Orthodox Qigong Section Overview
1. Shaolin Qigong Origins According to records in 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 Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (495 AD), Emperor Xiaowen built 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 were so refined that he could leap onto beams and run swiftly along walls. Monk Chou was not only skilled in martial arts and qigong but also deeply studied Zen Buddhism, achieving high proficiency in Zen meditation. He had the ability to 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 strengthen their bodies, promote Zen practice, 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, he transmitted Zen teachings to Shaolin, leading to the gradual spread of Zen Buddhism and the deepening of Zen-focused internal qigong. During the Tang Dynasty, due to Shaolin Temple's contributions to supporting the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong permitted the temple to recruit monk soldiers, allowing Shaolin martial arts to flourish.
Thanks to the unbroken tradition of Shaolin monks practicing martial arts and qigong through the generations, Shaolin qigong continued to evolve, producing many masters of extraordinary skills. For example:
- In the Song Dynasty, the chief monk Hong Wen, a great monk, excelled in hard qigong and, still able to hold 100 jin on his head and stand on his knees even in his old age.
- In the Yuan Dynasty, Monk Huji and in the Ming Dynasty, Monk Xingke were renowned for their lightness skills, able to leap across streams and cliffs, extinguish candles through walls, and subdue opponents from a distance.
- In the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the female martial artist Qing Yu had the ability to cross water by stepping on lotus leaves.
- In modern times, Monk Henglin could break stones with his fists. Others include the external skill "Wind-Swaying Willow" of Master De Chan, the internal skill "Double Lotus Knees" of Monk Su Yun, and the iron head skill and palm-stone technique of lay disciple Feng Genhuai, among countless others.
While practicing, Shaolin monks also collected and compiled Shaolin qigong, engaging in extensive writing. For instance, Monk Fuju of the Song Dynasty compiled The Shaolin Fist Manual, and Monk Xinghong of the Ming Dynasty compiled The Shaolin Qigong Collection, gathering various Shaolin qigong methods and leaving behind precious martial arts materials for future generations.
Over the long course of history, Shaolin qigong continuously enriched and developed within Shaolin Temple and among the people. However, in modern times, due to the decline of the nation, coupled with frequent wars and famines, the fate of Shaolin Temple mirrored that of the entire country, deteriorating day by day. Especially in 1928, warlord Shi Yousan burned down Shaolin Temple, and the fire raged for over 40 days, destroying not only the main halls of the temple but also the ancient and handwritten Shaolin fist manuals and qigong records, reducing them to ashes. The monks scattered, destitute and unable to practice martial arts or qigong.