Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t13.6

v1.c7.s3.t13.6

During the early stage of Tang Dynasty when Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of Tang (599-649 CE) was still the prince of Qin, he fought against the local forces, during which he was greatly helped by 13 monks from Shaolin Temple. When he became the emperor, he set up a monument in the temple to commend the monks of Shaolin Temple who were all skilled at Kung Fu. The monument can still be found in Shaolin Temple today. With the permission of the Emperor, the monks of Shaolin Temple could practice martial arts, eat meats and drink wine. From then on, Shaolin Kung Fu gained more and more recognition around China. According to a legend, Shaolin Kung Fu has a very close link with Bodhidharma. It is said that Muscle-Bone Strengthening Exercise, widely known as the source of Shaolin Kung Fu, was created by Bodhidharma. In an iron box left by Bodhidharma when he passed away, there were two books ie *Muscle-Bone Strengthening Exercise* and *Marrow-*cleared *Scripture*. In this sense, Shaolin Kung Fu can be traced back to Bodhidharma.