Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s6.t10.44

v1.c7.s6.t10.44

Vehicle Zen by Dhyana, Six Dharmas by the *Tian Tai Sect* and Samadhi of Buddha Recitation by the Pure Land Sect. In ancient China, many traditional Chinese body-building exercises learned from Indian Yoga and *Sutras of Tendon Changing* prevailing in Northern and Southern Dynasties, Tianzhu Massage prevailing in Tang Dynasty and Brahmanic Techniques prevailing in Song Dynasty, were all introduced from India. Bodhidharma, founder of Shaolin Temple, was a monk from India and once taught the Sutras of Tendon Changing at Shaolin Temple. The practice of *Sutras of Tendon Changing*, such as inner strength, outer strength, moving exercise, static exercise, somatic exercise, breathing exercise and mental exercise, showed a striking resemblance to Astanga Yoga including inner practice, outer practice, sitting posture (somatic exercise), regulating breathing (breathing exercise) and meditation (metal exercise). The Brahmanic Techniques which prevailed in Song Dynasty and were mentioned in Yun Ji Qi Qian by Zhang Junfang included 12 techniques such as Snake-gong, Tortoise-gong, Peacock-gong, Crane-gong, Lotus-gong and Immortal-gong which