Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s2.31

v2.c12.s2.31

At the same time, the Chinese Wushu achieved new heights. Incorporating many ideas and practices from Buddhism, monks propagated and spread it all over. Especially after the 6th century, the Shaolin temple gradually gained prominence in the Wushu circle. So much so that the Wushu came to be inextricably associated with the Shaolin Temple. According to legends, the Shaolin Wushu was introduced by the Indian monk Bodhidharma who not only popularised the practice of meditation, but also compiled classics like ‘*Yi Jin Jing*’ (Tendon-muscle strengthening Exercise Classic) and ‘*Xi Sui Jing*’ (Tendon Transformation and Marrow Purification Exercise Classic) to improve the ‘*Qi*’ (internal energy/spirit). This formed the basis for martial art techniques of “Dharma boxing” as well as sword and stick fighting (indicating a fusion of Yoga and Kalaripayattu). These old and prevalent legends are however based on some historically incorrect facts. The most reliable records of Shaolin Wushu are found on the stone tablets erected by Li Shimin (599-649 CE) during the fourth year of Tang Wude (621 CE). This indicates not only existence of monks in the temple but also their contribution in spreading the Shaolin Wushu throughout the world. In order to further develop Shaolin Wushu, a Fu-zhu monk (c. 10ᵗʰ century) invited many Wushu fighters and monks from all over the country during the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty (later half of 10th century). After intensive discussion and research in the Shaolin Temple, they created a new style of Wushu and some more techniques for self-cultivation and well-being techniques like "Ten Punches for the Golden Warrior", "Life Prolonging Powers", "Body Strenthning Methods", etc. During the middle of 13th century, a Shaolin monk Jueyuan (c. 13th century) travelled far and wide in search for teachers who could be invited to the Temple for a joint study and research to bring innovations and further enrich the Shaolin Wushu martial art.