Arcana les Mystères du Monde

Les Arts Martiaux de Shaolin - Histoire de la Chine

The Shaolin Temple, renowned globally through martial arts cinema, holds a complex history blending myth and reality. Nestled in China's Henan province, it embodies ancient Chinese martial and spiritual traditions. This exploration delves into its historical origins, legendary myths, and the evolution of its famed martial arts. The legend of Bodhidharma, an Indian Buddhist monk, is central to Shaolin's mystique. Around 1500 years ago, Bodhidharma, also known as Damo in Chinese and Daruma in Japanese, is said to have journeyed to Shaolin Temple at the foot of Mount Song. A proponent of Mahayana Buddhism and the Chan (Zen) school, he is considered the 28th patriarch in a lineage tracing back to Buddha Shakyamuni. Legend claims Bodhidharma found the Shaolin monks physically weak and introduced them to methods to strengthen their bodies and minds for spiritual practice and meditation. However, historical evidence for these practices, like yoga, is scarce and contradictory. Early historical accounts, such as that of monk Daoxuan in 645 AD, place Bodhidharma's arrival during the Northern Wei dynasty and his death in 530 AD, with no mention of specific physical exercises. Later texts, like the Zutang Ji around the 9th century, depict Bodhidharma meeting Emperor Wu of Liang in 527 AD. Their famous dialogue highlights Bodhidharma's emphasis on inner wisdom over external merit. Following this encounter, he allegedly went to Shaolin.