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The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts
"Written in clear and lucid style and ambitious both in scope and methodology, this book offers a fascinating window into Chinese culture, religion, and history. Ranging from historical and ethnographic documents to a wide variety of literary sources, it weaves them all into a compelling narrative. In this fashion, Shahar is uniquely able to bring together social, historical, and mythological elements, providing a demythologized account of martial Chinese traditions such as Shaolin Boxing. This is sinology at its best."—Bernard Faure, Columbia University "The book clearly belongs in a new group of books challenging conventional understandings of Buddhism and violence. Meir Shahar documents with meticulous accuracy and mellifluous prose the fighting monks of Shaolin monastery in China, who appear first in the Tang dynasty (618–907) and continue to the present. Scholars of Buddhism and Chinese history will learn much from the author's scrupulous analysis of the historical record—particularly the texts on stone steles at the monastery—that documents the monastery's traditions of fighting. Anyone interested in martial arts or Bruce Lee films will find it fascinating to learn about the actual history of the monastery’s fighting techniques. I found the book a powerful and compelling read." —Valerie Hansen, Yale University "Meir Shahar's book will assure that the martial arts of Shaolin take a prominent place in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Shahar has mastered a prodigious amount of secondary scholarship, pored over a wealth of primary documents, and brought a critical rigor to the study of these materials that is unprecedented in any language. Throughout, his analysis is cogent and clear. The result is a delightful tour of one of the most enigmatic and compelling stories of Chinese the emergence and development of martial arts at Shaolin Si. Entertaining as the book is, it delivers as well a meditation on the sources of Chinese religion, and how fiction and scripture, myth and history combine to produce novel traditions. The Shaolin Monastery will appeal not only to scholars of Chinese religion, but to those interested in military history, self-cultivation, martial arts, and popular culture."—John Kieschnick, University of Bristol The Shaolin Monastery charts, for the first time in any language, the history of the Shaolin Temple and the evolution of its world-renowned martial arts. In this meticulously researched and eminently readable study, Meir Shahar considers the economic, political, and religious factors that led Shaolin monks to disregard the Buddhist prohibition against violence and instead create fighting techniques that by the twenty-first century have spread throughout the world. He examines the monks’ relations with successive Chinese regimes, beginning with the assistance they lent to the seventh-century Emperor Li Shimin and culminating more than a millennium later with their complex relations with Qing rulers, who suspected them of rebellion. He reveals the intimate connection between monastic violence and the veneration of the violent divinities of Buddhism and analyzes the Shaolin association of martial discipline and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Shahar’s exploration of the evolution of Shaolin fighting techniques serves as a prism through which to consider martial-art history in general. He correlates the emergence of the famous bare-handed techniques of Taiji
296 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 14, 2016
A very interesting and legitimate history book that tells a story that's 75% unlike what we thought we knew about the Shaolin Temple. Traditional martial artists will find things to like but will be shocked by a lot of it. Basically the author is saying that Shaolin based open hand kung fu wasn't for fighting but for physical and spiritual development. The staff fighting the monks were known for went in and out of being legitimate. At one point a real military general goes there and tells them, in a polite way, that their staff techniques don't work. Then he teaches them how to properly use one. I'm guessing it's how to properly use one if a military man was to use a non-lethal weapon. After then it became known as a legitimate style but they stopped training the staff hundreds of years ago (up until the last 50 years or so). Basically the style has been lost and what you see now is just for show.
I liked it a lot but I take points off for two things: 1) No timeline. and 2) Bounces around from time period to time period. Both of them together made it hard to keep track of what happened.
I liked it a lot but I take points off for two things: 1) No timeline. and 2) Bounces around from time period to time period. Both of them together made it hard to keep track of what happened.
August 24, 2018
This book covers the history of the Shaolin Monastery and the general Shaolin community of practitioners through its founding to the Ching Empire, with some discussions of the modern revival. The author certainly knows his stuff and quotes translations of numerous historical passages of relevance. Some of it gets very technical, and might not be for the most casual of readers.
November 4, 2021
read it for teaching! But wow, a perfect combination of rigorous scholarship with popular appeal!
October 25, 2024
As academic books go, this is a fascinating account of the pre-20th century history of the Shaolin Monestary and the practice of martial arts as part of the religious practice.
September 7, 2013
I've not read much properly researched/academic historical texts, so this is somewhat of an branching out for me.
Some reviewers have reported this as a bit dry, but I found it utterly absorbing and engrossing with just enough detail, dates and historical references to frame the work. I've also ended up with a slightly better understanding of the Ching/Ming period of Chinese history than I had before!
My only disappointment is that the author didn't address the last 100 years of the temple, beyond a reference to the appointment of the first abbot in over 200 years.
I was hoping the author had done more writing on martial arts history, but it appears his focus is on religion. I will likely investigate other sources, as this has opened my eyes (OK, ears, since it was an audiobook) to academic writing on martial arts (the closest I have come before are 'The BaGua Chang Journal', and self admittedly journalistic piece). I know research is being done on this, but am not quite sure where to start. Any suggestions?
Some reviewers have reported this as a bit dry, but I found it utterly absorbing and engrossing with just enough detail, dates and historical references to frame the work. I've also ended up with a slightly better understanding of the Ching/Ming period of Chinese history than I had before!
My only disappointment is that the author didn't address the last 100 years of the temple, beyond a reference to the appointment of the first abbot in over 200 years.
I was hoping the author had done more writing on martial arts history, but it appears his focus is on religion. I will likely investigate other sources, as this has opened my eyes (OK, ears, since it was an audiobook) to academic writing on martial arts (the closest I have come before are 'The BaGua Chang Journal', and self admittedly journalistic piece). I know research is being done on this, but am not quite sure where to start. Any suggestions?
July 25, 2015
Shahar gives an account of the history of Shaolin martial arts over the centuries. For anyone who is interested in insight into the issue of how Buddhism cam to be tied to some of the world's most effective martial arts, this book addresses on these issues. It also touches on related themes of meat-eating monks (Buddhists generally being strict vegetarians.)
The book also dispels a number of myths (e.g. that it was Bodhidharma who brough martial arts to the Shaolin monastery.)
This is definitely a worthwhile read for those who may not be practitioners of kung fu, whether one is interested in martial arts or just Chinese history.
The book also dispels a number of myths (e.g. that it was Bodhidharma who brough martial arts to the Shaolin monastery.)
This is definitely a worthwhile read for those who may not be practitioners of kung fu, whether one is interested in martial arts or just Chinese history.
December 20, 2015
It has been interesting seeing where the author draws the line between fact and fiction on the various myths that surround the monastery and the historical development of it. I can see why people would rate it as 'dry', however I am having trouble putting it down even in my sleep deprived state.
As best I can determine the author isn't Buddhist and is writing for a non Buddhist audience who are interested in the historical monastery as much as the mythical one. The interplay of buddhist non violence with a monastery that does martial arts training is interesting and the author explores this.
As best I can determine the author isn't Buddhist and is writing for a non Buddhist audience who are interested in the historical monastery as much as the mythical one. The interplay of buddhist non violence with a monastery that does martial arts training is interesting and the author explores this.
February 8, 2014
Follows the history of fighting arts at Shaolin through text and epigraphic documentation. Another in the "don't read if you're attached to certain folktales and media portrayals of history."
It's good to see this sort of thing done with proper references and placing Shaolin in a wider Chinese historical and political context.
It's good to see this sort of thing done with proper references and placing Shaolin in a wider Chinese historical and political context.
May 3, 2021
Ever since the old Kung Fu TV series (I'm one of those who saw the first airing, live) was halfway through its first season, I've been trying to find a legitimate history of the so-called Shaolin monastery, and been frustrated. For years all the references I would trace led to movies or Ming-era novels. It was hard to be sure there had ever been such a monastery in reality, at all.
This book, which came out in 2008, changes all that. I will warn you that it is a scholarly volume, not a blazing page-turner, but it is thorough, well-footnoted and documented, and credible. Yes, the current temple is a recent rebuilding, but that's the history of most temples in Asia, especially if they tempt invaders by being wealthy, and also if they take sides in dynastic wars.
Shaolin was founded in the 490s CE, and by the turn of the first millennium it was known for fighting monks who favored the staff as their weapon, and apparently also must have taught warfare, since some of its monks became generals. It sided with the Ming when the Manchu took over, and so the flow of patronage and money dried up. Until recent times, the place was a shadow of its former glory.
The book traces the history of fighting Buddhist monks (which seems like it would be a contradiction in terms) both generally and at Shaolin and its sister shrines. It also discusses the Daoist use of gymnastics, and how that mutated into bare-hand combat exercise, and was then adopted by Shaolin (and became their new specialty) as part of the syncretic movement.
I find it amusing that this author simply will not use the spelling Tai Chi or Tai Chi Ch'uan, though he discusses the Chinese versions under different names and spellings. He also, carefully, uses kung fu only to refer to movies. I respect that.
As I say, the book can be a bit dry. It's laying out its case and sources, rather than focusing primarily on the narrative history. But having recently read Water Margin and The Journey to the West, both of which get repeated mention, it was interesting to see how the novels reflect history, and how they changed culture and influenced the monastery and its own self-image. Fictional characters in those novels are also historical characters, and they get discussed as both in this book.
Oh, it gets a bit repetitious toward the end.
Still, if you're seriously interested in the history of Shaolin, or of Chinese martial arts, this, right here, is your starting point.
This book, which came out in 2008, changes all that. I will warn you that it is a scholarly volume, not a blazing page-turner, but it is thorough, well-footnoted and documented, and credible. Yes, the current temple is a recent rebuilding, but that's the history of most temples in Asia, especially if they tempt invaders by being wealthy, and also if they take sides in dynastic wars.
Shaolin was founded in the 490s CE, and by the turn of the first millennium it was known for fighting monks who favored the staff as their weapon, and apparently also must have taught warfare, since some of its monks became generals. It sided with the Ming when the Manchu took over, and so the flow of patronage and money dried up. Until recent times, the place was a shadow of its former glory.
The book traces the history of fighting Buddhist monks (which seems like it would be a contradiction in terms) both generally and at Shaolin and its sister shrines. It also discusses the Daoist use of gymnastics, and how that mutated into bare-hand combat exercise, and was then adopted by Shaolin (and became their new specialty) as part of the syncretic movement.
I find it amusing that this author simply will not use the spelling Tai Chi or Tai Chi Ch'uan, though he discusses the Chinese versions under different names and spellings. He also, carefully, uses kung fu only to refer to movies. I respect that.
As I say, the book can be a bit dry. It's laying out its case and sources, rather than focusing primarily on the narrative history. But having recently read Water Margin and The Journey to the West, both of which get repeated mention, it was interesting to see how the novels reflect history, and how they changed culture and influenced the monastery and its own self-image. Fictional characters in those novels are also historical characters, and they get discussed as both in this book.
Oh, it gets a bit repetitious toward the end.
Still, if you're seriously interested in the history of Shaolin, or of Chinese martial arts, this, right here, is your starting point.
February 1, 2020
This book is perhaps the most detailed and accurate history of the Shaolin Temple and its development of martial arts available to be read. It discusses the myths and facts of martial practices as well as the Sinews Transformation Classic (YiJinJing). It doesn't spend much on the spiritual development of Chan/Zen. For martial artists, who want to learn more about where their arts came from (or didn't come from), this book is worth reading. In a nutshell, Shaolin had developed staff and other weapons many years after Damo had introduced Chan to the area (who may not even been at Shaolin) and only in the 16th and 17th centuries developed open hand quanfa. As there are now again at the temple, several different types of monks and students participated in learning martial skills there. Some of these students left to join the military and others were more focused on Buddhism. The author does describe some associated temples in Emei, and conjectures about the spread of techniques that found way into the southern societies, but doesn't describe any southern Shaolin temple arts. No white crane yong quan or hong quan are discussed.
July 22, 2019
A somewhat disorganized perspective and history of the shaloin monastery and its relation to martial arts.
The strength of this book is that there aren't too many others text which tries to comprehensibly describe this mysterious element of east Asian culture. Hence the 4 stars. Simply for researching an ill researched topic (from western eyes). While I will admit Shahar's Scholarship was fairly good he nevertheless did not present such a fluid text. It is therefore in my eyes not what the title describes it as. Not some phenomenal explanation but rather a somewhat hackneyed placement of ideas in a historical organization.
This is another good that should be placed within any library of any interested martial arts practitioner who desires to learn of their art's history.
Recommended for :
Martial arts historians and practitioners
The strength of this book is that there aren't too many others text which tries to comprehensibly describe this mysterious element of east Asian culture. Hence the 4 stars. Simply for researching an ill researched topic (from western eyes). While I will admit Shahar's Scholarship was fairly good he nevertheless did not present such a fluid text. It is therefore in my eyes not what the title describes it as. Not some phenomenal explanation but rather a somewhat hackneyed placement of ideas in a historical organization.
This is another good that should be placed within any library of any interested martial arts practitioner who desires to learn of their art's history.
Recommended for :
Martial arts historians and practitioners
March 12, 2019
A good historical overview filled with interesting details and information. Read for personal research. I found this book's contents helpful and inspiring.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
"The book clearly belongs in a new group of books challenging conventional understandings of Buddhism and violence...." --Valerie Hansen, Yale University
-Excerpt:
"Buddhist iconography reveals to us an unexpectedly violent aspect of the faith."
-Current News 2019:
Wirathu, an infamous Buddhist nationalist monk, Myanmar's "Buddhist Bin Laden", has made a return to public life, appearing at a rally in support of the military generals condemned globally for a brutal crackdown on the Muslim minority Rohingya.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
"The book clearly belongs in a new group of books challenging conventional understandings of Buddhism and violence...." --Valerie Hansen, Yale University
-Excerpt:
"Buddhist iconography reveals to us an unexpectedly violent aspect of the faith."
-Current News 2019:
Wirathu, an infamous Buddhist nationalist monk, Myanmar's "Buddhist Bin Laden", has made a return to public life, appearing at a rally in support of the military generals condemned globally for a brutal crackdown on the Muslim minority Rohingya.
April 14, 2019
The most detailed and researched history of Shaolin temple, the monks, and the origins of the practices available in English. There is nothing that is close in terms of the quality of the research presented by Shahar. In Shaolin circles, he is the historian. He details how some common myths evolved and debunks others with references to original sources. If you're interested in Shaolin, this is a must read.
July 5, 2019
This must-read history of Shaolin Monastery was the first academic work on Chinese Martial Arts to be taken seriously.
April 23, 2022
very historically researched and written down clearly. great book!
April 28, 2023
Wonderful introduction to the history and development of Shaolin martial arts
April 29, 2015
While the writing is at times rather dry, this book definitely belongs on the shelves of anyone with a serious interest in any of the Chinese martial arts. Whether you are just learning about Chinese martial practices, or you are heavily involved in them, the fame of Shaolin is a major piece of baggage that you have to learn to shoulder. This is true regardless of whether the art you study has claims to Shaolin ancestry, as the power of the Shaolin legend is so strongly cross-cutting.
There are lots of legends around Chinese martial arts and the place of the Shaolin Temple in their development. This book offers an accessible overview of many available sources that can help find the links between legend and history. I personally find my practice enriched, rather than diminished, by understanding the historical development of these legends. I find this preferable to accepting at face value the stories that some find inspirational, only to become severely disillusioned when faced with historical investigation. These arts are very real and very human and their history is reflective of human foibles as well as human strengths.
Although this book centers on the Shaolin Temple, there are actually some very important sections for anyone who has ever considered the distinction between the so-called internal and external schools of Chinese martial arts. If you are a student of taijiquan (Tai Chi), this book also examines the creation of the Zhang San Feng myth, and the relationships between taijiquan, Shaolinquan, and other martial arts that have been and are currently practiced.
Aside from uneven readability (some chapters just flow much better than others), my primary complaint would be the amount of pure speculation the author allows himself, without always acknowledging the tenuous nature of some of the connections he draws. The other thing I find lacking is a treatment of some of the historically documented arts that precede the development of Shaolin as a center of martial practices. Particularly I'm thinking of shuaijiao, which is both a striking and a throwing art, and was practiced in military circles long before Shaolin.
All in all, this is a great study, and it does point the way to further research.
There are lots of legends around Chinese martial arts and the place of the Shaolin Temple in their development. This book offers an accessible overview of many available sources that can help find the links between legend and history. I personally find my practice enriched, rather than diminished, by understanding the historical development of these legends. I find this preferable to accepting at face value the stories that some find inspirational, only to become severely disillusioned when faced with historical investigation. These arts are very real and very human and their history is reflective of human foibles as well as human strengths.
Although this book centers on the Shaolin Temple, there are actually some very important sections for anyone who has ever considered the distinction between the so-called internal and external schools of Chinese martial arts. If you are a student of taijiquan (Tai Chi), this book also examines the creation of the Zhang San Feng myth, and the relationships between taijiquan, Shaolinquan, and other martial arts that have been and are currently practiced.
Aside from uneven readability (some chapters just flow much better than others), my primary complaint would be the amount of pure speculation the author allows himself, without always acknowledging the tenuous nature of some of the connections he draws. The other thing I find lacking is a treatment of some of the historically documented arts that precede the development of Shaolin as a center of martial practices. Particularly I'm thinking of shuaijiao, which is both a striking and a throwing art, and was practiced in military circles long before Shaolin.
All in all, this is a great study, and it does point the way to further research.
September 28, 2019
This book was very interesting. Offering a descriptive, in-depth look at the martial arts in China, focused specifically on those of the Shaolin Monaster, it shows how the arts have changed and incorporated other techniques, such as Daoist longevity techniques, up until the Ming-Qing transition.
The book is well-reasearched, and discusses even the origin myths of the Shaolin martial arts. It puts the monastery in context within greater China, mentioning the times the monks went off to fight in war, as well as many steles dedicated to these monks. It also talks about the evolution of the art, from their staff methods through to the switch to more unarmed methods, putting all of this in focus with how the martial arts changed in greater China as well, such as the drift from warfare to self-cultivation.
Overall, a very recommended read for anyone interested in the arts of Shaolin, or of China in particular, using Shaolin as a specific point of emphasis.
The book is well-reasearched, and discusses even the origin myths of the Shaolin martial arts. It puts the monastery in context within greater China, mentioning the times the monks went off to fight in war, as well as many steles dedicated to these monks. It also talks about the evolution of the art, from their staff methods through to the switch to more unarmed methods, putting all of this in focus with how the martial arts changed in greater China as well, such as the drift from warfare to self-cultivation.
Overall, a very recommended read for anyone interested in the arts of Shaolin, or of China in particular, using Shaolin as a specific point of emphasis.
July 6, 2008
Great book for anyone who practices Chinese Martial Arts, or is interested in Chan/Zen Buddhism. Covers how Buddhist Monks reconcile violence and practicing for warfare with their religion of non-violence. Also covers the development of the Shaolin martial arts into the method of physical and mental self-cultivation that they are today.
Most martial arts books are made up of half-truths and vague oral tradition. This one is uses written sources and tries to corroborate its sources. Very refreshing.
Most martial arts books are made up of half-truths and vague oral tradition. This one is uses written sources and tries to corroborate its sources. Very refreshing.
April 5, 2010
This book gives an in depth analysis of the history of the Shaolin temple from its inception to the end of the Qing dynasty. The book does a good job explaining the myths of Shaolin and contrasting them with actual records. The book is great for anyone who practices Chinese martial arts or is interested in finding about more about the Shaolin temple, Ch'an Buddhism and Shaolin Kung-Fu. I would highly recommend this book.
December 1, 2009
This is a scholar book, and that's a great thing. Well researched, covers lots, and is plain old fascinating, presenting different evidence and history versus the usual lore of the Shaolin Temple and at the same time validating its place in martial history. Definitively a must read for any Chinese martial arts practitioner and enthusiast.
December 6, 2011
Tremendous and scholarly examination of the history of the Shaolin Temple. Debunks some of the myths, but has a healthy respect for the development of Chinese martial arts that took place there. Somewhat dry tread, but it is basically a history textbook about this monastery.
April 4, 2015
A scholarly and meticulously researched survey of the 1,500 year history of the Shaolin Monastery and it's connection to martial arts. A bit of a slog except for the most dedicated martial arts history buffs.
May 4, 2015
This was an interesting overview of the history of kung fu through the Shaolin temple. It showed how both Buddhism and Taoism influenced it's history and how China reacted to it's development.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews