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Shaolin Monks Will Not
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The general manager of Henan Shaolin Temple Development Company, which was set up by abbot Shi Yong-xin to preserve the temple’s reputation, heritage and roots, said Chinese wushu is a competitive sport and Shaolin wushu is a traditional martial art. “The two have different natures, standards and connotations,” he said. “Performance in Chinese martial arts can be quantified, but Shaolin wushu cannot be measured in that way because it contains Buddhist elements and showcases a harmonious combination of Buddhism and kung fu.” While this division may disappoint those who expected to see China represented by the monks, it fits the protective mission of the abbot. That mission includes, among other things, getting UNESCO to name it an “intangible cultural heritage.” |
