Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #143977 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Synopsis
Beginning in 1901, the most senior priests of the Shaolin Order fled a war-ravaged China. Over a period of several years, they gathered in New York City's Chinatown. For the last 100 years, the Order of Shaolin Ch'an has worked quietly to preserve the traditions, philosophy, and arts of the Order in the United States. Since the 70's, when Shaolin and its martial arts increasingly became a focal point of popular culture, misinformation and disinformation have anchored it in a growing notoriety. In contrast, this volume strives to accurately share what is spiritually meaningful and martially significant about Shaolin.

Customer Reviews

Forget everything you think you know!
'We come forth now, 1500 years from the founding of our Order, for three reasons which work in concert: sharing our philosophy, self preservation, and conquering ignorance'. The authors of this magnificent book outline their reasons for the release of the book.

The more I read of this book the more astonished I became. The information contained in the text completely re-wrote my perception of what 'Shaolin' is. Many supposed reputable sources have informed the public about how Shaolin is this or that but in truth they seem to have missed the very essence of what it is to be Shaolin. This book truly informs the reader what Shaolin is.

This book encompasses a number of different elements that all fall under the branches of Shaolin. It is broken into three parts: The History and Spiritual Philosophy of Shaolin, The martial arts of Shaolin and Integrating the Practices of Shaolin. Each part is made up of a number of chapters each as mesmerising as the last.

The nature of the writing makes it accessible to all, although some chapters may need to be re-read in order to be fully appreciated. This book will appeal to all martial artistes not just those interested in the Shaolin arts.

In conclusion:

IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT SHAOLIN IS, READ THIS BOOK, YOU'LL BE VERY SURPRISED.

AFTER READING THIS BOOK YOU WILL HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR THE ORDER OF SHAOLIN CH'AN.

An education and a delight
I could not agree more with the author of the feedback of 'Forget everything you think you know'.

The book gives insight into a topic that has been misrepresented and misunderstood in so many circles. The format is clear, well written, it is an education and a delight to read. Having studied Shaolin Martial Arts for many years this is the first book that I can honestly give to my students that is well rounded, and does not speak of the 'secrects'or 'magic' (which are red herrings) but of an approach of self development through the Chan method, integrated through dynamic yoga or as we better know it shaolin martial arts.

If you read one book about the Shaolin this should be the one.

Probably the best book on shaolin ch'an!!
This is an awesome book!! The previous reviews are very accurate and so there is no reason for me to re-iterate the points made.
I purchased this book hoping to understand who the shaolin are, their history, beliefs & of course their martial arts training... but this book is way beyond what I expected. When discussing historical events concerning shaolin, the book emphasises the sources it has referred to & their reliability. all in all..A FANTASTIC BOOK. A MUST-BUY FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SHAOLIN!!