Feb.18, 2017: At the kind invitation of China-Thailand Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chinese Culture Center in Thailand, Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Culture (Thailand), Shaolin Cutural Delegation, consisting of 37 members, arrived at Bangkok on the night of Feb.18 to attend the cultural exchanges there, who were warmly welcomed by the Thailand's officials.
The Activity of "2017 Shaolin Kungfu at Bangkok & New Year's Blessing Prayer", co-sponsored by China-Thailand Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chinese Culture Center in Thailand and the Culture Department of Henan Province, kicked off at the Thai's capital, Bangkok. Moreover, president of China-Thailand Federation of Industry and Commerce Gen.Chetta Thanajaro, the cultural counsellor in Chinese Embassy in Thailand Mr. Chen Jiang and the senior consultant of Chinese Culture Center in Thailand Mr. Qin Yusen attended the evening gala and delivered speeches.
Feb.2, 2017: The performance of "Si Hai Tong Chun" art troupe ("Si Hai Tong Chun" means "people all around the world celebrate the Spring Festival". It is a series of international cultural events initiated in 2009.), assigned by the Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs under the PRC State Council, was staged at the Birmingham International Convention Centre for the first time on Feb.2 2017, which attracted over 1,500 audience in the UK, bringing the enjoyment of Chinese culture to the overseas Chinese and local people. Furthermore, the highlight of the show was Shaolin Kungfu practiced by a group of warrior monks from China's Songshan Shaolin Temple. Their performance triggered loud applause by the audience and livened up the evening.
Jan.29, 2017: On the 2nd day of Chinese Lunar New Year 2017, after the morning chanting at the Mahaviro Hall, Shaolin Temple's Abbot Shi Yongxin, Shaolin monks and the Buddhist votaries from all over the country headed for Founder Nunnery to held the Buddhist Ancestor-worshipping Rite according to the traditions that last for over a thousand years. The rite advanced smoothly as schedule in the solemn sound of Sanskrit chanting.
Jan.27, 2017: Following the lead of Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin, monks of Shaolin Temple celebrated the Chinese Spring Festival according to the traditions that last for over one thousand years, which including posting couplets, hosting ancestor-worshipping rite, tolling the bell for blessings and so on and so forth. Furthermore, there were Buddhist worshipers and children from Shaolin Charity House also joined the celebration event.
Jan.26, 2017: Following the lead of the abbot of Dongchun Temple, 12 monks of Japan Linji School paid a visit to the place of origination of the Buddhist Chan Order--Shaolin Monastery at 8:30 in the morning on Jan.26, 2017, who were warmly received by Shaolin Temple's abbot Master Shi Yongxin.
Jan.25, 2017: On the night of Jan.25th, 2017, the 28th day of the 12th lunar month, Shaolin Temple held its annual "Shaolin Kungfu Test & New Year’s Tea Party" at the Martial Arts Hall. Master Shi Yongxin, monks of the monastery, children of Shaolin Charity House and foreign Shaolin disciples attended the event to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival.
Jan.22, 2017: The New Year's Calligraphy Party, organized by the Prayer Wheel for Tripitaka Merits Committee of Shaolin Temple, the Daliang Painting and Calligraphy Institute in Kaifeng City and Luoyang Sutra Group, kicked off at the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion of Shaolin Temple on the morning of Jan.22, 2017. What's more, over 40 calligraphy artists gathered at the monastery to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival with their writing brushes.
Jan.20, 2017: The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month is the Preliminary Eve for Chinese people, which falls on Jan.20, 2017, and it is also the birthday of Kimnara, the protector of Shaolin Temple. Therefore, a grand Sacrifice Offering Ceremony was held at Shaolin Temple in honour of Kimnara's birthday, with Shaolin Temple's Abbot Master Shi Yongxin presiding over the ceremony. Furthermore, monks of Shaolin Temple stood on either side of the Kimnara Hall chanting together, with a view to praying for world peace, the prosperity of our nation and a favorable weather in the new year.
Jan.15, 2017: The 36th Asian American Expo was solemnly opened on Jan.15, 2017, and following the lead of Master Yanxu, Shaolin Temple Cultural Center was invited to attend the expo and demonstrated the excellent Shaolin Kungfu, who were warmly received by the spectators.
Jan.5, 2017: December 8, 2016 of the Chinese lunar calendar is a traditional Chinese festival --“The Laba Rice Porridge Festival”, which was also the day the Buddha gained Buddhahood, therefore it has also been declared as the “Dhama Day” and “Thanksgiving Day” in Buddhism. On that day, Shaolin Temple set up sites for providing Laba Rice Porridge for free at the gate of Shaolin Pharmacy Bureau, at downtown area of Dengfeng city and Zhengzhou city, the sub-temples of Shaolin Temple, cultural centers aboard and so on with providing more than 200,000 portions of Laba Congee for free. Through this activity, Shaolin Temple wishes to deliver the value of equality and benevolence of Buddhism and also to carry forward the Chinese traditional national culture.
Dec.30, 2016: "2017 New Year Chinese Opera Gala" , sponsored by the Propaganda Department and the Ministry of Culture and organized by the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts, was grandly held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on Dec.30, 2016. Furthermore, President Xi Jinping, and other Communist Party and state leaders including Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wangqishan, Zhang Gaoli watched the performance with nearly one thousand spectators to welcome the new year. As the last item on the program, 《New Long March is on the Way》, with the brilliant Shaolin Kungfu performed by Shaolin Warrior Monks in it, astonished all the viewers, which would be broadcast on CCTV1, CCTV2, CCTV4, CCTV11 and other channels at 8:00p.m.on Jan.1, 2016.
Dec.22, 2016: At 7:30 in the morning on Dec.22, 2016, the forty nine-day 2016 Chan Session of Shaolin Temple came to a successful end with the sound of "Jie"(that means over) from Ven.Abbt Shi Yongxin. Furthermore, there were totally 132 Chan practitioners attending the Chan Session at the Chan Hall, hoping to get enlightenment during the Chan Session.
Nov.18, 2016: "The International Seminar on Chinese Buddhist Culture of Ancestral Monasteries",sponsored by The Buddhist Association China and China Religious Culture Communication Association, and co-organized by The Organizing Committee of Shaanxi Province, Peking University and Shaanxi Normal University, kicked off at Xi'an Conference & Exhibition Center on Novermber 18, 2016. Moreover, nearly two hundred representatives of Buddhist circles, experts and scholars from 17 countries and regions conducted in-depth discussion under the theme of "Ancestral Virtue Lasts Forever, Buddha's Wisdom Renewed Constantly". Master Shi Yongxin, abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple attended the seminar and gave a speech on "Adhering to Ancestral Traditions, Building on Past Achievement".
Oct.28, 2016:Shaolin Temple's Three Ordination Platforms Precept Transmission Ceremony 2016 was ended successfully.
Oct.16, 2016: the 11th Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival kicked off at the gateway of Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng. Besides, Master Shi Yongxin, presented the “Harmonious Painting” to the vice-chairman of the CPPCC Mr. Qi Xuchun.
Sept.2-5, 2016: The 17th World Congress on Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine convened in San Francisco from September 2 to September 5 at Hotel Whitcomb and Civic Center Plaza. Shaolin Temple USA was invited to showcase Shaolin Kung Fu, Shaolin Wellness Qigong and Shaolin Hard Qigong at the Gala Celebration and Awards Ceremony on September 3.
Master Yanran was honored by the Congress with the “Martial Arts Healing Qigong” Award at the September 3rd Gala Celebration.
Aug.15-28, 2016: Led by Master Yanliang, a group of 17 students from Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center made a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple, and they would experience Shaolin Chan Meditation, Shaolin Kungfu, Shaolin Chan Medicine courses there.
July.6-8, 2016: Being guided by Paul Taylor, about 170 students of Z-U Kungfu School in America made a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple.
June.13-16, 2016: “2016 Shaolin Culture Week” was solemnly held at Austria. Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center held a celebration with Vienna Cultural Affairs Bureau and the local government of Vienna, attracting more than 700 Shaolin disciples and Shaolin culture lovers to participate in.
May.1, 2016: the 1st Indonesia Shaolin Kungfu Test, hosted by Indonesia Shaolin Xiu Center, sponsored by Bank Central Asia, was held in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. About 130 Shaolin disciples gathered at Jakarta Merchant Sports Club, competing for 25 gold medals. Students attending this Kungfu Test came from different places, such as Santa Ursula BSD, Nationai High School, Ekayana Temple, Lupan Temple, etc., and over 150 parents watched this competition. During the test, the brilliant Shaolin Kungfu show, performed by Master Yanhao and his students, brought down the house.
Apr.10, 2016: Ambassador Oley Domin from Ukraine to China and his party paid a visit to Shaolin Temple. Mr. Oleg had a friendly talk with Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin in the Hall of Abbot.
Mar.12, 2016: The 24th Annual Chinese Martial Arts Tournament (CMAT 24) opened at the Recreational Sports Facility at UC Berkeley. This year, under the guidance of Master Yanran, Shaolin Temple USA’s competition team comprised 20 students from Shaolin Temple Culture Centers in San Francisco and Fremont, California. Aged 6 to 40 from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the students garnered 18 gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals in individual events from beginner to advanced levels in different age groups.
Feb.5, 2016: The new year is around the corner, Shaolin Temple USA was invited to participate in the "Walking Spring Festival Dinner" activity, which was jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Facebook Inc, besides, Shaolin Temple USA also brought the audience the brilliant Shaolin Kungfu show.
Jan.24, 2016: Master Yanhui, head of Italy Shaolin Fist Union, invited by PWKA, gave a lecture on Shaolin Kungfu at Milanello Sports Center. Present at the lecture were all faculty of PWKA, president of PWKA Mr.Valtre Lorini, president of Santalucia Fundazione Hospital Mr.Luigi Anadio and many other guests.
Dec.15, 2015: Accompanied by Xu Jichao, Vice-governor of Henan Province, Uzbekistan First Deputy Prime Minister Azimov and his delegation visited Shaolin Temple.
Prime Minister Sariyev of Kyrgyzstan accompanied by Henan's vice-governor Zhao Jiancai and heads from related departments of Henan, paid a visit to Shaolin Temple, along with his delegation.
At 5:30p.m., India’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Singh visited Shaolin Temple. Furthermore, he said that Zhengzhou was a beautiful city and Shaolin Temple has played an important role in carrying forward the Chinese traditional culture with a long history.
Nov.2-5, 2015: following the lead of Master Yongchuan, a group of 18 students of Germany Shaolin Culture Center made a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple, who got a warm reception from Ven.Abbot Yongxin and monks of Shaolin Temple. During their visit, after experiencing Shaolin Martial Arts, Chan Meditation and Chan Medicine, they were all amazed by the profound Shaolin culture.
Oct.20, 2015: Master Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple met with Master Shifeng and his delegation form Tongdu Temple of Korea, and they held cordial talks with each other.
Sept.20, 2015: Rolandas Paksas, Lithuania's former president and member of the European Parliament, paid a visit to China Songshan Shaolin Temple and felt the charm of the ancient temple by himself.
Aug.2, 2015: Shaolin Cultural Delegation headed for Thailand where the activities of "Shaolin Culture on Silk Road" were held there, Bangkok and Chiang Mai as its first stop. Shaolin Cultural Delegation spread the idea of harmony, benevolence and enlightenment through a variety of forms, such as Shaolin Kungfu, Chan Meditation, Buddhism Medicine and so on to serve the great strategic planning of "One Belt One Road" of China.
June.1, 2015: At 10:00a.m. on June 1, 2015, led by Ms.Sharon, head of Shaolin Center for Martial Arts in Denver, Colorado, 55 students made a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple, who were given a warm reception by Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin.
June.1-6, 2015: In order to carry forward the traditional culture of Chinese nation and the spirt of Shaolin Culture as well as abiding by the teachings of Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin, from June 1 to 6, 2015, the wonderful Shaolin Culture Week was hosted by the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center. More than 100 people came to experience the Shaolin culture every day, which brought peace and joy to them. At the same time, the audience watched the Photo Exhibition and Video Works on Shaolin Culture, and they also experienced the activities including Shaolin Chan Meditation, Shaolin Kungfu, lectures on Shaolin Chan Medicine, etc, which were warmly welcomed by the local people and the overseas Chinese there.
May.28, 2015: Master Shi Yanran, Executive Director of Shaolin Temple USA (headquartered in San Francisco) was honored as a California Assembly District 25 “Community Hero” in an awards ceremony. All “Community Heroes” were nominated by local residents for improving the quality of life in the district. Master Yanran was nominated for his “leadership and contributions in bringing health, cultural enrichment and harmony to the community.”
Apr.26, 2015: At 4:00p.m., Mr.Sinlavong Khutphaitun, member of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolutionary Party, secretary& mayor of Vientiane Municipal Committee and chairman of China-Laos Friendship Association, with his wife and the deputy secretary and vice mayor of Vientiane Municipal Committee, 20 members of them visited the Shaolin Temple, Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin received them warmly.
Mar.21-25, 2015: The Leadership Congress, sponsored by United World Chinese Association, was solemnly held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin won the World’s Chinese Outstanding Award. Besides, DR.CARL MEN KY,CHING, founding president of United World Chinese Association, presented the award to Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin.
Feb.14, 2015: New Year's blessing prayer for disseminating the Dharma was held in Austrian Shaolin Culture Center. More than 100 people including Chinese and overseas Chinese in Austria, local residents and students of Austrian Shaolin Culture Center gathered together to welcome the arrival of Chinese Spring Festival. Master.Yan Liang, the director of Austrian Shaolin Culture Center, extended his warm welcome to all the guests on behalf of Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin. Besides, he expressed thanks to all the attendees for supporting Austrian Shaolin Culture Center for so many years, and wished everyone a happy New Year of Goat and a healthy body.
Jan.3, 2015: Mr. Somphou PHONGSA, Laos vice minister of culture, education and sports and vice-chairman of Laos Olympic Association, Mr. Sythong nouansengsy, president of SOK Corporation Ltd and other major accompanying personnel paid a visit to Shaolin Temple, who were given a warm reception there. Besides, they conducted in-depth dialogue on Buddhist culture between China and Laos.
Dec.18, 2014: An over-eighty-person delegation of Shaolin Temple led by Shaolin Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin arrived at Bangkok,Thailand for an exchange visit on December 16, 2014. They were warmly welcomed by Som Dej Phra Putta Chan, the vice King Monk of Thailand.
Nov.7, 2014: At 4:30p.m. of November 7th,a delegation of nine people visited Shaolin Temple and were warmly welcomed by Ven.Abbot Yongxin .They were Gen.Chetta Thanajaro, the former defence minister of Thailand, the army chief, the chairman of China-Thailand Industrial and Commercial Association and the president of World Thailand Boxing Association ,Mrs.Amara Tanawat, the vice chairman of China-Thailand Industrial and Commercial Association, Mr. Pradit Boonkird, the secretary-general of China-Thailand Industrial and Commercial Association, Mr.Sorachai Kaewnop, the chief financial officer of China-Thailand Industrial and Commercial Association and so on. Accompanied by masters in Shaolin Temple, Gen.Chetta Thanajaro and his delegation members visited Shaolin Temple with great interest and were filled with admiration for the over-one-thousand-year Shaolin Culture.
Oct.7-14, 2014: The third(Europe) Shaolin Cultural Festival was held in London and at Oxford University, which is sponsored by Chinese Songshan Shaolin Temple,Shaolin Association of North America, organized by UK Shaolin Cultural Center. Furthermore, the Shaolin Culture Festival includes 4 parts: World Peace Blessing Prayer, Shaolin Kung Fu Examination, a series of lectures on culture, including Shaolin Zen meditation, Shaolin kung fu and Buddhist medicine, the Exhibition of Chinese Buddhism and Chinese zodiac cultural relics as well as the conversation between Chinese Buddhism and Christianity.
Sept.23, 2014: On the afternoon of September 23, 2014, Master Phra promdilok and other monks visited Shaolin Temple. Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin received them warmly.
At that night, upon the 65th anniversary of the new China’s establishment, Chinese Martial Arts Performance, sponsored by Chinese Embassy in India and organized by Inida-China Economic and Cultural Council, kicked off in New Delhi, capital of India. Following the lead of Master Yanzhuang, Yanao, Yanti, a group of 23 Shaolin Warrior monks had presented the wonderful Shaolin Kungfu Show for Indian spectators.
Aug.4, 2014: On the morning of August 4, 2014, the graduation ceremony for German Shaolin disciples was held in front of Abbot’s Room of Shaolin Temple. Seventeen German Shaolin disciples prostrated themselves before Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin. After that, they gave a report-back performance.
July 25-31, 2014: Braved the intense heat of summer, the 36 Shaolin lay Buddhists from Greek Shaolin Lay Disciples Association led by Shi Yanxiang (Kokotinis Ioannis), Shi Yanshan (Panagopoulos Christos), Shi Yanqing (Tselepis Andreas), Shi Yanxi (Kitsonis Nimitrios), Shi Yanshuai (Shuai Hou) practiced Chan cultivation and Shaolin Kungfu in China Songshan Shaolin Temple.
June.20, 2014: On the morning of June 20, 2014, accompanied by Guo Guozhi, deputy director general of Henan Provincial Administration for Religious Affairs, Jing Rui, deputy division chief of the first division of Henan Provincial Administration for Religious Affairs, Dr. Maung Maung Htay and other officials from Ministry of Religious Affairs of Myanmar visited Shaolin Temple. Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin warmly received them.
May.4-13, 2014: On May 4, 2014, the students of Traditional Shaolin Wushu Association of Lithuania led by their head Tomas Lapinskas arrived at Shaolin Temple and warmly received by Ven. Abbot Yongxin.
On May 13, the eleven students of Traditional Shaolin Wushu Association of Lithuania completed their short-term training in Shaolin Temple successfully and went back to Lithuania.
Apr.15, 2014: On the afternoon of April 15, 2014, Professor Robert Weller of Department of Religion and Anthropology, Boston University gave a lecture under the title of “The Situation and Development of World Religions” in Shaolin Temple. Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin of Shaolin Temple, Li Weifang, dean of School of Chinese Language & Literature of Henan University, Professor Wu Xiaoqun of Henan University, more than 20 Shaolin disciples from America and Shaolin monks listened to the lecture.
Mar.17, 2014: At 12:30 pm of March 17, 2014 (local time in America), Shaolin Cultural Delegation led by Ven. Abbot Yongxin arrived at San Francisco International Airport to attend the 10th Anniversary Celebration of California “Songshan Shaolin Temple Day” which will be held in San Francisco, Fremont, Oakland from March 18 to 23, 2014. At 3:00 pm, the press conference of the 10th Anniversary of California “Songshan Shaolin Temple Day” was held in Shaolin Temple USA.
Feb.21, 2014: Lieutenant General Mlange, commander of Zambia National Service led a delegation to visit Shaolin Temple and warmly received by Ven. Abbot Yongxin.
Jan.8, 2014: January 8, 2014 (December 8, 2013 of lunar calendar) was Chinese traditional festival “The Laba Rice Porridge Festival”. On that day, Shaolin Temple provided more than one hundred thousand portions of Laba Rice Porridge for free at the gate of Shaolin Pharmacy Bureau, as well as the downtown area of Zhengzhou City and the sub-temples of Shaolin Temple. Shaolin Temple would like to show the value theory of equality, benevolence and the joy of Chan as well as to commemorate the day the Buddha gained Buddhahood through the activity.
Dec.6, 2013: At 5:45 am of December 6, 2013 (Beijing time), Nelson Mandela, who was Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of South Africa, passed away. The whole South Africa extended a deep condolence and paid a tribute to him. In order to express the grief to the great man, 28 African disciples who come from Rwanda, Cote d'Ivoire, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Cameroon and had studied a long time in Shaolin Temple as well as the African students who are from Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Mauritius and facing graduation set up a mourning hall at the Disciples’ Home of Shaolin Temple to extend their deep condolence to Nelson Mandela.
Nov.9, 2013: On the morning of Nov.9, the unveiling ceremony of “World Wing Chun Monument” was held at Devajara Hall of Shaolin Temple. Ven.Abbot Yongxin attended and presided over the ceremony.
Oct.23, 2013: At the gracious invitation of Zi-Cheng (transliterated words) Temple in Nagano, Japan, on October 23, 2013, Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin of China Songshan Shaolin Temple and his accompanying personnel arrived in Japan and attended consecration Dharma assembly for the statue of Bodhidharma in Zi-Cheng Temple.
Sept.4, 2013: On September 4, 2013, Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin and his accompanying personnel visited Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow and paid a courtesy call on Patriarch Kirill of Russian Orthodox Eastern Church.
Sept.29, 2013: Accompanied by the melodious Chaohua Blowing Song, the world-renowned Shaolin Kungfu with the unique characteristic “the unity of Chan and Martial Arts” will appear in the International Military Musical Festival which will be held at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia. In the course of the Musical Festival, with the warm and thoughtful arrangement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ven. Abbot Yongxin and his accompanying personnel visited the Kremlin. Furthermore, General Sergei, the Guard Commander of Kremlin, met with Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin and conveyed to him the cordial greetings and best wishes from President Putin. Later on, they watched the rehearsal together.
At the same day, at the invitation of Huaxing Economic Advisory Service Center of The United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, Shaolin Temple attended the 16th Beijing International Art Exposition. As the monastic manger and the director of Shaolin Pharmacy Bureau, Master Yanlin headed for Beijing took part in the Expo with Shaolin monks. Besides, this Exposition is the only artistic exhibition in China that officially approved by the Ministry of Culture and sponsored by The United Front Work Department.
July.4, 2013: Being accompanied by the provincial and municipal leaders, the delegation of the House of Lords of Thailand following the lead of the first deputy speaker SurachaiLiengboonlertchai visited Shaolin Temple. In the guidance of Master Yanlin, Monastic Supervisor of Shaolin Temple, the delegation experienced the profound culture of Shaolin Temple despite the rain.
June.19,2013: Being accompanied by Ms. Yue Aimei, wife of State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Deng Ying, deputy director of the Protocol Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Wei Xin, division chief and counsellor of Information Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Bibi Alalawi, ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to China, Ms. Rosario Botley, ambassador of Uruguay to China, Ms. Carmenza Jaramillo, ambassador of Columbia to China, Ms. Sheila Carey, ambassador of Bahamas to China, Ms. Abdullah Saleh Al Saadi, wife of the ambassador of Oman to China, Ms. Beatrice Foya Shava, wife of the ambassador of Zimbabwe to China visited Shaolin Temple and Ven. Abbot Yongxin received them warmly.
May. 4-16, 2013: The Shaolin Zen dance drama Sutra, with its 22 crews, was performed at Birmingham, Brighton, Salford and Edinburgh successively in the UK, which was overcrowded almost every show and was a hit with audiences. Furthermore, the local people had an overall, deep impression on Shaolin Kunfu and Shaolin culture through the brilliant dance drama.
Apr.13, 2013: On the afternoon of April 13, 2013, being accompanied by deputy director Shang Runze of Taiwan Affairs Office of Henan Province, Vice President Jiang Xiaoyan of Kuomintang of China and his wife visited Shaolin Temple. Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin and other monks of Shaolin Temple warmly received them.
On the afternoon of April 13, 2013, Major general Mao Xinyu, who acts as deputy director of theory and strategy of war research department of PLA Academy of Military Sciences and member of the national committee of CPPCC and his family visited Shaolin Temple. Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin and other monks of Shaolin Temple received them warmly.
At the same day, Mr. Li Bangqin, president of the 100,000 Strong Foundation, visited Shaolin Temple, and Ven.Abbot Shi Yongxin gave him a warm welcome on his arrival, and they conducted a friendly conversation at the Hall of Abbot.
Mar.22, 2013: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow and started the state visit to Russia. Ten Kungfu monks from Shaolin Kungfu Monk Corps followed President Xi Jinping and took part in the cultural exchange program including Shaolin Kungfu performance. On that day, Chinese President Xi Jinping was present at the opening ceremony of “China-Russia Tourism Year” together with Russian President Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow and made a speech to speak highly of the deep friendship between Chinese people and Russian people. President Xi Jinping also introduced the long history of China and famous cultural cards such as Terra-Cotta Warriors, Shaolin Temple and so on.
Feb.8, 2013: the US National Geographic Channel and the Discovery Channel completed their interview and filming at Shaolin Temple, which is the most important stop for the 13 episodes documentary series—Exploring China. As the first documentary film co-produced by the two of the most influential channels in American, it aimed at displaying the beauty of China after the reform and opening up.
Jan.26-Feb.6, 2013: A group of nine monks from Shaolin Warrior Corps, on assignment for China’s Ministry of Culture and the Culture Department of Henan Province, headed to Africa for culture exchange with Henan “Happy Spring Festival Art Troupe”, they visited Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Blantyre and other countries, who were kindly welcomed by the local government and the people.
Dec.23, 2012: Cambodia’s Vice Transport Minister and Secretary of State Mr. H.E. LIM SIDENINE, his wife and a group of more than ten people paid a visit to Shaolin Temple, who were warmly received by Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin and they also watched the brilliant Shaolin Kungfu Show.
Nov.2, 2012: November 2, 2012 (September 19, 2012 of the lunar calendar) was Arya Avalokiteshvara’s birthday. At the same day, Australian Shaolin Cultural Center held Dharma assembly for Arya Avalokiteshvara’s birthday. Master Yankuo of the Center led Buddhism devotees to chant The Great Compassion Confession and prayed for world peace and human happiness through devout heart and the efforts of all beings.
Oct.16-20, 2012: Led by master Yongchuan, a group of 45 disciples from the Shaolin Temple Germany worshipped Shaolin Temple and experienced Chan meditation. They admired deeply at the profound cultural implication of Shaolin Temple through a series of various Chan culture experience.
Sept.7, 2012: At 7:00 p.m. (local time in Berlin, Germany), the grand opening ceremony of the First European Shaolin Cultural Festival was held as scheduled in beautiful Berlin, Germany. Tie Daisheng, deputy director of the National People's Congress Standing Committee in Henan Province, Guo Guozhi, deputy director general of Henan Administration for Religious Affairs, Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin of Shaolin Temple, Jia Jianxin, director of Chinese Cultural Center in Berlin, the leaders from the Culture Department of Henan Province and Shaolin culture amateurs from European countries attended the ceremony.
Aug.6, 2012: Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and his entourages accompanied by vice-governor Zhao Jiancai and other leaders of Henan Province visited Shaolin Temple. Ven. Abbot Yongxin and the public gave them a warm welcome.
July.20, 2012: Elder Javert, vice-chancellor of Mahan Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and his party travelled a long distance to come to Shaolin Temple and awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree for Ven. Abbot Yongxin.
May.7-12, 2012: Ven. Abbot Yongxin headed up a team of 10 masters and several lay Buddhists to participate in the World Buddhist Sangha Council in Sri Lanka.
Mar.18, 2012: March 21 is “California Shaolin Temple Day”. The celebration of 2012’s Songshan Shaolin Temple Day was held by American Shaolin Cultural Center on March 18, 2012. The applications of Shaolin Chan and Kungfu in our lives were introduced to people in this activity.
Feb.6,2012: Abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple Master Shi Yongxin and his group arrived at Australian Shaolin Cultural Center to celebrate the Lantern Festival and host a blessing prayer with Shaolin disciples and Buddhist votaries praying for world peace and a favorable weather.
Jan.24,2012: On the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival, the cultural center also held traditional celebration activities including New Year Prayer Assembly, Kungfu and calligraphy shows. It’s the first time Shaolin Temple Cultural Center of America held New Year Prayer Assembly and Shaolin overseas disciples experienced the special festival.
Dec. 18, 2011: On the last day of winter “Chan Session” in Shaolin Chan Hall, all participating Chan masters for this year’s “Chan Session” underwent forty-nine days intensive meditation retreat and were conventionally examined by the Venerable Abbot upon the completion.
Nov. 1, 2011: Some 100 Chan masters all over the country entered Chan Hall of Shaolin Temple(also known as Buddha Selection Hall or Great Realization Hall) and commenced the seven weeks’ continuous meditative cultivations.
Nov. 1, 2011: The first group of African students from African’s Gabon, Rwanda and Cameroon were sent by their government to Shaolin Temple for a five year scholarship. There would be 4 more students coming in January 2012.
Oct. 31, 2011: Venerable masters, senior monks, Buddhist believers and participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, America, Cameroun, Uganda and Taiwan, Hongkong , mainland China participated in the tenth anniversary of Patriarch Bodhidharma held at Kongxiang(Literally, Emptiness& Formlessness) Temple, a sub-temple of Shaolin Temple.
Oct. 27, 2011: on Chinese Winter Clothing Day, Shaolin Temple held an ancestor veneration and prayer assembly in Pagoda Forest in commemoration of the monastery’s patriarchs and ancestors.
Sept. 29-Oct.1, 2011: China Shaolin Temple Abbot, Ven. Yongxin with a delegation was invited to Rome and gave a speech to Italian Shaolin cultural members and believers. Ven. Yongxin with the delegation also officiated a Kai-guang Opening Ceremony for the new Austria Shaolin Cultural Center.
Sept.15, 2011: Ven. Shaolin Abbot Shi Yongxin headed a delegation of Shaolin monks to South Korea and attended the Central China Cultural Exchange Activities held in Seoul.
Sept. 4, 2011: Shaolin Temple inaugurated Shaolin Cultural Academy, with the purpose of cultural education and transmission for Buddhist students and novices.
Aug. 25-28, 2011: The Fifth “Chan Debate” was held in Shaolin Chan Hall, with over hundreds of debaters, guests, attendees and devotees from around the nation experiencing Shaolin culture and listening to teachings of Dharma.
Aug. 20, 2011: A seventy-member Korean Buddhist delegation led by Abbot Toi Woo Jeong Nyum of Head Temple for the 4th District Of Jogye Order visited Shaolin Temple and paid its homage to the root of Chan Buddhism.
Aug. 14, 2011: President Armando Emilio Guebuza and his wife Maria. Guebuza paid a visit to Shaolin Temple and were greeted warmly by Ven. Abbot Yongxin and the Sangha.
Aug. 3, 2011: Invited by Heung Yee Kuk, a Shaolin delegation led by Ven. Abbot Yongxin attended the grand ceremony marking the N.T. Heung Yee Kuk 85th anniversary.
July. 22, 2011: A dialogue through music between Shaolin Orphanage & International Committee for Promotion of Youth Arts Education was held in the Ciyun(Clouds of Lovingkindness) Hall of Shaolin Temple, to practice Buddhists' compassion & loving-kindness and promote the children’s future development. It was co-organized by Shaolin Ciyou(Lovingkindness for Children) Orphanage and International Committee for Promotion of Youth Arts Education (UNESCO Program of Arts Education) and supported by some philanthropic artists and music education organizations in China.
July. 3, 2011: A 138-member delegation of head instructors, disciples and students from United Studios of Self Defense (USSD) made a pilgrimage to the root of Chinese Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kungfu at Shaolin Temple.
July.2, 2011: H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mesfin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to China, G. Michael G. Tsadik, Ethiopian consul general in Guangzhou, paid a visit to Shaolin Temple.
June. 24-26, 2011: The 8th BCA (Buddhist Association of China) Council and Overseas Communication Committee Meeting was held in Shaolin Temple.
June. 21, 2011: Vice Chairwoman of the Russian State Duma Svetlana Zhurova paid a visit to Shaolin Temple with a delegation.
June. 6, 2011: Shaolin Temple welcomed the visiting Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Oldemiro Baloi, accompanied by Huang Songfu, Ambassador of China in the Republic of Mozambique.
May 28, 2011: The First China Buddhist Medicine Summit opened in Shaolin Temple. Over 200 Chinese and foreign guests had visited and participated in the three-day conference.
May 21, 2011: Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin, accompanied by five Buddhist monks of Shaolin Temple, attended the First Shaolin Summit in LA Convention Center and proclaimed the establishment of Shaolin Association of North America (NASA).
Apr. 27, 2011: Mr. Libor Secka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to China visited Shaolin Temple and held friendly meeting with Ven. Shi Yongxin, Abbot of Shaolin Temple.
Apr. 20, 2011: Mr. Antipas Nyok De-Kusha Nyok, Secretary of the Political Affairs of Secretariat of People’s Liberation Movement of Sudan, with a 10-member delegation visited Shaolin Temple.
Apr.17, 2011: Shaolin Temple welcomed guests from the African Non-Gov Organization (ANGO) led by H.E.Mrs.Pauline Musyoka, wife of Kenya vice president H.E.Mr.Mwai Kibaki.
Apr.7, 2011: Shaolin Temple and Zhengzhou University co-hosted a Shaolin culture presentation on campus, marked as the beginning of Zhengzhou University Shaolin Culture Institute.
Mar. 21, 2011: Ven.PHRA THAMSITTHINA YOK, secretary of the King of Tailand Sangha, 10th Department Chief of Tailand Buddhism, Consultant of Wat Sraket Rajavaramahavihara Temple, Tailand, secretary of the King of Sangha, visited Shaolin Temple and had friendly talk with Shaolin Temple’s Abbot, Ven. Shi Yongxin at the Abbot Room.
Feb. 23, 2011: Japanese famed LOHAS advocates Mr. Kazumi Ogur and professor of University of Toyama 伊東 順二(いとう じゅんじ) paid a visit to Shaolin Temple and the abbot in the company of Dr. Shen Li, China’s first man of LOHAS.
Feb. 13, 2011: Shaolin Kungfu Corps attended Chinese cultural week held in Be'er Sheva, South Israel and showcased the Eighteen Arms of Shaolin skills for Israeli people.
Jan. 11, 2011: Shaolin has held a grand ceremony of prayer and sacrificial offerings in the Mahavira Hall, to commemorate the Laba Festival and the enlightenment of Sakyamuni on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.
Jan 1, 2011: China Culture Tour 2011 was inaugurated at Shaolin Temple Front Gate square with Shaolin Temple warrior monks performance.
Dec.28, 2010: At 7:00 a.m., on December 28, 2010, the 49-day winter “Chan Session “was rounded off with a completion ceremony in the Chan Hall.
Dec. 5, 2010: On the afternoon of December 5th, 2010, a 15-member Japan Youth Association paid a visit to the origin temple of Chan Buddhism. Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin greeted these visiting guests for Sino-Japan cultural exchange at the Reception Hall.
Nov. 30, 2010:On the afternoon of Nov.30, 2010, Former Secretary of Defense Cao Gangchuan inspected Shaolin Temple, and was warmly welcomed by Abbot Shi Yongxin and the monastics.
Nov. 11, 2010: From November 2 to November 4, modern Chan work “Sutra” staged in the Rose Theater at Lincoln Center by invitation. Another two performances were presented in the Carolina Performing Arts on November 10.
Nov. 10, 2010: On the fifth day of lunar tenth month (November 10th), 2010, when the Birthday of Bodhidharma was celebrated, Shaolin Temple hosted its annual winter “Chan Session” in the Chan Hall. Over 90 Chan masters throughout the country began their 49-day prolonged meditative cultivations in the Chan Hall, which was also called Hall of Attaining Buddhahood.
Nov. 6, 2010: November 6, 2010 was the Lunar Chinese Winter-Clothing Day, a custom of honoring and making paper winter clothing offerings to the deceased and forefathers. After the morning chanting, Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin and all Shaolin monks assembled at the pagoda forest (graveyards of former prestigious monks) and held a memorial ceremony to honor the venerated Shaolin masters and ancestors.
Oct. 24, 2010: Shaolin Temple Abbot Yongxin was invited to the Thesis Reporting of the 8th Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival held in Zhengzhou University Sports Institute on the morning of October 24th, 2010.
Oct. 23, 2010: On October 22nd, 2010, the 8th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival was inaugurated in Henan Sports Center. Shaolin Temple held a solemn “World Peace” Welcome Ceremony in front of the mountain gate.
Oct. 23, 2010: Shaolin cultural delegate of Shaolin Chan work “Sutra”, invited to perform on tour throughout the world, finished their Israel and France tour during October 5-22 and returned to Shaolin Temple on the afternoon of October 23, 2010.
Oct.17, 2010: On the evening of October 17, 2010, Shaolin Kungfu Monks Corps performed in Singapore President Star Charity TV Fundraising Activity by the invitation of the committee of this activity. Singapore President SR Nathan warmly received and praised Shaolin Kungfu Monks Corps. Later, President SR Nathan posed for a group photo with these visiting monks.
Oct. 17, 2010: At 1:00 pm October 17, Macedonian Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakievski arrived at Shaolin Temple and was warmly welcomed by Abbot Shi Yongxin. After visiting the Permanent Residence Complex, he had a friendly conversation with Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin in Shaolin Reception Hall.
Oct. 16, 2010: Vice-president of Buddhist Association of China, President of Henan Buddhist Association, Shaolin Temple Abbot Ven. Shi Yongxin attended the initial construction assembly of Putong Temple (literally meaning common ancestral temple), and presided over the dharma assembly together with Master Huitong of Zhenru Yunju Temple in Jiangxi, China.
Oct. 11, 2010: Sri Lanka’s Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Temple the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera and Gangaramaya Temple Venjalvoja Jncnissara Thera visited Shaolin Temple and presented a Samadhi Buddha Holy Statue to Shaolin Temple.
Oct. 5, 2010: 7 Shaolin Kungfu practitioners from Australian Shaolin Kungfu Guan concluded their week- long Shaolin Temple culture retreat on 5th of October 2010.
Oct. 3, 2010: Vice minister of CPC Propaganda Department, Party Secretary of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television Wang Taihua visited Shaolin Temple, and was warmly received by Abbot Shi Yongxin.
Sept. 21, 2010: Peking University MBA Alumni Association’s Shaolin Culture experience was launched in Shaolin Chuipu Hall. The participants would experience and learn the authentic Shaolin culture during the four days’ activities.
Sept. 12, 2010: A 15-member Australian Choy Lay Fut experienced Shaolin Culture.
Sept.1, 2010: In the morning, September 1st, Ven. Shaolin Abbot Shi Yongxin was greeted at the Austrian Federal Chancellery by the Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann. Chancellor Werner Faymann had talk with the abbot and hoped that he would have an opportunity to visit Shaolin Temple in future.
Aug.30, 2010: Shaolin Abbot participated in the European Forum Alpach 2010 by invitation, and delivered a speech of “Shaolin Temple as a Catalyst to Spark off Worldwide Mutual Understanding and Dialogue” won critical applause from audiences and participants in the Alpbach Political Symposium. Later, Abbot Shi Yongxin conducted a week-long visit to Austria, and was warmly welcomed by Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann and Austrian cardinals She Baoen.
Aug. 27, 2010: Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Ruslan Kazakbayev visited Shaolin Temple.
Aug. 21, 2010: Led by In-San Ji-Jun, senior vice chairman of central council of Jogye Order of South Korean Buddhism, an eight –member pilgrimage group paid homage to Shaolin Temple.
Aug. 17, 2010: Invited by Vice Abbot of Thailand Phra Thong Temple Master Phrapromwaetee, Vice President of Chinese Buddhist Association, President of Henan Buddhist Association, Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin attended the Inauguration Ceremony of Bronze Statue of Confucius of Trimit High School.
Aug. 14, 2010: The opening ceremony of the fifth Shaolin Chan Inquires’ Chan Debate and Medicine Buddha’s Kaiguang Assembly was held in Shaolin Chuipu Hall.
July, 20, 2010: Accompanied by Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Dharmaratne Herath and Mr Gamage, Hon. D. M. Jayaratne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka visited Shaolin Temple.
July, 19, 2010: Headed by Shaolin lay disciple Chen Pui, Wahlum Kungfu Delegation paid homage to Shaolin Temple.
July, 7, 2010: Headed by Yanzhuo, Greek Shaolin Temple’s thirteen disciples paid homage to Shaolin Temple.
July.5, 2010: Led by Yanxu, Los Angeles Shaolin Temple Culture Center’s seventeen disciples paid homage to Shaolin Temple.
June. 30, 2010: Led by Master Yanbin, Moscow Shaolin Kungfu Center’s twelve disciples paid homage to Shaolin Temple, and attended a weeklong Chan culture and Kungfu activities.
Apr. 20 to May, 20, 2010: Shaolin Temple held the grand Three Precept –Transmitting Ceremony.
Mar. 31, 2010: On Chinese traditional festival- the Eve of Tomb-Sweeping Day, Abbot Shi Yongxin and the monastic worshipped the deceased ancestors of Shaolin Temple in Pagoda Forest.
Mar. 26, 2010: At 9:00 a.m., accompanied by Hanan Provincial Party Committee Secretary Lu Zhangong and Zhengzhou Mayor Zhao Jiancai, Member of the standing Committee of CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, vice chairman of the Eleventh CPPCC National Committee Wang Gang inspected Shaolin Temple, and was warmly received by Abbot Shi Yongxin and the monastics. Abbot Shi Yongxin introduced Shaolin Temple’s time-honored history and reported what Shaolin Temple had done to protect and propagate the traditional Shaolin culture in these years, which were highly confirmed and praised by Wang Gang.
Mar. 2, 2010: Deputy to National People’s Congress, Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin with the Henan Delegation attended the Third Session of the Eleventh National People’s Congress, and was warmly received by members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee LI Changchun and Li Keqiang.
Feb. 23, 2010: Party Secretary of China Women’s Federation Song Xiuyan visited Shaolin Temple and was warmly received by Abbot Shi Yongxin.
Feb. 23, 2010: Political Commissioner of the Second Artillery, General Zhang Haiyang and his entourage visited Shaolin temple and were warmly received by Abbot Shi Yongxin. accompanied by Abbot Shi Yongxin, they viewed the monastic sites and also enjoyed the performance of Shaolin Kung-fu in front of the Abbot’s room.
Feb. 13, 2010: It’s Lunar New Year’s Eve. According to the customs, Abbot Shi Yongxin and the monastic paid homage to ancestors in Abbot’s room after evening course. In the evening, Abbot Shi Yongxin presided over the bell beating and prayer ceremony with all Shaolin monks.
Feb. 10, 2010: Vice president of Henan Overseas Friendship Association, Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin attended the Spring Festival Gatherings of Henan Overseas Friendship Association in Zhuhai.
Feb. 5, 2010: Feb. 5-7, the annual Buddhist Chan study exam was held in Shaolin Permanent Residence Compound. Master Yanhan, Master Yanqian and Master De’an got the first prizes in for their respective fields in meditation, Kungfu, and chanting.
Feb. 1, 2010: From Feb.1 to Feb.3, the 8th national conference of Chinese Buddhist Association was held in Beijing Friendship Hotel. President of Henan Buddhist Association, Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin led Henan delegation to attend this conference. Abbot Shi Yongxin was selected as the vice president of Chinese Buddhist Association again, and was warmly received by CPPCC chairman Jia Qinglin after the conference in the Great Hall of the people.
Jan. 22, 2010: On Sakyamuni’s Enlightenment Day (the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month), Shaolin Temple offered Laba porridge in front of Shaolin Pharmacy Bureau in the early morning.
Jan. 8, 2010: The 2010 Shaolin Temple Chan Session concluded successfully. This year’s Chan Session started from Nov. 21, 2009 (The fifth day of the tenth lunar month), more than 60 Chan masters engaged in this Chan Session.
Sept.12, 2009: Vice Chair of the Eleventh CPPCC Zheng Wantong inspected Shaolin Temple.
Aug.19-24, 2009: Shaolin Cultural Delegation led by Abbot Shi Yongxin made a visit to Sri Lanka.
July.25, 2009: Abbot Shi Yongxin attended the Eleventh Panchen Lama’s Bhikku Ordination Ritual held at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
July.13, 2009: US basketball star Shaquille O'Neal visited Shaolin Temple.
July.12, 2009: Shaolin disciples from Mexico made a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple.
July.4, 2009: The founder of United Studios of Self Defense and Abbot Yongxin’s disciple Yandeng (Charles Mettera) led 170 overseas disciples to make a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple.
July.7, 2009: Shaolin Temple participated in the Walk the World event to show its commitment to help end hunger. “End Hunger: Walk the World” is an annual event to raise funds and awareness for WFP’s efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition.
July.2, 2009: Vice Chair of the Eleventh National People's Congress Ismayil Teliwaldi inspected Shaolin Temple.
May 26, 2009: Vice Chair of the Eleventh CPPCC Li Wuwei inspected Shaolin Temple.
May 18, 2009: Led by Abbot Yongxin, a group of Shaolin Kungfu inheritors attended the International Festival of Cultural Diversity, UNESCO in Paris, and staged Shaolin Kungfu.
Apr.27-29, 2009: Shaolin Temple invited well-known experts, professors and scholars attend a three-day Seminar on “Chan Sect of China”, kicking off the “Shaolin Chan Enquiries-Hundred-Day Summit”.
Apr.23, 2009: Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Founder of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, came to visit Shaolin Temple and wrote “Guang Da Zong Men” (promoting and fostering the school) for the temple.
Apr.14, 2009: Vice Chair of the Eleventh CPPCC and Vice Chair of Jiu-san Society, Wang Zhizhen inspected Shaolin Temple.
Apr.5, 2009: People First Party Chairman Song Chuyu and his wife visited Shaolin Temple.
Mar.28, 2009: Abbot Yongxin attended the 2nd World Buddhist Forum held in Wuxi.
Mar. 2009: Shaolin Cultural Delegation led by Abbot Shi Yongxin went to California for the 5th anniversary of “Shaolin Temple Day”. Shaolin culture was welcomed and recognized in the mainstream American society.
Mar.17, 2009: Director-General Consultant of UNESCO, Alice, investigated Shaolin Temple, watched the demonstration of “Shaolin Kungfu” which is a national intangible cultural heritage project. She also made an inspection tour in Shaolin Permanent Residence Complex and Pagoda Forest.
Feb.21, 2009: Parliament Speaker of the Republic of Chile, Francisco Encina and his party visited Shaolin Temple.
Feb.2009: The State Councilor and Secretary of Defense, General Liang Guanglie inspected Shaolin Temple.
Dec.2008: South African President Nelson Mandela met with Abbot Shi Yongxin, and acclaimed that: “Your cause has values for humankind, and it deserves respect and appreciation of everyone.”
June.29-Jul.28, 2008: The play “Sutra” by Shaolin monks was performed in Europe.
May 24, 2008: Venerable Shi Yongxin attended “the First Symposium on Buddhism of Modern China” held in Nanjing.
Dec.24, 2007: The overall program of “Songshan Ancient Architectural Complex Application for World Cultural Heritage” was set up, with the main work including restoration and preservation of the Shaolin Permanent Residence Complex, the First Patriarch Temple, the Pagoda Forest, and improvement of its surroundings.
Sept.10, 2007: Shaolin Temple donated 3000.000 RMB to Soong Ching Ling Foundation of Henan Province to support Henan charitable projects.
Aug.9, 2007: President of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge visited Shaolin Temple together with his wife Anne and Coordination Committee Chairman Hein Vergruggen, and was warmly welcomed by Abbot Yongxin and temple monks.
July.27-28, 2007: Shaolin Temple held “2007 Shaolin Chan Enquiries”.
May 24, 2007: Shaolin Temple held the precept-transmitting ceremony to over 600 monks in the Three Precept-transmitting Platform.
May 23, 2007: Chan Music Shaolin Grand Ceremony was conducted at Shaolin Temple, chaired by Abbot Yongxin and the masters coming for precept-transmitting ceremony.
Apr.2007: King of Spain Juan Carlos I gave an interview to Abbot Shi Yongxin and his party from China Songshan Shaolin Temple.
Apr.1-5, 2007: Upon invitation, Abbot Yongxin attended the 2007 Laureus World Sports Awards held in Barcelona, Spain.
Mar. 2007: Shaolin Monk Corps went to Moscow from Beijing together with Chinese Delegation, and attended “Year of China” in Russia. Representatives of Shaolin monks were received by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
Nov. 7-21, 2006: Abbot Yongxin was Invited by the United States Sports Institute and received an Honorary PhD degree. He also attended the Global Creative Leadership Summit held in New York.
Oct.29-Nov.2, 2006: Abbot Yongxin attended the Captains of Industry Conference (COI) held in Singapore and made a speech entitled Religious Inheritance and Innovation Spirit. During the visit, Abbot Yongxin called on Singapore President Nathan and Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Aug. 2006: Abbot Yongxin and his party were received by Australian Prime Minister Howard in Houses of Parliament, and also other Senators. The Prime Minister indicated that he would give full support to all the Cultural exchange activities that Shaolin Temple held in Australia.
July. 2006: Invited by the President of FIFA Blatter, Abbot Yongxin attended the FIFA World Cup Final and the Closing Ceremony. During the period, he was received by the German Chancellor Merkel, Foreign Minister Steinmeier, and the former Chancellor Schroeder, etc.
July.4, 2006: A group of over 500 disciples from United Studios of Self Defense made a pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple, led by Shi Yandi (Stephen Demasco) and Yandeng (Charles Mettera).
May 16, 2006: “Shaolin Kungfu” was published by Shaolin Publishing House.
Mar.22, 2006: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Shaolin Temple and was warmly welcomed by Abbot Shi Yongxin and temple monks.
Nov. 2005: Shaolin Kungfu was listed as national representative works of human oral and intangible heritage.
Sept. 2005: Upon invitation, Abbot Yongxin paid a visit to He Houhua, the Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region.
May 11, 2005: The former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger visited Shaolin Temple and was warmly welcomed by Abbot Shi Yongxin and the monks of Shaolin Temple.
Jan.29, 2005: Shaolin Temple together with Henan Provincial General Charity Federation initiated the “1000 Orphans Relief Program”, and an adoption list was set up by Shaolin Orphans.
Nov. 17-24, 2004: In collaboration on President Hu Jintao’s visit to South America, a group of Shaolin Kungfu monks led by Abbot Yongxin visited Brazilian Capital Saint Paul and attended the cultural exchange “Knowledge of China” organized by the State Council’s News Office. It was the first time for Shaolin monks to perform in Latin America.
June.6, 2004: Chairman of the State Military Commission Jiang Zemin and his wife inspected Shaolin Temple and wrote “Shaolin Culture, Human Heritage”.
May 2004: Invited by Buddhist Affair Office of Thailand, the Delegation of China Buddhism Association made a five-day official visit to Thailand led by Abbot Shi Yongxin and was received and entertained by the Prime Minister of Thailand.
Mar.21, 2004: A Shaolin Temple Delegation led by the Venerable Abbot Yongxin was honored by the California State Assembly with the proclamation of “Songshan Shaolin Temple Day”. A full scale Shaolin Kungfu performance by the visiting Shaolin Kungfu monks followed at Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco.
Feb. 11-25, 2004: “Shaolin Kungfu Delegation of Henan Buddhism Culture” was invited to Taiwan for cultural exchanges, led by Abbot Yongxin, consisting of 33 members from several temples in Henan.
Feb. 2004: The Permanent Residence Complex of Shaolin Temple was renovated thoroughly.
Sept.28-Nov.15, 2003: Shaolin Temple held a grand Buddhist assembly as well as a charitable activity for thousands of orphans, lasting 49 days.
Apr.09-12, 2003: “Shaolin Kungfu International Seminar” organized by Shaolin Temple, Academy of Arts of China and Government of Dengfeng City was grandly held at Shaolin Temple.
Jan.9, 2003: Abbot Yongxin was selected as the deputy of the tenth National People’s Congress.
Jan. 2003: Upon invitation, venerable Shi Yongxin made a six-day friendly visit to Thailand as the Vice-chair of China Buddhism Association, the Chair of Henan Buddhism Association and the Abbot of Shaolin Temple.
Oct.4-7, 2002: Abbot Yongxin made a visit to Barcelona, and had an audience with Samaranch, the former President of the International Olympic Committee.
June. 2002: To protect the Shaolin Kungfu that has been carried on by generations of Shaolin monks for 1500 years, Abbot Yongxin started the application process for the title of” Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO.
Mar. 2002: Shaolin Temple joined the National Delegation to Korea and Japan on a performance tour. The Former Prime Ministers of Japan Ryutaro Hashimoto and Mori Yoshiro met Abbot Yongxin and applauded the performance of Shaolin Monk Corps.
Oct.18-21, 2001: Seminar on Shaolin Temple and Chinese Vinaya School was held grandly at Shaolin Temple. At the same time, Seminar on the History of Chinese Buddhism Sculpture was also held.
Oct.12, 2001: China Buddhism Association Chairman Yi Cheng visited Shaolin Temple.
Sept.16-21, 2001: Abbot Shi Yongxin attended the 7th National Conference of China Buddhism Association. At the conference, Abbot Shi Yongxin was elected as Vice Chairman of China Buddhism Association.
2000: Abbot Yongxin made a visit to Sweden and was received by the king, to whom Venerable Yongxin presented “Secrets of Shaolin Kungfu and Medicine”.
July. 2000: When performing in Lebanon, Shaolin Monk Corps was received by the President Lahoud.
Apr.23, 2000: The Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Li Peng and his wife visited Shaolin Temple.
Nov. 1999: Upon invitation of Buckingham Palace of the United Kingdom, Abbot Yongxin led a Shaolin Kungfu Monk Delegation to participate in the 1999 Royal Variety Show. Delegation was received by Queen Elizabeth II. The event represented an important step that Chinese culture has taken into the western world’s mainstream.
Apr. 1999: Shi Yongxin was officially inaugurated as Abbot of Shaolin Temple.
Apr. 1999: Venerable Yongxin went to the meditation places of Kassapa Thera to pay homage, such as Jizu Mountain, Xuyun Temple, etc.
Jan.18, 1998: Venerable Yongxin was selected as the deputy of the ninth National People’s Congress.
Dec.18, 1997: Venerable Yongxin led a Kungfu delegation of Shaolin Temple to the capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur for charitable performances.
1997: The official website of Shaolin Temple (www.hollisteroutlet.name) was launched. In August 2008, it was completely revised and officially opened to the public.
Nov.20, 1996: The First Patriarch Temple and Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple were listed as sites of key national cultural relics.
May 1996: The journal of Shaolin Charitable Foundation “Chan Dew” (quarterly) was started publication.
Sept.3, 1995: Shaolin Temple held the 1,500th anniversary of the Temple. For this, State Postal Bureau issued the memorial stamps and Religious Culture Publishing House published “Collections of Essays at International Forum of Shaolin Temple’s 1,500th Anniversary”.
Aug. 1995: “Collection of Chan Dew” (Volume 1) by venerable Yongxin was published by Religious Cultural Publishing House.
Apr.30, 1993: Shaolin Charitable Foundation was founded.
Feb. 1993: Venerable Yongxin led a Shaolin Temple Buddhist Culture Delegation to Taiwan. It was the first time a Buddhist delegation from the Chinese mainland visited Taiwan after forty years of separation between the Buddhists on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Apr. 1992: Accompanied by the government officials of Zhengzhou City, the Chair of China Buddhism Association, Lay Buddhist Zhao Puchu visited and inspected Shaolin Temple and was warmly received by all monks at the temple.
June. 1988: Kungfu Monk Corps was established.
July. 1987: Abbot Xingzheng passed away.
1986: Master Xingzheng was appointed the abbot of Shaolin Temple.
Apr. 1, 1984: Shaolin Temple was handed over from the Relics Administration Department to monks for management.
1983: The State Council declared Shaolin Temple to be a key national Buddhist temple.
1982: The movie “Shaolin Temple” was showed at home and abroad.
1979: Japanese Doshin So made his pilgrimage to Shaolin Temple.
1975: The Mountain Gate of Shaolin Temple was renovated.
June.20, 1963: Henan People’s Committee declared Shaolin Temple one provincial preservation site of cultural relics.
1941: Temple monks established Shaolin Middle School for imparting knowledge and martial arts.
Oct. 1936: KMT Chairman Chiang Kai-shek visited Shaolin Temple.
1930: Japanese Doshin So came to Shaolin Temple to learn martial arts. Back to Japan, he founded Japanese Shorinji Kempo Federation.
Mar.15, 1928: KMT Shi Yousan set fire on Shaolin Temple, as a result, the Devajara Hall, Mahaviro Hall, Reception Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Scripture Hall and the preserved Tripitaka, Shaolin Temple Annals (in wooden version) and stone carving and statues were all destroyed.
1923: Henglin passed away, and his disciple Miaoxing succeeded him as the commander. Wu Peifu’s army enlisted the Security Force of Shaolin Temple as the First Regiment led by Miaoxing.
1916: Wang Yunhua took charge to renovate the Kinnara Hall.
1911-1920: When the country was in riot and bandits rose in swarms, Shaolin Temple established Security Force and the abbot Henglin acted as the chief commander.
1893: Zhou Yuanzhao and other people took charge to renovate Thousand-Bodhisattva Hall.
1854: Wang Zuyuan came to Shaolin Temple to study Yi Jing Jin.
1850: “Shaoyang Bridge” was built, which took three years to complete.
1828: Henan governor Yang Guozhen and others donated over 3,700 Liang of silver (185kgs) for renovation of Shaolin Temple.
1775: Henan governor Xu Ji took charge of renovation of Thousand-Buddisattva Hall of Shaolin Temple, which was completed the next year.
Sept.30, 1750: Emperor Kangxi visited Shaolin Temple and stayed for the night in the Abbot’s Room.
1747: Shi Yizhan and Jiao Ruchen compiled Shaolin Temple Annals in four volumes with over 50,000 words, and printed them out in the following year.
1735: Emperor Yongzheng gave an official permission to renovate Shaolin Temple.
1704: The first emperor of the Qing Dynasty Kangxi wrote “Bao Shu Fang Lian” (Treasured Trees and Lotus Fragrance) and “Shao Lin Si” (Shaolin Temple) respectively on two horizontal boards and granted them to Shaolin Temple.
1664: Abbot Yongyu left the temple for Zhuozhou (in Hebei Province).
1656: Haikuan went to the capital and issued the Family Tree of Five Schools. In the following year, he was appointed as the first abbot of Shaolin Temple in the Qing Dynasty.
1641: Li Zicheng’s troop reached Henan, joined forces with Li Jiyu’s army and together conquered Dengfeng City.
1639: A group of peasants led by Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong rose in rebellion, and more than 70 Shaolin monks acted on orders to go on a punitive expedition.
Feb. 1622: The well-known geographer Xu Xiake visited Shaolin Temple.
1619: A pagoda was erected for the battle achievement.
1613: Chen Yuanbin from Hangzhou came to Shaolin Temple to learn Kungfu. In 1638, he went to Japan and promoted the Shaolin staff techniques, which was very influential.
1609: Wuyan served as the abbot of Shaolin Temple for seventeen years. Yuan Hongdao visited Shaolin Temple.
1588: The Thousand-Bodhisattva Hall was constructed, and a continuation of Buddhist scripture Grand Canon promulgated by emperor Shenzong’s mother empress Li was stored here.
1574: Changrun acted as Shaolin abbot.
1567-1572: Cheng Zongyou came to Shaolin temple to learn martial arts, and stayed here for about 10 years. In his late years he wrote the “Origin of Staff Techniques of Shaolin Temple”.
1565: Stele of Combined Three Religions and Nine Sects was erected in praise of the drawing of the combined three religions and nine sects, on which the drawing and eulogy was made by Zhu Zaiyu, the son of King Zheng.
1563: The Indian monk Biandun died.
1561: The famous general Yu Dayou came to Shaolin Temple to inspect martial arts, and choose monks Zongqing and Pucong to study staff techniques with him.
1558: Master Xiaoshan served as the abbot of Shaolin Temple for eight years.
1555: The Hui State built a memorial gateway for Shaolin Temple and the king Zhu Zai wrote the inscription. In the following year, Zhu Zai committed suicide for crime.
1553: A merchant named Shangzhao rose in revolt, 50 Shaolin monks such as Zhu Fang and Zhou Can acted on orders to go on a punitive expedition.
1552-1554: More than 30 Shaolin monks fought against pirates under the imperial order and died gloriously.
1548: A pagoda was erected for famous Shaolin Monk Zhou You, inscribed with “A Rival of the World, a Warrior Monk of Buddhism”.
Nov. 1522: A miner in Qingzhou, Shandong Province rose in rebellion, and Shaolin monks went on a punitive expedition in accordance with imperial edict.
1512: Lixue Pavilion (Standing-in-snow Pavilion) was built.
1512: A peasant with the surname of Liu rose in rebellion in Bazhou, and Shaolin monks went in accordance with imperial edict on a punitive expedition.
1510: Wenzai acted as Shaolin abbot and observed Chan precepts for twelve years.
1501: Upon invitation of abbot Gumei, Indian monk served for Shaolin Temple.
1409: King Zhouding made jade Buddha statues because of his newborn son, and distributed to Shaolin Temple, Huishan Temple and Fawang Temple.
1405: Renshan acted as Shaolin abbot for thirteen years.
1392: The Stele for Virtuous Deeds of Master Chunzhuo was established, and Japan monk Shamen Deshi wrote an epitaph on it.
1382: Zhu Kou, Zhouding King of the Ming Dynasty came to Shaolin Temple to mourn for empress Xiaoci.
1369: Songting Ziyan served as Shaolin abbot for thirteen years.
1361: Shaolin Temple had only twenty-plus monks left due to the social disorder.
Mar.26, 1351: The Red Scarf Army of Yingzhou came to Shaolin Temple, and monk Kinnara frightened them away with miraculous divine power.
1348: Chaoyun Yunwei, the abbot of the North Shaolin Temple in Ji County in Tianjin died.
1345: Chunzhuo presided over Shaolin Temple for the second time and erected the Stele of Master Bodhidharma with the inscription written by Emperor wu of Liang Dynasty.
1327: The Japanese monk Zhao Yuan came to Shaolin Temple, and lived here for 21 years, holding several posts such as secretary, chief elder, etc.
1313: Jinjiu acted as Shaolin abbot.
1312: Fuyu was posthumously honored as Jin Guogong.
1275: Fuyu passed away, leaving his work “Words of Monk Xueting”.
1260: Fuyu was honored with the title of the Divine Buddhist Master and acted as the abbot of Wanshou Temple in Dadu (modern Beijing) for 14 years. During the period, Shaolin established five sub-temples in Helin (then the capital of the Yuan Dynasty), Jizhou (modern Ji County in Tianjin), Taiyuan, Chang’an (modern Xi’an), and Luoyang (in Henan Province) respectively.
1258: Emperor Kublai held in Karakorum a debate on Buddhism and Taoism. As the representative of the Buddhism community, Fuyu attended the discussion and defeated the Taoists.
1245: Fuyu held an assembly at Shaolin Temple under the order of Emperor Kublia of the Yuan Dynasty.
1242: Buddhist Master, Wan Song of Caodong sect send his disciple Fuyu to preside over Shaolin Temple.
1220: The abbot Zhilong set up the Shaolin Pharmacy Bureau.
1218: Fuyu was in charge of all the monks, and 237 Buddhism temples were recovered under his command.
1209: The abbot Jiaoheng erected the Stele of Three-Religion Sages.
1204: Master Xingchong served as the abbot of Shaolin Temple.
1157: Master Fahe presided over Shaolin Temple and passed away at the same year.
1122: Wall-facing pagoda was built in the First Patriarch Temple, and Cai Jing, an imperial teacher and a top official of the Lu Kingdom at the time wrote inscription for it.
1102: An imperial edict was issued that each state shall choose one temple as Chan temple.
1100: Dengfeng magistrate Lou Yi requested to build the First Patriarch Temple and Guangqing served as the abbot of Shaolin Temple.
1087: Master Bao’en started his teaching at Shaolin Temple. About at the same time Chan tradition was established at the temple, in place of the strict observance of Buddhism customs.
1056: The abbot Xiu moved from Shaolin Temple to White Horse Temple.
954-959: Shaolin Temple was abandoned.
925: Master Xingjun passed away, and a pagoda was built for him in east of the temple.
850: Master Xingjun served as the abbot of Shaolin Temple and disseminated Tiantai doctrines of Buddhism.
845: Emperor Wuzong of the Tang Dynasty issued a decree to destroy Shaolin Temple and ordered the monks to resume the secular life.
810: Korean monk Hyecho came to Shaolin Temple to learn Buddhism and stayed here for more than ten years.
798: Shaolin Temple repaired the storehouse and kitchen.
770: Master Tongguang, the grand-disciple of Shenxiu, passed away, and a pagoda was built for him in the east of the temple.
728: Stele of Tang Emperor for Songshan Shaolin Temple was erected at the temple.
727: Master Faru’s disciple, the Korean monk Hyecho (known as Huichao in Chinese) returned to Anxi (now in Gansu Province) in November from the tour to Indian.
Nov. 723: Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty inscribed two tablets and dispatched master Yixing to send them to Shaolin Temple.
707-710: Shaolin Temple set up ten positions for the monks to better manage the temple.
706: Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang Dynasty recruited Shaolin masters Dao’an and his disciples from Shaolin Temple to the imperial palace. A year later, Dao’an came back to the temple.
Apr.7, 704: Master Yijing returned from the West, and restored the precept platform in Shaolin Temple.
700: Upon request of Shaolin chief monk Yijiang, the statues enshrined in the imperial palace were moved back to the temple.
696: Shaolin Temple built pagodas in the Second Patriarch Temple for Empress Wu Zetian and her son, the heir of the imperial throne, Li Dan.
695: Empress Wu Zetian granted money to Shaolin Temple for renovation of stairs.
692: Empress Wu Zetian shifted some statues of the Bodhisattvas and lions at Shaolin Temple to the imperial palace for worship.
689: Mater Faru passed away, and a pagoda was built for him on the east side of the temple.
686: Master Faru preached Chan doctrines to monks upon their request.
684: Emperor Gaozong died and the empress came to Shaolin Temple to do charitable and meritorious deeds for him.
683: Master Faru resided in Shaolin temple. On Sep. 25, Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty granted gold, silk and other goods to the temple, and erected a stele for her mother.
682-683: Emperor Gaozong bestowed the character Fei (fly) upon Shaolin Temple which was inscribed onto the wall of the temple.
670-674: Gaozong, Emperor of Tang Dynasty visited Shaolin Temple, inscribed the Tablet of Golden Characters, and bestowed pictures and other objects.
Sept. 20, 657: Master Xuanzang petitioned again for the admission to Shaolin Temple to translate Buddhist scriptures, yet declined.
Feb. 645: Master Xuanzang submitted a petition to the emperor for the admission to Shaolin Temple to translate Buddhist scriptures, but was declined.
Feb. 625: Shaolin Temple was granted again with 40 qing (266.4 Hectare) land and a water mill.
July. 624: Shaolin Temple was restored on the original site due to temple monks’ efforts.
622: Shaolin Temple was abandoned.
Apr.27, 621: Superintendent Shanhu together with other twelve Shaolin monks have rendered out meritorious service in capturing Wang Shichong’s nephew Wang Renze who later surrendered himself to Li Shimin, the prince of the Qin state.
618: In the period of national turmoil, Shaolin Temple was ransacked and burned, left only pagodas.
581-600: Emperor Suiwen issued an edict to grant Shaolin Temple 100 qing (666 Hactare) land with cypress trees.
587: Masters Huiyan and Hongzun were summoned by Emperor Suiwen.
580: The name of Shaolin Temple was restored.
580: Emperor Zhoujing proclaimed an imperial decree to rejuvenate Buddhism and Taoism. Shaolin Temple was rebuilt and its named was changed to Zhihu Temple. On July 18, Fashang, a disciple of master Huiguang, passed away.
577: Emperor Zhouwu issued an imperial decree to abolish Buddhism and Shaolin Temple was destroyed.
573: Emperor Zhouwu summoned the ministers, monks and Taoists in Taiji Hall to debate on the priority of the three religions, and Chan master Dengxing of Shaolin Temple was in attendance.
560: Sengchou passed away.
536: Master Huiguang passed away.
534: Batuo’s disciple, venerable master Huiguang shifted to the Capital Ye (in modern Hebei Province) along with Emperor Xiaojing, and served as Monk Superintendent.
534-536: Bodhidharma disseminated Buddhism in the Luo River area. After he passed away, a pagoda was built for him in the Kongxiang Temple on Xiong’er Mountain.
520: Batuo’s disciple Sengchou was appointed as the abbot of Shaolin Temple.
517: Yongning Temple in Luoyang was completed, but destroyed by fire 17 years later. Meanwhile, South Indian monk Bodhidharma had visited the temple, and later he came to Shaolin Temple to sit in meditation in a cave of the Wuru Peak.
508-512AD: Doctor Li Ya molded exquisite statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and lions for Shaolin Temple.
508AD: Central Indian monk Ratnamati and North Indian monk Bodhiruci came to the Shaolin Temple and translated Dasabhumivyakhyana at the Sutra-translating Hall for three years, completing 12 volumes.
495AD: Shaolin temple was built under an edict of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei Dynasty to accommodate Indian Dharma master Batuo (Buddhabhadra). In the west of the temple, pagodas and the sutra-translating Hall behind pagodas were established by Batuo.