What is the highest level of Shaolin Kung Fu?
The highest level of Shaolin Kung Fu is “state of mind immobility ”
Shaolin Kung Fu, as the treasure of Chinese martial arts, has always attracted the attention of the world. The profound cultural and spiritual connotations behind it are even more fascinating. As an important inheritor and promoter of Shaolin Kung Fu, Shaolin Temple Abbot Shi Yongxin has a deep understanding and unique insights. He has repeatedly emphasized that the highest state of Shaolin Kung Fu is “state of mind immobility ”, a concept that not only reveals the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu, but also responds to the outside world’s questioning of his level of Kung Fu.
Abbot Shi Yongxin has had a rich experience of practicing in Shaolin Temple and has a deep affection for Shaolin Kung Fu. He confessed that although he had practiced almost all of the 72 Kung Fu styles of the Shaolin Temple, he had never been able to achieve perfection. This is not a word of modesty, but his deep understanding of the profoundness and magnificence of kung fu. In his view, kung fu is not only a physical skill, but also a way of life and spiritual practice. The practice of Shaolin Kung Fu requires the close integration of meditation and martial arts, and the realization of a harmonious unity of body and mind through relentless practice.
“state of mind immobility” is Abbot Shi Yongxin‘s eloquent summary of the highest state of Shaolin Kung Fu. The attainment of this state is not achieved overnight, but requires long term cultivation and practice, and gradual realization. He pointed out that Shaolin Kung Fu is inseparable from Zen practice, and the highest state of Zen practice also pursues “not moving the mind”. In the process of cultivation, the monks must abandon the temptation of fame and fortune, and regard martial arts practice as a form of spiritual cultivation to achieve inner peace and concentration through continuous practice.
Someone asked if the Abbot of Shaolin Temple knows kung fu？
This view of Abbot Shi Yongxin strongly refutes the misconception that he does not know kung fu. The essence of Shaolin Kung Fu does not lie in external moves and strength, but in inner cultivation and spiritual sublimation. He emphasized that kung fu is a kind of precipitation accumulated over time and an attitude of wholehearted devotion to life. Whether it is a farmer farming, a chef cooking, or a tailor cutting clothes, as long as one is able to achieve excellence, the essence of kung fu is embodied. Therefore, the level of kung fu does not lie in the number of punching and kicking moves one has mastered, but in the ability to integrate the spirit of kung fu into every corner of one’s life.
In an interview, Abbot Shi Yongxin further elaborated on the concept of Shaolin Kung Fu, suggesting that the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu requires “not forgetting Zen”, and that every movement should contain Zen. This way of practicing Shaolin Kung Fu, which combines Zen and martial arts, makes Shaolin Kung Fu transcend the realm of martial arts and become a cultural and philosophical manifestation. Through the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu, martial arts monks are able to seek inner peace and concentration in dynamics, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the true meaning of life.
Abbot Shi Yongxin also illustrated the importance of “not moving the mind” through vivid examples. He pointed out that in life and death situations, if one cannot maintain inner peace, it is difficult to perform at the appropriate level even if one is a strong martial artist. Just like shooting arrows from a cliff, if one’s heart is in a panic, even if one normally shoots a hundred times, it is difficult to maintain stability at critical moments. Therefore, the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu is not only a process of strengthening the body, but also a process of cultivating the ability to maintain a calm mind in any situation.
Abbot Shi Yongxin’s deep insight and practice of Shaolin Kung Fu reveals the true value of this ancient martial art. The highest state of Shaolin Kung Fu, “Immobility”, is not only the highest pursuit of martial arts, but also the ultimate goal of life cultivation. Through long-term cultivation and practice, the monks are able to find a place of tranquility deep within their hearts, so that they can better cope with the various challenges in life.
The Supreme Meaning of Wu Zen Unity
The highest meaning of Wuchan Unity is to realize the complete liberation and transcendence of body and mind. In this realm, practitioners have transcended the constraints of martial arts skills and transformed martial arts practice into an attitude and philosophy of life. They no longer pursue external victory, defeat and glory, but focus more on inner peace and wisdom.
- Purification of the mind: In the process of martial arts and Zen unification, practitioners gradually remove their inner distractions and obsessions through continuous Zen practice and achieve purification of the mind. This purification not only makes them more focused on their martial arts training, but also enables them to maintain a calm and serene mind in their daily lives as well.
- Enlightenment of Wisdom: Zen practice emphasizes “understanding the mind and seeing the nature”, i.e., the enlightenment of inner wisdom through practice. In the realm of martial arts and Zen unity, practitioners gradually realize the true meaning of life and the mysteries of the universe through the integration of martial arts movements and Zen thoughts. This wisdom not only makes them more refined in their martial arts skills, but also makes them more relaxed on the path of life.
- Harmony of mind and body: The highest state of martial arts and Zen unity lies in realizing the harmony and unity of mind and body. In this state, the practitioners’ body and mind have become one, and they are no longer subject to external interference and temptation, but are able to utilize their martial arts skills as they wish, while maintaining inner peace and ease. This harmony not only allows them to reach the peak of their martial arts field, but also gives them infinite power and wisdom in their life path.
Concluding remarks
In today’s fast-paced, high-stress social environment, people are often so caught up in fame and fortune that it is difficult to maintain inner peace. The “Immovable Mind” advocated by Abbot Shi Yongxin provides us with a new attitude towards life and a new way of practicing. By learning Shaolin Kung Fu, we can not only exercise our bodies, but also cultivate our minds to find inner peace and balance in the hustle and bustle of the world.
Abbot Shi Yongxin’s deep understanding and insight into Shaolin Kung Fu shows us the true charm of this ancient martial art. The highest state of Shaolin Kung Fu, “Immobility”, requires not only long-term practice and cultivation, but also continuous realization and practice in our daily lives. By practicing Shaolin Kung Fu, we can better understand ourselves and improve our spiritual state, so that we can walk more steadily and calmly on the journey of life. It not only embodies the mastery and superiority of martial arts skills, but also contains a deep cultural heritage and wisdom of life. It tells us that true martial arts training lies not only in external moves and strength, but also in internal cultivation and mental exercise. Only when we reach the realm of unity of body and mind, and forgetting everything, can we truly appreciate the supreme meaning and infinite charm of Shaolin Kungfu. May every martial arts enthusiast be able to move forward on the path of Shaolin Kung Fu practice, and ultimately realize the supreme state of martial arts and Zen unity.