Customer Reviews

The Shaolin Grandmasters' Text: History, Philosophy, and Gung Fu of Shaolin Ch'an

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I've been studying Buddhism and practicing Kung Fu for over 10 years, and this book is the best source I've found on the history and philosophy of the Shaolin order. Some readers may be made skeptical by the anonymity of the authors, or may naively think that the "real" Shaolin monks must be in China. However, the reasons stated by the authors for fleeing China jibe well with historical fact, and the their views on the essence of Buddism vs. the practices of the various sects are right on target.

(Recommended reading: "The Buddha Speaks" + anything by the Dalai Lama) The authors are also very modest and realistic with respect to the certainty of the claims in this book. The more I read, the more I become convinced that the authors of this book are the real deal.

I have the utmost respect for the Kung Fu of the Shaolin monks on tour with "Wheel of Life". In fact I own a copy of the DVD. Their Kung Fu skills are nothing short of inspiring. However, anyone who understands Buddhism would realize that touring the world to attain honor for one's self or one's country is a contradiction to the basic goal of any Buddhist: abandonment of the ego. This is not to say that the monks in China are not true Shaolin at heart, but only that they have compromized on some aspects of the Shaolin way for (probably pragmatic) reasons that those outside the temple could only speculate about.

My advice: Be equally skeptical of all sources, READ THIS BOOK, and then decide for yourself.

I have this book and it's definitely a very interesting read especially for those unaware of the significant link between the practice of Shaolin martial arts and the practice of Chan Buddhism.

But like many books on Shaolin (and martial arts in general) it is largely based on hear-say: stories and legends told to them by their instructors or stories that were picked up in other "English" martial arts books. And they are very common Shoalin "legends" found in many texts and heard in many schools, here at home and abroad in Asia. And when compared to actual historical facts, those stories just don't hold up. Which was the same problem with another interesting but weak Shaolin title "Shaolin-Do: Secrets from the Temple".

The greatest deficiency of this book is it lack of an academic level of historical research in Chinese. How you can write a book about Shaolin and not have even one reference to Kang Ge Wu's work, as he is THE most prolific martial arts historian in Asia. His seminal work, "Complete Authentic Chinese Wushu" http://plumpub.com/sales/chinese/chinbks_trad8.htm is a phenomenal resource on the origins of nearly every martial art style of China. And then there is his English book "The Spring and Autumn of Chinese Martial Arts - 5000 years" which documents very clearly the historically significant points of martial arts for the past 5000 years. And most disturbing is the absence of Shi De Qian's life's work "The Shoalin Encyclopedia". How could these significant resources be missing from their reference list? Was anybody doing any research outside of their comfort zone?

There are many other historians they should have researched before this was published such as Ma Ming Da, Xu Zhen and Tang Hao to name a few. And that's my biggest complaint: the lack of an Academic level of research. Martial arts writings have come a long way and have become a significant topic of research and become more historically accurate. So I'd recommend Meir Shahar's book " The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts" as that has a significant level of solid research.

I don't want to dismiss this book entirely though. It is an entertaining read with a lot of good insight on the significance of Buddhism in the practice of Shaolin martial arts. Which, among English titles, is rare to find and refreshing to see. But it has some glaring faults that really pull it down from its potential height of success.

Forty years ago I was fortunate to begin studying with a Shaolin Master whose teachers had come to America from China during one of the purges. These teachers were from both Southern and Northern temples and taught a blend of styles from those temples. The lessons, philosophy and teachings that were instilled in me have had a life long impact.

I was hesitant to buy this book because of a number of negative reviews I read on thisr forum. It was not until I did purchase and read this book did I realize all the negative comments had been made in light of comparing Shaolin to what one experiences today in martial arts gyms. Or by comparing the book to what is coming out of China's Communist state run newly created Shaolin Temples. The Chinese government has "restored" several of the temples and now have "warrior monks" traveling around the world performing for money. They even have branch temples here in America. The so called monks are nothing more than actors who perform an acrobat art called Wu Shu, which was invented by the Communist government in the 1950's.

When I read this book it was as if I had stepped back in time and was listening to my teacher. This book portrays the essence of Shaolin philosophy as it has been preserved by its monks for centuries. I did find some minor differences, but that is to be expected. If you are truly interested in what genuine Shaolin is about, regarding its philosophy as well as the styles of Wugong (Kung Fu) that was taught then pick up this book and read it carefully. I am happy that somebody is preserving the true history, art and philosophy of Shaolin.

I bought this book because I have a keen interest in Kung Fu, and wanted to gain more insight into the historical and philosophical background of the Chinese martial arts.

Initially, I was rather sceptical of the book because it was from a group based in the pacific NW in the US. I though, "uh, oh - what have I just bought?" However, after reading several pages I began to realise that I had just bought a gem. The book gives a good insight both into Shaolin Zen (Ch'an) philosophy, and into the historical reasons of why the "authentic" Shaolin now reside in the US and not in China. There is also some discussion of some basic techniques and training, although this is not the focus of the book. What I like about the book is that it is well-written in a non-evangical tone. The underlying principles of self-knowledge and respect, as follow by Zen Buddhists, comes though in the text.

If you are interested in some philosophical background to the Chinese martial arts (specifically Shaolin Gong Fu) and wish to know more about Shaolin Zen Buddhism, then this book is for you. If you are looking for a "how-to" Gong Fu book, then look elsewhere.

I find this book to be very interesting. Most of the information we've had on Shaolin has come to us filterd through the Chinese government's censorship.The rebuilt temple is little more than a tourist attraction and combat kung fu is still forbidden.This book written by the Order of Shaolin Ch'an is based on the last true abbot of Shaolin, the 2nd highyest ranking monk, and the abbot of Fukien temple's teachings. The three grandmasters escaped to the U.S. with lower ranking monks to practice the traditional teachings and kung fu of Shaolin.In this book those who practiced under them now share the true history, philosophy and fighting styles of pre-communist Shaolin, and dispel many of the misconceptions that grew out of films and Chinese government censorship.

This book is unique in that it focuses more on the system of belief used at the Shaolin Temple than on the martial arts that are practiced there. It can provide (to the discerning reader) a balance in what is usually a rather one-sided view of Shaolin practice. The writing is simple and direct. I would recommend this book to anyone who was truly serious about
finding the substance behind the facade that is usually erected around the Shaolin Temple and its practices.

The Shaolin Grandmaster's Text was a very pleasant and easy read. I found it to be written from a nonjudgmental viewpoint and the information was very organized and relevant. I appreciated the way in which Chan Buddhism was presented. I found myself, as a Christian, having little , if any, trouble accepting their philosophy. There were so many similarities I sometimes thought they were quoting from the Bible. It really helped me increase my level of compassion and peace. As a Praying Mantis kung fu stylist and American karate black belt, I found the presentation of Shaolin martial arts to be highly informative and accurate. I strongly suggest any martial artist, kung fu or karate, purchase this book, not only for its technique and exercise instruction, but also for its help in making us more responsible as we gain martial skills. I am a better martial artist, and person, for having read this book recommended to me by my Praying Mantis instructor Chuck Shultz.

It is a good book that review many aspects of shaolin kung fu, including buddhism and many other philosophical issues.

Great book!! Good introduction to Shaolin, answers many questions. Besides a basic history & philosophy of Shaolin it talks about BASIC martial arts stances, techniques, styles, etc. "hows & whys", I wish I had run across this book 20 years ago!

I waited for the Grandmasters Text with great anticipation and was not disappointed. I found the discourse on philosophy of Shaolin Buddhism very interesting (8-fold path is a quality path). The discussion of the communist regime's hijacking of Kung-fu and the Temple in particular is entirely unsurprising. As a decade long practitioner of Wing Chun, I found great interest in the dissertation of styles. Grading Systems were a minor point of interest. The focus on Bruce Lee as No.1 Wing Chun proponent seems a deliberate attempt to get the westerner interest. I would find great difference between the limited wing chun of Bruce Lee (though no doubt a proficient martial artist in his own right) and and historical patrons/heroes such as Leung Jan, Leung Bik (Fatshan). Whilst i understand the modesty and rejection of ego of the grandmasters, the absence of an author is always going to cast doubt over the accuracy/validity of the work. In academic circles it is a drawback but if you're after a good read that rings true philosophically, overall its a good resource.