Cologne Shaolin Cultural Center in Germany Pilgrimages to Shaolin Temple to Study and Experience

From Oct 12 to 24, 2024, head Shi Yanpo of the Cologne Shaolin Cultural Center, head Shi Yanbin of the Frankfurt Shaolin Cultural Center and head Shi Yanfeng of the Holland Shaolin Cultural Center led 50 European Shaolin disciples to Shaolin Temple, the Ancestral monastery of Chan sect, for a pilgrimage meanwhile studying Shaolin culture and experiencing Shaolin life to benefit body and mind.

Listening to abbot Shi Yongxin’ s dharma teaching

Taking group photos with abbot Shi Yongxin

On the morning of Dec 12, the Cologne Shaolin Cultural Center visited the Grand Monk Shi Yongxin in the Shaolin Temple permanent residence compound. The Grand Monk Shi Yongxin gived his dharma teaching: “Shaolin Temple is always Shaolin disciples’ home forever. Welcome you to the temple for visit, study and experience. In nearly half a month, it is hoped that you could study Shaolin monks’ ways of life and practice to achieve physical and mental organic unity and improve the spirit and self-realm through Shaolin Kungfu practice and Shaolin Chan cultivation and others.”

Practicing Shaolin Kungfu

Experiencing Shaolin Chan bow

Experiencing Shaolin Chan cultivation

Practicing Shaolin Regimen

Visiting the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang

Obtaining the course--completion certificate

Taking a group photo with abbot Shi Yongxin after completing the course

Paying a respect for the Shaolin Pagoda Forest and taking a group photo to mark the occasion

During the time, European Shaolin disciples followed Shaolin Kungfu monks to practice Kungfu, experience Shaolin Meditation-sitting, Shaolin Chan medical, Shaolin Chan bow and others, and also do reciting and have meals together with Shaolin monks, integrating into Shaolin life. They also got to the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, feeling extensive and profound Buddhist culture of China. (Edited by Zou Xiang and pictures from the Cologne Shaolin Cultural Center)