Senior Cadre Delegation of the Ethiopian Property Party to Shaolin Temple for a Visit

On Oct 31, 2024, deputy chair of the EPP and general secretary Ardon led a 19-senior-cadre delegation making a special visit to Shaolin Temple during their trip to Henan province. They knew about Shaolin Temple’ s history and cultural inheritance, and talked with abbot Shi Yongxin with delight.

In the Abbot Hall, abbot Yongxin introduced Shaolin Temple continues its inheritance of more than 1500 years. Both China Buddhism and Shaolin Kungfu were born here, eminently contributing to society and humanity. For many years, Shaolin Temple and African countries always maintain interactions frequently. Shaolin Temple established the Shaolin African Association and Shaolin cultural center; African countries and the Chinese government select five or six countries every year to participate in the Shaolin Kungfu African Student training courses. Hitherto there have been more than 300 African students studying and practicing in Shaolin Temple. “This year, we were also invited to attend the China-Africa cooperation forum, witnessing the deep friendship between China and Africa.”

Mr. Ardon said he was very honored to visit Shaolin Temple, “we learn about many fine concepts such as purifying our soul and pursue wisdom and also understanding Shaolin Temple’ s extensive and profound history. The abbot master Yongxin just mentioned there is a long exchange history between China and Africa. Ethiopia was also committed to developing the friendship between China and Africa, hoping that we would have more communication in the future.”

Accompanied by Shaolin monks, the delegation also visited Shaolin Temple’ s architecture and inscriptions with interest, deeply knew about various cultural exchanges conducted by Shaolin Temple in recent years, and also watched Shaolin Kungfu performances. (Report and photographed by Yue Long, edited by Zou Xiang)