The ultimate origin of Shaolin gong-fu is the tenets of Buddhism

The ultimate origin of Shaolin gong-fu is the tenets of Buddhism. And Shaolin gong-fu is a manifestation of an aspect of Buddhist culture. When an individual takes the Buddhist vows, his motive for doing so is both seeking to start a new way of life which is different from and superior to his previous worldly life and trying to surpass his former self. Moreover a Buddhist votary may aspire to acquire some superhuman capability or wisdom. To acquire some superhuman capability is in most cases one of the lifetime goals of a Buddhist votary.