A Delegation Led by Shi Yongxin Visits Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center for Communication and Guiding Work

On Dec 21 at 6:05am, a delegation led by Venerable Master Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, arrived in Vienna, Austria, receiving the worship from head of the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center Master Yanliang, Yanguan and other disciples. The disciples sent him a bunch of flowers to welcome the arrival of Master Shi Yongxin.

At 10am, abbot Yongxin was invited to meet professor Kaminsky, executive vice chairman Austria China Friendship Association. Professor Kaminsky welcomed the arrival of Abbot Yongxin and expressed admiration on the propagation of Shaolin culture around the world under the leadership of Abbot Shi Yongxin. He also said that his son Tianyou is a follower of Shaolin culture. He has followed Master Yanliang to practice Kungfu in the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center for many years and has been to experience a 2-week Shaolin culture in Shaolin Temple, harvesting abundant. Abbot Yongxin expressed thanks for the association’s invitation and Professor Kaminsky and his wife’s warm reception. He said that Shaolin Temple has more than 200 Shaolin cultural centers around the world, with thousands of people practicing Shaolin Kungfu and learning Shaolin culture. Shaolin Temple’s healthy and harmony lifestyle takes the fancy of more and more people. Both sides exchanged gifts with each other before their separation.

On the afternoon of December 21, former Austrian president and president of Austria-China Friendship Association Fischer warmly received the group led by Abbot Shi Yongxin at home in Vienna. The president’s wife cooked Christmas cookies and Viennese coffee to receive the faraway guests with the utmost hospitality. Fischer followed with strong interest knowing about Shaolin Temple’s history and the current status. Abbot Yongxin introduced Shaolin Temple’s history and the origin and development of Chan culture to the old president in a brief word. Both sides also joyfully discussed the similarities and differences of culture and religion between the east and the west. Abbot Yongxin invited the Fischers to visit Shaolin Temple at their convenience, experiencing Shaolin Chan culture personally. Both sides finally exchanged gifts and took group photos to mark the occasion.

On Dec 23 the delegation led by abbot Yongxin left Austria for home. The visit tour was short. Austrian friendly personnel, overseas Chinese and so on hoped that Abbot Yongxin could lead a group visiting Austria to sponsor more excellent cultural exchange programs. (Edited by Zou Xiang and pictures from the Austrian Shaolin Cultural Center)