Du Lịch CHÙA THIẾU LÂM TỰ - TRUNG QUỐC. KHÁM PHÁ NGŨ ĐÀI SƠN CÙNG TORO PAN ( DJI OSMO Pocket 3 )

Key Concepts

Thiếu Lâm Tự: Sacred site of martial arts in China, located in Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng City, Henan Province.
Thiên hạ công phu Xuất Thiếu Lâm: A saying meaning all martial arts in the world originate from Shaolin.
Võ Đang, Nga Mi, Thiếu Lâm: Famous martial arts sects in Chinese literature and reality.
Ngân Hạnh (Ginkgo Biloba) Trees: Ancient trees over 1000 years old at Shaolin Temple, with one male tree estimated at 1500 years old.
Hưng Ha: The two sounds practitioners make during Shaolin martial arts training.
Bị Hí (Bixi): A mythical creature, a dragon-turtle hybrid, symbolizing boundless strength, often depicted on temple architecture.
Rừng Tháp (Pagoda Forest): A cemetery for monks at Shaolin Temple, containing over 246 pagoda-shaped tombs.
Thiếu Lâm Kung Fu: Known for its agility (light as a cat), power (leaps like a tiger), fluidity (moves like a dragon), speed (strikes like lightning), and force (sounds like thunder).
Mai Hoa Quyền, Ngũ Hình Quyền, Trường Quyền, La Hán Quyền: Famous Shaolin martial arts routines.
Tàn Kinh Các (Scripture Depository): The library of Shaolin Temple, which was destroyed by fire in 1955.
Ngũ Đài Sơn (Mount Wutai): One of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, the abode of Manjushri Bodhisattva.
Chuyển Kinh Luân (Prayer Wheels): Tibetan Buddhist artifacts inscribed with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," used for accumulating merit.
Ngũ Gia Tự (Five Family Temple): A temple associated with the legend of five dragon sons.
Trứng Hải Tự (Zhenhai Temple): A temple built to suppress two dragons.
Tháp Đại Nhạn (Big Wild Goose Pagoda): A Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an, where Xuanzang's Buddhist scriptures are kept.
Đường Tăng (Xuanzang): The Tang Dynasty monk who traveled to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures.
Lá Bối (Palm Leaves): Used in ancient India for writing scriptures before the invention of paper.
Xá Lợi (Relics): Remains of the Buddha, kept in reliquaries.
Đại Đường Bách Hành (Great Tang Dynasty Baihang Street): A historic street in Xi'an, popular for ancient costume photography.

Shaolin Temple: The Cradle of Chinese Martial Arts

Location and Historical Significance

Shaolin Temple, renowned as the "sacred land of martial arts" in China, is situated on Songshan Mountain in Dengfeng City, Henan Province. It is widely recognized as the birthplace and developmental center of Shaolin martial arts and is one of the most famous temples globally. The ancient saying, "All martial arts in the world originate from Shaolin" (天下功夫出少林), underscores its profound historical influence and role in the genesis and evolution of numerous martial arts styles.

Architectural Features and Ancient Trees

The temple was initially constructed in 495 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty. While its original structure was simple, it has been progressively expanded over subsequent dynasties, resulting in its current grand and magnificent scale. The name "Shaolin" (少林) translates to "young forest," reflecting its location within a dense forest on Songshan Mountain, with a vast campus spanning 57,600 square meters.

Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors are greeted by two rows of ancient Ginkgo Biloba trees, some over 1000 years old. One particular Ginkgo tree is estimated to be 1500 years old. The numerous small holes on its trunk are attributed to the rigorous martial arts training of past monks, resembling woodpeckers pecking at the wood. Historically, two Ginkgo trees, one male and one female, were planted by the king during the Northern Wei era; however, the female tree has since died, leaving only the male. During autumn, these trees turn a brilliant golden hue, attracting millions of visitors.

Martial Arts Training and Philosophy

Within the temple, the "Heavenly King Hall" features two statues known as the "Two Generals," representing the sounds "Heng" (哼) and "Ha" (哈). During Shaolin martial arts practice, practitioners do not vocalize complex sounds but rather emit two simple sounds: "Hưng ha" (哼哈). This practice is believed to aid in breath control and power generation.

The temple's architecture often incorporates mythical creatures like the "Bixi" (贔屓), a hybrid of a dragon and a turtle, symbolizing boundless strength. This aligns with the Shaolin philosophy, which emphasizes strength and longevity rather than mere combat. The worn, smooth surface of the Bixi's head is a testament to countless visitors touching it for good fortune and health.

The Training Hall and Physical Evidence of Practice

The training hall at Shaolin Temple bears visible evidence of centuries of intense martial arts practice. The floor in this area is noticeably sunken, a direct result of monks repeatedly practicing powerful stances and movements over generations.

The Pagoda Forest

Adjacent to Shaolin Temple lies a significant architectural heritage site: the Pagoda Forest. This cemetery comprises over 246 tombs, each marked by a unique pagoda. The architectural diversity of these pagodas, coupled with Shaolin Temple's role as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism, solidifies its status as a crucial Buddhist site in China.

Shaolin Kung Fu: Characteristics and Modern Accessibility

Shaolin Kung Fu is characterized by its agility, power, fluidity, speed, and force, often described as "light as a cat, leaps like a tiger, moves like a dragon, strikes like lightning, sounds like thunder." Renowned routines include "Mai Hoa Quyền" (Plum Blossom Fist), "Ngũ Hình Quyền" (Five Animal Forms), "Trường Quyền" (Long Fist), and "La Hán Quyền" (Arhat Fist).

Historically, learning Shaolin martial arts required being accepted as a disciple by a master. Today, Shaolin Temple operates a martial arts school that offers training to both domestic and international students. The average monthly tuition ranges from $500 to $600 USD (approximately 15 million Vietnamese Dong), inclusive of accommodation. A 12-month program costs around $6,000 USD, with discounts for longer commitments. Annually, Shaolin Temple trains an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 students, generating an annual revenue of $20 to $30 million USD from martial arts education alone.

Economic Contributions of Shaolin Temple

Beyond martial arts training, Shaolin Temple is a significant tourist attraction. In 2017, the scenic area generated approximately 350 million RMB (around $49 million USD) from ticket sales and an additional $20 million USD from martial arts experience services. The temple retains 30% of these revenues, with the remaining 70% contributed to the Dengfeng city budget.

The Lost Archives of Tàn Kinh Các

The Tàn Kinh Các, or Scripture Depository, was the library of Shaolin Temple, housing ancient scriptures and martial arts manuals. However, a catastrophic fire in 1955 destroyed the entire collection, resulting in the irretrievable loss of most of its valuable texts. The inscription on the rebuilt Tàn Kinh Các by the abbot intentionally omits half of the character "Tàn" (藏, meaning "store" or "hide"), symbolizing the incomplete state of the collection due to the loss of its precious contents.

Gifts and Recognition

Shaolin Temple has received numerous gifts and honors throughout its history. Notably, a stele inscribed by the renowned wuxia novelist Jin Yong (Kim Dung) is displayed at the temple. Various emperors from different dynasties have also bestowed titles and honorary plaques upon the temple.

Martial Arts Performances

Visitors to Shaolin Temple can witness spectacular martial arts demonstrations. The video includes brief clips showcasing these performances.

"Chan Buddhism Grand Ceremony" Show

Shaolin Temple also presents a captivating show called "Chan Buddhism Grand Ceremony" (禅宗音乐大典). This performance integrates Chan Buddhism, music, and the elements of the Five Elements to inspire spiritual awakening. The show is praised for its professional execution, from the actors and lighting to the script.

Mount Wutai: The Abode of Manjushri Bodhisattva

Overview and Significance

Mount Wutai (Ngũ Đài Sơn) is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and is revered as the đạo tràng (place of practice) of Manjushri Bodhisattva, the embodiment of wisdom. With a history spanning over 2000 years, it blends Han and Tibetan Buddhism. The mountain hosts approximately 53 temples with unique architectural styles and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Architectural Grandeur and Imperial Connections

The temples on Mount Wutai exhibit impressive architecture. The use of glazed roof tiles and five-clawed dragons, symbols traditionally reserved for royalty, indicates significant imperial patronage. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong visited Mount Wutai multiple times. Legend has it that Emperor Shunzhi, during the Qing Dynasty, became a monk and resided in one of the temples, which may explain the imperial architectural elements. The number of dragons depicted on some structures, often eight or nine, holds symbolic meaning related to imperial power and auspiciousness.

Manjushri Bodhisattva and Buddhist Practices

As the đạo tràng of Manjushri Bodhisattva, temples on Mount Wutai prominently feature altars dedicated to him. The "Great Manjushri Hall" houses the "Three Great Bodhisattvas": Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Avalokitesvara.

The presence of prayer wheels, a characteristic of Tibetan Buddhism, is also notable. These wheels are inscribed with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" and are spun by devotees to accumulate merit and pray for peace and well-being.

Historical Artifacts and Legends

Ancient Copper Pot: A 400-year-old copper pot, used for cooking congee, is displayed, showing signs of wear from people tossing coins into it for good luck.
Imperial Steles: Three steles commemorate the visits of Emperors Qianlong, Kangxi, and Jiaqing. The stele of Emperor Qianlong bears a footprint, believed to be a manifestation of Manjushri Bodhisattva.
Emperor Kangxi's Inscription: A calligraphy by Emperor Kangxi, "Lingfeng Shengjing" (灵峰胜景), meaning "Beautiful Scenery of Lingfeng," is present. It is noted that Kangxi intentionally omitted a stroke from the character "Feng" (峰), possibly reflecting his regret over not finding his father, Emperor Shunzhi, who was rumored to have become a monk at Mount Wutai.
108 Steps: A staircase of 108 steps symbolizes the 108 worldly afflictions (phiền não). Ascending or descending these steps is believed to help reduce these afflictions and bring happiness.
Hiển Thông Tự (Xiantong Temple): This temple is connected to the Great White Pagoda. Historically, it was separated from another temple during the Ming Dynasty. Due to space constraints, its bell tower was built externally. The bell is rung three times a day, each time in three sets of 36 strikes, symbolizing the 108 afflictions.
Vạn Lịch Tự (Wanli Temple): The entrance to this temple is extremely crowded, indicating its popularity.
Legend of the Dragon Palace Temple: According to legend, Manjushri Bodhisattva brought a temple from the East Sea Dragon Palace to Mount Wutai. This temple had the function of cooling down the dragon sons after they brought rain and storms. The arrival of this temple transformed Mount Wutai from a scorching hot region into "Qingliangshan" (清凉山), meaning "Cool Mountain."
Ngũ Gia Tự (Five Family Temple): This temple is associated with the five dragon sons of the East Sea Dragon King who are said to have made a pact at Mount Wutai.
Trứng Hải Tự (Zhenhai Temple): This temple is named after a spring and is believed to have been built to suppress two disruptive dragons. Emperor Kangxi's repeated visits here are linked to his search for his father, Emperor Shunzhi. The temple contains a golden stupa said to house the relics of a living Buddha who was a contemporary of Emperor Qianlong. A pine tree planted by an elderly monk during the Qing Dynasty is also present.

Xi'an: Ancient Streets and Cultural Heritage

Great Tang Dynasty Baihang Street (大唐不夜城)

The video explores the Great Tang Dynasty Baihang Street in Xi'an, described as one of the largest and most beautiful ancient streets in the city.

Nightly Water Fountain Show: At 7 PM daily, a free artistic water fountain show takes place, attracting many visitors.
Ancient Costume Photography: The street is a hub for ancient costume photography. Numerous photographers offer their services, utilizing props like lighting equipment to create themed backdrops on walls. Many visitors rent traditional costumes and get professional photos taken. The area also features shops for costume rental, makeup, and hairstyling, including services for children.
Street Layout and Atmosphere: The pedestrian street spans approximately two kilometers. The red-walled sections are particularly popular for photography, with photographers positioned every meter. The street is vibrant and bustling, with a strong emphasis on visual appeal and photo opportunities.
Food and Beverage Area: Towards the end of the street, a dedicated area for food and beverages is located. The food offerings are described as modern, catering to a younger demographic interested in photography. The presenter plans to explore more traditional food streets on subsequent days.
Architectural Beauty: The street features impressive ancient-style architecture, including towers and pagodas, which serve as popular backdrops for photos. The quality of the road construction is noted as excellent, with no noticeable bumps even after long car journeys.
Literary and Artistic Figures: Statues of famous Tang Dynasty poets, such as Li Bai, are present.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Ci'en Temple

The video then focuses on the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Tháp Đại Nhạn) and Ci'en Temple (Chùa Từ Ân) in Xi'an.

Historical Connection to Xuanzang: This site is where Xuanzang, the Tang Dynasty monk, kept the Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India.
Xuanzang's Journey: The presenter, Sang, recounts Xuanzang's solo journey to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures. He emphasizes that the popular depiction in "Journey to the West" with disciples like Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing is fictional; Xuanzang traveled alone. His journey involved extensive travel across many countries and took approximately 3 years to reach India. He spent about 15 years in India studying and translating scriptures. Upon his return, he was welcomed by Emperor Gaozong of Tang, and his detailed travelogue became a valuable resource for Silk Road traders.
Pagoda Structure and Contents:
- Third Floor: Houses rare palm leaves from India, used for writing scriptures before paper was invented. Xuanzang translated scriptures from these leaves.
- Fourth Floor: Contains a reliquary holding the Buddha's relics, described as a small golden stupa with white particles representing the relics.
- Fifth Floor: Displays artifacts from the Tang Dynasty, including ancient bells, stones, and bricks dating back over 1300 years.
- Seventh Floor (Top): Offers panoramic views of Xi'an city, including Great Tang Dynasty Baihang Street.
Xuanzang Statue: A large bronze statue of Xuanzang is located opposite Ci'en Temple.
Offerings: Beautiful flower arrangements are available for purchase for visitors to offer at the temple.
Pagoda Visit: The presenter purchases a ticket to ascend the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and provides a detailed tour of its interior levels, highlighting the historical artifacts and relics.
Blessings: The presenter concludes by wishing viewers good fortune, happiness, and health.