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Thread: Songshan Shaolin Temple Day

  1. #61
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    So it begins

    Just got this press release from Shaolin Temple USA:
    The Venerable Shi Yongxin
    Abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple
    Meets the Press
    Date & Time: Monday 3/17/2014, 3 pm
    Place: Shaolin Temple USA Culture Center, 5509 Geary Blvd. San Francisco
    Contact: Diana Hong 415-666-9966
    Website: www.ShaolinUSA.us
    Email: ShaolinTempleUSA@ShaolinUSA.us

    Host: Shaolin Temple USA
    Founder: Master Shi Yanran
    34th Generation Shaolin Temple Monk


    Venerable Shi Yongxin, Abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple
    to visit Bay Area for
    China Songshan Shaolin Temple Day
    in California
    10th Anniversary Celebration
    March 17-23, 2014


    *********************************************

    The Venerable Shi Yongxin, Abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple will arrive in San Francisco on March 17 to preside over Celebration events for the 10th Anniversary of "Songshan Shaolin Temple Day in California," March 17 - 23, 2014.

    The California State Assembly first proclaimed March 21 as "China Songshan Shaolin Temple Day" in 2004 in recognition of the 1,500-year old Buddhist monastery's contributions to world civilization and the human spirit. Californians welcomed the Abbot and this friendship delegation with overwhelming reception and great interest in Shaolin traditions.

    As Abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple (est. 495 AD), birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, the Venerable Shi Yongxin is the leader of the Chan Buddhist sect with over 200,000,000 followers worldwide. He also serves on the People's Congress of the People's Republic of China as a representative of China's 120,000,000 Buddhist practitioners.

    China Songshan Shaolin Temple is also the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu (martial arts) with tens of millions of practitioners around the globe. It is respected as the origin of many martial arts disciplines in different regions of the world.

    The culture of Shaolin Temple is a unique blend of Buddhism and Kung Fu (martial arts). Besides for the self defense and health benefits, Shaolin monks train in Kung Fu as a form of spiritual cultivation. Shaolin Warrior Monks have toured over 60 countries and dazzled world audiences, including many heads of states, with their extraordinary prowess.

    In 2009, the 5th Anniversary of Shaolin Temple Day was again celebrated in the Bay Area and at the State Capitol with great fanfare. The Abbot and a friendship delegation arrived for the weeklong festivities that included a whole-day-event at San Francisco's Union Square introducing Shaolin Temple's heritage in Chan (Zen) Buddhism, Shaolin Kung Fu (martial arts) and Shaolin Medicine, and a theatrical production featuring the legendary Shaolin Warrior Monks at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

    The 10th Anniversary festivities that span 6 days and multiple cities are hosted by Shaolin Temple USA, an official overseas cultural institution of Songshan Shaolin Temple. The Abbot visits California to further the cultural exchanges and share the wonders and benefits of Shaolin Temple's rich cultural heritage with the American people.
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
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  2. #62
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    We attended the Welcoming Banquet last night

    The Welcoming Banquet was held at Cathay House in Chinatown SF. Unfortunately, that restaurant didn't really know how to cook Buddhist vegetarian food. But the gathering was nice and the demo was good.

    See our facebook album: 10th Anniversary of Shaolin Temple Day

    More to come.
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
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  3. #63
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    Some coverage

    On China Daily Africa, no less (which explains why they can't spell the name of our fine city correctly.
    Shaolin Temple Day to celebrate in San Fransisco
    Updated: 2014-03-18 15:01



    To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Songshan Shaolin Temple Day on March 21, the State of California will host a cultural delegation from China led by Shi Yongxin, the 30th-generation abbot of the legendary Shaolin Temple. Shi made a speech on a press conference at Shaolin Temple USA in San Francisco, March 17, 2014. The delegation will stay at San Francisco Bay Area for one week. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
    Here's a longer China Daily piece:
    California honors origin of kung fu
    Updated: 2014-03-19 08:28
    By An Baijie in Beijing and Chen Jia in San Francisco (China Daily)

    Shaolin Temple delegates welcomed in US to commemorate martial art

    California put its best foot forward to celebrate a special day and welcome a delegation from Shaolin Temple, a birthplace of kung fu.

    The delegation, led by the temple's abbot Shi Yongxin, arrived in the United States on Monday to attend activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of the California State Assembly's unanimous passing of Resolution 675, which designated March 21 as Songshan Shaolin Temple Day in the state.

    "During the past 10 years, we have met and shared Shaolin culture with folks of different races, beliefs, faiths, ages and backgrounds," Shi said at a news conference on his arrival in San Francisco.

    "Our efforts have been supported and recognized by local officials, higher-education institutions, such as Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley, as well as by various communities," he said.

    Shi will also attend activities commemorating the seventh anniversary of the establishment of Shaolin Temple USA in San Francisco.

    Shi Yanran, executive director of Shaolin Temple USA, said on Monday that Shaolin kung fu has more than 4 million fans and followers in North America.

    "Ten years ago, Americans' knowledge of kung fu came from Hollywood movies and Bruce Lee," he said. "Today, they have a more mature understanding about the spirit and power behind kung fu."

    Shaolin Temple USA has been able to attract many followers because it provides an easy way of sharing the wisdom of Buddhism and Shaolin's contribution to the peace and health of mankind, he said.

    At Stanford, more than 200 professors and students learn Shaolin kung fu every Friday on campus under a university health promotion plan coordinated by Stanford's school of medicine, he said.

    Shi Yongxin, the temple's 30th abbot, kicked off, literally, the weeklong trip on Monday with 20 monks, including some kung fu performers.

    Shi will attend a forum on Wednesday - Kung fu and medication in Buddhist practice: A view from the Shaolin Temple - at UC Berkeley.

    Saturday sees three key engagements. First, a Buddhism blessing ceremony, presided over by Shi, will be held at the Shaolin Temple USA Culture Center in San Francisco.

    Later, the visiting monks will perform Shaolin kung fu at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco. Shaolin Temple USA students will give a display of martial arts.

    Shi will also attend a blessing and inauguration ceremony at the Shaolin Kung Fu & Zen Medicine Wellness Center in Sunnyvale, California.

    "We hope to show the harmonious philosophy of Shaolin culture and the healthy lifestyle of Shaolin Zen meditation and let everybody experience the essence of Asian culture," he said.

    Located in mountainous Dengfeng, Henan province, Shaolin Temple has a history stretching back more than 1,500 years.

    The temple has been busy on the international front recently. In October the First North American Shaolin Cultural Festival opened at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event drew 45 teams and more than 800 competitors from North America, along with thousands of Shaolin culture enthusiasts and Chinese martial arts enthusiasts.

    The festival highlighted various aspects of Shaolin heritage with kung fu performances in New York and Los Angeles.

    Also that month, Shi gave a lecture on the wisdom of Buddhists at Harvard University.

    About 200,000 foreigners visit Shaolin Temple every year, and hundreds stay at the temple to study kung fu and experience Shaolin culture, Shi said.

    Its popularity is closely related to China's rapid development in the past decades, the abbot said.

    Ling Jiefang, a writer, said that as an ancient Buddhist monastery, the Shaolin Temple has a historical and cultural value that is unique.
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
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  4. #64
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    Shaolin Temple Abbot, Venerable Shi Yongxin, visits Tiger Claw

    See photos on Tiger Claw's facebook album: Shaolin Temple Abbot, Venerable Shi Yongxin, visits Tiger Claw



    Asian Pearl in Fremont provided an excellent vegetarian banquet. Fremont beat S.F.
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
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  5. #65
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    It's all over now

    Magnificent Shaolin was fun - nice souvenirs. I'll have some pix up on our facebook album later this week.

    Here's some more English coverage - not much really. Of course, we'll have a full report in our next issue.

    Google and Apple Meet Shaolin Kung Fu
    Added by Tina Zhang on March 23, 2014.



    The Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin leading China Songshan Shaolin Temple Delegation visited Google on March 19 and Apple on March 20. Although the technology world is vastly different from the Kung Fu and Zen of the Shaolin Temple, when the two worlds meet, Shi Yongxin said he saw similarities between working at Google and practicing Kung Fu, and the Apple products have a touch of Zen.

    In the Headquarter of Google, the activities include touring office, experiencing products demonstration, giving speech and Shaolin monks Kung Fu performance. Laszlo Bock, Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google, welcomed the Shaolin Temple Delegation, and expressed interests in embedding Shaolin Culture into the Google Culture.

    Shi Yongxin gave a half hour speech. He introduced the history and culture of the Shaolin Temple and highly praised the contribution of Google in the development of Internet. He said Google has greatly helped connect people and places, share knowledge and make life more convenient, and the mission of Google in promoting freedom of information shares similarities with the concept of equality in Zen. He was impressed by the relaxing and pleasant working environment of Google and compared it to the fun of practicing Kung Fu. In the question and answer session, Shi Yongxin said the advancement in communications is welcomed in Shaolin Temple to help spread the Zen and Kung Fu to a wider audience.

    The speech was in Chinese and the temporary translator struggled multiple times in translating specific Buddhism concepts and scripts. If a translator with Buddhism background can be found, it may help the audience understand the speech better. Nevertheless the speech was well received. This mismatch in translation reminds Chinese people of the movie The Grandmaster of 2013, in which the English translations were considered disappointing as the wisdom, the complexity and the connections in Chinese language were often lost.

    The Shaolin Kung Fu performance in Google, to everyone’s surprise, used music from the soundtrack of Pirates of the Caribbean, while employees in Apple missed out on the authentic Kung Fu as it was not part of the meeting there.

    In Apple, Shi Yongxin was welcomed by Tim Cook and they had a discussion on apple products and Zen. Tim Cook said he is practicing Zen by meditating 15 to 20 minutes every day to sustain the inner peace. Shi Yongxin praised the simplicity and purity of Apple, and its minimalist approach and cleanness is like Zen. Mr. Cook expressed concern over the air pollution in China and said he is willing to provide as much help as possible. Shi Yongxin replied that high-tech communications nowadays can help reduce driving trips thus reduce tailpipe pollution.

    Mr. Cook also demonstrated the capacity of iTunes in creating lessons and Shi Yongxin expressed interests and considered it would be a helpful tool in spreading the Shaolin Culture. Mr. Cook hoped iTunes can be used by Shaolin Temple and there would be further cooperation between Apple and Shaolin Temple. Mr. Cook asked if there is Wi-Fi coverage and Shi Yongxin said yes and the coverage will increase to the whole temple area soon.

    Established in 495 AD, Songshan Shaolin Temple in China is the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, which has played a decisive role in the history of Chinese Buddhism and the history of culture of China. Shaolin Kung Fu, considered the origin of all Kung Fu, is actually the unity of Chan and Martial Arts. But most people only think Kung Fu equals martial arts.

    The Shaolin Temple Delegation came to U.S. to attend series of celebration of “China Songshan Shaolin Temple Day” on March 21, which was established ten years ago under the effort of California Senator Dr. Leland Yee. This year the celebration is between March 18 and March 23. Shaolin Kung Fu and Shi Yongxin are considered as celebrity to be invited to meet Google and Apple, showing an increasing appreciation of China cultures and Chan Buddhism. Other activities on the delegation’s itinerary includes visiting Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, performing Kung Fu San Francisco and meeting government officials.

    By Tina Zhang
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
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  6. #66
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    More on the Google trip

    That was a newsworthy stop. I have some exclusive comments from the Abbot on it which will appear in the report in our next issue (JUL+AUG 2014)

    Shaolin kung-fu monks visit Google, try on Glass, manage not to kick anybody’s ass
    March 25, 2014at 7:45 pmby Steven Millward



    The martial arts experts at China’s Shaolin Temple have been around for centuries, but they’re not stuck in a time-warp. The kung-fu masters are pretty business savvy, and that was on display last week when a delegation of Shaolin monks visited Google HQ in California. The photos from Shaolin’s own site show that the current abbot, master Shi Yongxin, led the kung-fu crew in meeting with Google’s Laszlo Bock (pictured in a grey suit). Abbot Shi (pictured in orange robes) has transformed Shaolin into a global brand under his leadership for the past decade. The cultural exchange saw the monks trying on Google Glass and learning about other Google products. Monks from the Shaolin Cultural Center in San Francisco joined in. In turn, Googlers got a close-up demonstration of marital arts. Here are more photos:







    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
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  7. #67
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    Abbot Shi sporting Google Glass

    http://shanghaiist.com/2014/03/26/sh...ught_to_yo.php

    Of course Shaolin monks love Google Glass



    Detailed in an article on their official web site, the kung-fu experts from Henan's Shaolin temple decided to take a break from their daily routine of kicking ass to visit the Google HQ in San Francisco so they could try on Google Glass, give a presentation on Shaolin, and - of course - show off their sweet, sweet moves.



    Led by their fearless leader/firm believer in the existence of aliens Abbot Shi Yongxin, the monks answered questions from Google employees about their awesome lifestyle. The group of Shaolin monks were joined by members of San Francisco's Shaolin Cultural Center, but unfortunately neither RZA, nor GZA, nor any other members of Wu-Tang past or present could be found.



    The event did, however, culminate in the ridiculously awesome photo-op of Abbot Shi sporting Google Glass. One possible reason for this cross-cultural event at Google is the company's recent attempts to make Glass "hipper." Google apparently announced yesterday that it signed a deal with Luxottica, the company behind Ray-Ban and Oakley, to design and sell new frames for Glass, in an attempt to make wearers not look like crazed cyborgs.

    If assembling the forces of Shaolin is all just a part of Google's campaign to make Glass cool...well, then they're most definitely playing their cards right.

  8. #68
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    This one's for HSK!

    Quote Originally Posted by GeneChing View Post
    The Shaolin Temple Delegation came to U.S. to attend series of celebration of “China Songshan Shaolin Temple Day” on March 21, which was established ten years ago under the effort of California Senator Dr. Leland Yee.
    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014...-in-fbi-sweep/
    The allegations against State Sen. Leland Yee were outlined in an FBI affidavit in support of a criminal complaint against him and 25 other people. The affidavit was unsealed on Wednesday, as Yee was scheduled to appear in court.

    Yee performed "official acts" in exchange for donations from undercover FBI agents, as he sought to dig himself out of a $70,000 debt incurred during a failed San Francisco mayoral bid, according to court documents.

    Yee is also accused of accepting $10,000 in January 2013 from an undercover agent in exchange for his making a call to the California Department of Public Health in support of a contract under consideration with the agency.

    Also named in the affidavit is Raymond Chow. Chow, who is also known as "Shrimp Boy," was the former leader of a Chinese criminal organization with ties to Hong Kong.
    More about "Shrimp Boy", more like "Snitch Boy".

    He was later convicted of gun charges and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He spent 11 years in prison and was released in 2003 after he cut a deal with the government to testify against another high-ranking associate, Peter Chong. Chong was later convicted of racketeering.

  9. #69
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    I know, right?

    I guess we know now why Dr. Yee wasn't present for the 10th Anniversary celebration. It's such a shame really. He was the highest government official with whom I spent the most time.
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
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  10. #70
    My thoughts exactly on his MIA non-appearance ... This trial is going to be very interesting to say the least.
    Last edited by ShaolinDiva; 03-27-2014 at 09:24 AM.

  11. #71
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    I'm not in jail. LMAO.

    you play you pay. I don't owe anything.
    Hung Sing Boyz, we gottit on lock down
    when he's around quick to ground and pound a clown
    Bruh we thought you knew better
    when it comes to head huntin, ain't no one can do it better

  12. #72
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    Looks like I owe hsk an apology...apparently tongs still engage in sh!tlicking behavior.

    With Shrimb poy locked up, does that mean the waiters in Chinese restaurants can start getting their tips now?
    "I'm a highly ranked officer of his tong. HE is the Dragon Head. our BOSS. our LEADER. the Mountain Lord." - hskwarrior

  13. #73
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    Quote Originally Posted by pazman View Post
    Looks like I owe hsk an apology...apparently tongs still engage in sh!tlicking behavior.

    With Shrimb poy locked up, does that mean the waiters in Chinese restaurants can start getting their tips now?
    I'm less concerned about the restaurant waiters than I am the kids forced into prostitution.

  14. #74
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    Moving on

    Shrimp Boy and the Senator has it's own thread now so we can pursue that discussion there. Meanwhile, I just posted the second-to-last batch of photos from the show on our fb album. Tomorrow I'll post the rest and we can move on to next year.
    Gene Ching
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  15. #75
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    Odd follow up

    Shaolin Monks Own Smartphones, Are Not Allowed To Play Video Games
    Eric Jou
    Today 5:00am



    The Shaolin Temple, that place you hear about in all those Wu-Tang rap songs, is very much part of the 21st century. But despite the Shaolin monks and their affinity for technology, according to the abbot, video games and television are off limits.

    Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China's Henan province, recently concluded a trip to the United States. Shi was in the States visiting tech giants and learning about the prospects of how the rise of information and technology affects our lives as well as how they can help spread Shaolin teachings.



    During his trip, Shi had visited Apple, Google, and Stanford University. He even met with Apple CEO Tim Cook.

    In a press briefing with Chinese journalists this week, Shi talked about the virtues of the information age. He also touched on a few subjects such as video games and TV. According to Shi, video games can be addictive and television shows limit people so both forms of entertainment are completely off limits to the Shaolin monks.

    This statement from Shi is kind of interesting. Shi has been known as the man that brought the Shaolin Temple to the 21st century. He helped launch the Shaolin Temple's website. He ordered the construction of a guest house on the Temple grounds as well as other various construction projects.

    With Shi's penchant for moving the temple forward, he's also opened up the Shaolin monks under his tutelage to a wider world of troubles and temptations. Which is why I think it's odd that he's forbidding monks from partaking in TV and video games which can be innocuous as well as terrible.

    On the flip side, Shi's argument against gaming and TV is understandable. Shaolin monks are supposed to live a life free of worldly desires. That and they're supposed be kicking ass.

    Top Photo: SIHASAKPRACHUM | Shutterstock
    Where in the vows are Tv & videogames banned?
    Gene Ching
    Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
    Author of Shaolin Trips
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