Here's a nice observation on the architecture of Shaolin Temple, and how it mirrors a popular stance in all Shaolin Taolu called "Hero sits atop the mountain" or "Luohan Sits atop the mountain" .....

Keeping study of stances within Shaolin curriculum, one can't ignore the "Hero sitting on mountain" stance which closes and opens many traditional Shaolin forms (like XiaoHongQuan and ZhaoYangQuan for example). This is also sometimes translated as "Luohan Sitting on Mountain" ( Luóhàn Zuòshān 罗汉坐山) or "5 flowers sit on mountain" ( Wǔhuā Zuòshān 五花坐山). It's also noteworthy, that this stance pays homage to Jinnaluo (Kimnara/Vajrapani), the patron and Buddhist saint of Shaolin, who, according to legend, straddled two mountain peaks with each of his legs while defending the Temple. The legs are in MaBu as if standing on two mountain peaks, and the arms are in the same position as the horizontal line on the Dharmachakra (Mon/swastika) seen on Buddha's chest.
* While studying, I found an image of the stance actually superimposed onto an image of the Temples architectural blueprint and to no surprise, saw a correlation. * If not all, most Buddhist Temples in China are built with the same layout, so this is no coincidence. There is no question of the synchronicity of Shaolin Chan and Shaolin Wu, though many modern scholars debate it. * "Shaolin Kung Fu" as it's known to the modern world, was, is, and always will be a Buddhist fist, and further more, practicing it, with genuine heart, awakens the inherent Luohanship, hence the popular phrase "The Body is the Temple." * Now you know, the stance isn't just there to look cool, even though it does😊. I hope you hold the stance with more pride knowing you are the walking manifestation of Shaolin and through your practice, the "moving sutra" of Shaolin Taolu, you awaken your inner Buddha with each step of your Journey. #Amituofo #Dharmapala
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