Shaolin: A Sacred Dream, A Living Wisdom

Shaolin Temple has always held a sacred place in my heart. As a child, it wasn’t just a temple, it was a dream, a world of legends where heroes roamed the Jianghu (the martial world),  wielding Shaolin Kung Fu to protect the innocent and uphold justice. Those imaginations weren’t just tales, they were sparks of inspiration. I would picture myself among them, swept up in the strength and discipline that defined the Shaolin spirit.

But time changes the way we see things. As I grew older, the awe of flying fists began to fade. In its place, something deeper began to stir, a quiet admiration for the spiritual clarity and profound cognition of Shaolin practitioners. Whether they choose to withdraw from the world (出世), transcending the pull of desire and emotion, or to re-enter it (入世), bringing compassion and insight into the chaos of modern life, Shaolin monks live a path of constant practice. It is not just physical, it is mental, spiritual, and deeply human. Their entire life is a training ground for wisdom: a discipline of the heart and mind in search of inner peace.

What fascinates me most is how they see the world, not through noise and distraction, but through stillness and simplicity. Their way of understanding challenges us to step outside our usual thinking and look at life through the lens of Zen. In a world that often feels fast, loud, and overwhelming, their perspective is a kind of quiet revolution. It reminds us that peace is not found in escape, but in awareness, in how we respond, how we move, how we breathe…

That’s why I’m truly excited about the upcoming event organized by BS99. It’s a rare opportunity to bring this ancient wisdom to a new audience, especially those who do not speak Mandarin and might otherwise never access it. More than just a showcase of martial arts or Buddhist ritual, this event is a living encounter with a tradition that has shaped minds, moved hearts, and inspired generations for over 1,500 years. I hope it sparks curiosity. I hope it opens hearts. And most of all, I hope it helps more people see that within the silence and stillness of Shaolin lies something deeply relevant, and profoundly human.

Special thanks to the post designer, Jingfei Wang, for bringing this vision to life.