The mysterious world of the Shaolin monks is ready to throw
itself open to academic scrutiny, according to temple abbot Shi
Yongxin.
"The history of Shaolin is closely related to Chinese politics,
society, religion, economy and culture. People should research
Shaolin just as they study A Dream of Red Mansions," Shi Yongxin,
Shaolin abbot said in an international seminar on Buddhist Culture
in the Yuan Dynasty Thursday.
To develop academic study on the Shaolin, Shi Yongxin said the
temple plans to strengthen its cooperation with academia,
especially scholars specializing in history and Buddhism.
With around 1500 years of history, the abbot said the sect is
worthy of research because it has contributed so much to Buddhism
and Chinese culture.
Chinese Academy of Social Science researcher Chen Gaohua is
interested in Shi Yongxin's proposal. He said the Shaolin Temple
has more than 80 Jin Dynasty steles alone, all historic treasures
with high value for research.
Jinan University History Professor Ma Daming also responded
positively. She said the Shaolin temple is no longer an ordinary
temple, but an important symbol of Chinese culture, an amalgamation
of tradition and religion. She believes people should support its
development.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)
