Shaolin Temple, also known as Shao Lin Si, is well-known its heritage of martial arts. But do you know that there are actually 2 Shaolin Temples existing in China: the Northern Shaolin Temple in Henan Province and the Southern Shaolin Temple in Fujian Province. Although both the 2 Shaolin Temples have long history and excellent essential technique on martial arts, however, their differences on martial arts style, cultural tradition and historical development are prominent.
The Historical Background
The Northern Shaolin Temple in Henan Province of China is universally considered as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. This temple was initally built at the end of 5th century and became a center of martial arts and “Chan Buddism”(or Zen). It is also recognized as the symbol of Shaolin culture, which takes a profound effect on the martial arts of the whole country China.
Generally speaking, the origin of Southern Shaolin Temple is more mysterious. The temple was lately built in Fujian Province of China and has many disputes in the history going with many rumors. It was said that its establishment is for the heritage of martial arts under the control of Ming and Qing Government.
Two Different Styles of Martial Arts
The martial arts style of Northern Shaolin Temple are featured with its swiftness, stretching body movement and dynamical kicking skills. As for the Kung Fu from Northern Shaolin Temple, it is usually called “Changquan” or Long Fist(for easy understanding). It asks for the fluency, expansive footwork and acrobatics elements, which can definitely show a visual impact in the wide open space with great speed, good flexibility and excellent elegance.
By contrast, the Kung Fu Style of Southern Shaolin Temple is quite different. It usually represents the culture of South China’s large population and urbanization. You may have heard of some Kung Fu style like “Wing Chun”, “Hung Gar Kuen” or “Choy Li Fut” which concentrate on the simplified compact movement, powerful shot and lower footwork. This style focuses on the practical use when the fighting occurs in a narrow area and it is much easier for you to handle the defense.
About the Philosophical and Cultural Differences
Both of these two Shaolin Temples adhere to the principle of “Chan Buddism” or Zen philosophy, but there are still some tiny differences on their means. The Northern Shaolin Temple pays more attention to the more extensive conception of philosophy and combines the spiritual meditation together with physical practice. This philosophy reflects the balancing lifestyle of martial arts, meditation and academic pursuit.
As for the Southern Shaolin Temple, owing to its history background, it stresses both the practicality and tenacity. The martial arts in South China usually reflects a sense of revolt and survival, which was affected by the rebellion of political oppression and invasion. Therefore, the martial arts in this part concentrate the practical effect rather than the beauty of movements.
The Influence and Heritage of Shaolin Spirit
In general, the Northern Shaolin Temple has gained higher recognition because of its earlier establishment and official support. It is considered as a cultural and martial arts representative and attracts a large number of worldwide tourists to visit the temple every year. What’s more, the monks in this Shaolin Temple also take visits to many other countries and make the martial arts performance while spreading the meditation method and Shaolin culture.
Nevertheless, the Southern Shaolin Temple is not so famous as the Northern Shaolin Temple. But it also gains lots of recognition in Hongkong and many SEA countries where have lots of ethnic Chinese from South China. Additionally, it is also respected in martial arts fields because of its effectiveness and practicality.
Efforts on the Protection and Revival of Shaolin Culture
Both of these 2 Shaolin Temples ever experienced the destroying incidents and large-scale renovations. The Northern Shaolin Temple has become an important attraction of tourist and global martial arts center. It has been involved in lots of cultural communication and international cooperation for the past decades.
In the meantime, the reputation of Southern Shaolin Temple has been expanding after its successful renovations. The Fujian government has invested lots of funds on protecting this temple and do it a favor to re-gain the interests of martial arts heritage and historical function from people from home and abroad.
Conclusion
Although the differences exist between these 2 Shaolin Temples, yet both of them are playing an essential part in the Chinese martial arts history. They have made their unique contributions to the diversity, philosophical conception and global influence of Shaolin Kung Fu. Learning the distinctions between th Northern Shaolin Temple and Southern Shaolin Temple can help you with understanding the tenacity and complexity of both modern and traditional Shaolin culture.
