The Spiritual Legacy of Shaolin Temple: Buddhism, Daoism, and the Energetic Arts

By Andy James and Andy James

Book Overview

Combining the genius of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Daoism with rigorous physical and martial discipline and breathing exercises, the training that originated at China's famous Shaolin Temple was a unique elixir that would change the way the world perceived mind and body. Here, Andy James exposes the hitherto unrecognized spiritual legacy of Shaolin Temple, which has provided modernity with comprehensive, time-tested techniques in martial arts, health maintenance, energetic healing and spiritual transformation.

In addition to Buddhism and Daoism, James explores Qigong (Chi Kung) and the "internal" systems of martial arts such as Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). While many books have traced Chan's story into Japan, James remains in China to explain how the unique spiritual, martial and energetic traditions of the Shaolin Temple continued to interact and evolve in dynamic relation to culture, society, and the individual. This engaging and very personal book will appeal to martial arts enthusiasts, healing arts professionals, and anyone interested in the mind-body connection.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0861713524
• ISBN13: 9780861713523
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications
• Length: 179 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.4" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Thoughtful Study, Thoughtful Man

Mr. James has written a well crafted book. I found the autobiographical section extremely interesting, for those of us who shared those historical times we are reminded of its challenges and hopes. It is obvious that he took not only those he quotes later in the book, but his own unique perspective of those times as the lessons to build upon and arrive to become the spiritual master that he is today. I have to agree with one of the other reviewers (but not his assessment of the book), that James leaves us hungry for more of his work......I for one am looking forward to his next book. As an aside, a quick google of his name indicates that he is a diversified individual beyond the martial arts and has spearheaded the building of his own off grid eco retreat! And it appears he now has a blog up and running......

Spritual Warrior Work

Andy James' book on the spiritual basis of the martial arts is well wrtitten and much needed. Most books give little information about these topics before going on to the technical information. However, this is one of those which moves in an always interesting manner between the author's own personal journey and the historical and philosophical traditions he practices. There are interestings sections on the history of Shaolin, Bodhidharma's legacy, the influence of Daoism, Chan Buddhism, and other yogic influences from Tantra and Vipassana and more. Thereis a fasinating section on the internal martial arts of taijiquan, baguazhang, and xingiquan, and a final section which gives practical skills for self-cultivation and meditation. This book is well worth reading for the serious student of martial arts and the internal tradition.

Perspectives worth considering

While not an easy or fast read, the material was researched and appeared thorough. The "Spiritual Legacy" presents an amalgam of centuries of philosophical thought and is well worth the time to read and digest. Concise summarization with the filter of experience makes this short book a window to a wider world.