Midwest Book Review
...richly informative and very strongly recommended survey of Shaolin...Especially commended to the attention of dedicated martial artists...


October Bookviews.com - Alan Caruba
...provides very specific information and insights...for...this rigorous physical, mental, and spiritual way of life.


Book Description
During a time of upheaval and destruction, Shaolin's abbots and priests scattered to the corners of the Earth. This book is an important part of their martial and Buddhist legacy. Beginning in 1901, the most senior priests of the Shaolin Order fled a war-ravaged China. Over a period of several years they gathered in New York City's Chinatown, which the Shaolin congregation called home until 1974, and developed a plan to preserve the Order's heritage. For the last 100 years, the Order of Shaolin Ch'an has worked quietly to preserve the traditions, philosophy, and arts of the Order in the United States of America. This text, written by Shaolin monks, explains the core of Shaolin philosophy to a public audience for the first time since the Order was founded in 520. Since 1970, Shaolin and its martial arts have increasingly become a focal point of popular culture. Misinformation and disinformation have anchored this growing notoriety. In contrast, this volume strives to accurately share what is spiritually meaningful and martially significant about Shaolin.


About the Author
Two living Shaolin monks, who wish to remain anonymous, finished writing this book based on materials left by three deceased Shaolin grandmasters: Li En Huo, Hua Ling P'o, and Ben Ch'i Lo.