The second session of Journey Base Shaolin Camp has come to a successful end. Nine participants travelled all the way from Russia and returned home with abundant gains after this unforgettable journey rooted in Shaolin Chan culture at the foot of Songshan Mountain.
Following the cultural heritage of central Songshan, the participants visited Yongtai Temple, Shaolin Temple, Sanhuangzhai, Bodhidharma Cave and the Pagoda Forest one after another, tracing the origin of Shaolin amid mountains and ancient monasteries. Wandering through the Pagoda Forest, they read inscriptions on ancient pagodas spanning a thousand years and perceived the cultivation wisdom accumulated by eminent monks of past generations. Climbing up to Bodhidharma Cave, they sensed the Chan conception from Bodhidharma’s wall-gazing enlightenment. Trekking along the hanging plank road at Sanhuangzhai, they experienced the harmony between nature and Chan mind among exotic rocks and sea of clouds. At Yongtai Temple and Shaolin Temple, they listened to stories of how Chan and kung fu originated from the same root, turning history previously only read about into vivid scenes before their eyes.
The camp curriculum integrates martial training, health-preserving culture and oriental fine arts, faithfully embodying the core spirit of Chan and Kungfu in Unity. At dawn, they practised traditional Shaolin Baduanjin, regulating breath and stretching bodies to grasp the essence of harmonising qi and blood through ancient health cultivation. They trained rigorously on foundational stances and movements, consolidating basics through streams of sweat. They delved into Shaolin Shadow Hand Staff, learning its alternating firmness and gentleness, stable and neat power.
Beyond Shaolin Kungfu, a wide range of cultural experiences awaited them. With instructors, they learned core concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its philosophy of living in harmony with nature. They sat in meditation to calm their minds and turn inward for self-reflection. During tea ceremony sessions, they learned etiquette, tasting elegance and serenity in every brew. Holding writing brushes to practise Chinese calligraphy, they calmed down to appreciate the unique oriental charm within every stroke. Shaolin Kungfu strengthen the body, Chan cultivates the mind, and fine arts nourish the soul. This balance of movement and stillness opened a door for them to understand traditional Chinese culture.
The closing ceremony was highlighted by sweet celebration cake and a graduation showcase, drawing a warm full stop to this journey. Participants demonstrated everything they had learned; each move bore witness to their persistent training. The venue was filled with cheerful laughter, touching tears and countless hours of hard sweat. From initial curiosity to close friendship and improved skills, they gained not only kung fu techniques, but also peaceful, resilient minds and cross-border friendship.
Linked by Shaolin kung fu and bonded by Chan, this cross-cultural encounter has reached its perfect ending. The spirit of Shaolin Chan Kungfu has settled deep in every participant’s heart. We look forward to seeing them carry this insight back to Russia and spread seeds of Shaolin culture. We also eagerly await the next session of Journey Base Shaolin Camp, to reunite at Songshan for another journey of Chan and Shaolin Kungfu.
Voice from Participants
At the end of the camp, three students shared their sincere reflections:
Student A: I used to believe Shaolin Kungfu was nothing but fists and strength. Only after practising Baduanjin and meditation here did I realise Shaolin kung fu is not about outward confrontation, but an inner conversation with myself. While climbing to Bodhidharma Cave, I gradually understood perseverance. I will take this peace and inner strength back home with me.
Student B: Training with the Shaolin Shadow Hand Staff was far more challenging than I imagined. I messed up many times and my arms ached badly; there were moments I wanted to quit. Yet our experienced Shaolin temple master guided me patiently and my companions cheered me on, teaching me endurance and focus. Quiet courses like tea ceremony and calligraphy taught me to slow down, a rare experience I can hardly find in Russia.
Student C: This journey is much more than learning Shaolin Kungfu— it is a chance to touch an ancient wisdom of life. The philosophy of TCM health preservation touched me deeply. “Chan and Kungfu in Unity” is never just a slogan. It resides in every breath, every meditation and every swing of the staff. The scenery of Songshan Mountain, the tranquility of ancient temples, and all the time we spent sweating and laughing together, I will cherish forever.
Shaolin Temple master's Words to them
Shaolin stands as a spiritual beacon along our life’s journey, an undying light of faith deep within our hearts. The road of life is inevitably fraught with storms. Setbacks, hardships and confusion are trials that every soul must endure.
When the day comes that your steps grow heavy and you can barely press onward, when pressure and adversity threaten to overwhelm you, pause to look back toward Shaolin, and recall this land of Chan and Kungfu at the foot of Songshan Mountain. Remember how Bodhidharma sat facing the wall for nine years, holding fast to his true nature amid silence. Think of your fellow practitioners who train and cultivate themselves quietly, sweating through each passing day here.
To remember this place is to remember: strength never comes from an easy, unbroken path, but from persistent dedication over time. The inner calm, fortitude and courage you have nurtured at Shaolin will lift you up once more, helping you gather your spirit and march forward with resolve. Shaolin is not far away. This spirit of Chan and Kungfu will abide within you from this moment onward.
Шаолинь — это духовный маяк на нашем жизненном пути и свет веры в наших сердцах. На жизненном пути каждого из нас неизбежно встречаются препятствия и трудности. Когда однажды вам покажется, что дальше идти уже нет сил, вспомните о Шаолине. Вспомните Бодхидхарму, вспомните всех, кто занимается и духовно совершенствуется здесь. Тогда в вас снова появятся мужество и сила, чтобы продолжить свой путь.
