Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

July 18, 2015 in Shaolin was dedicated to the tour of the majestic landscape of Song Mountain. The Greek mission began early in the morning walking and following the central path, met temple Zhou Fu [chin .: shàolínsì zhōu fǔ ān 少林寺 周 府 庵], remnant of the South Garden, [chin .: shàolínsì nán yuàn 少林寺 南苑] where elders monks practiced in Shaolin Rou Quan, ancestor of today's Tai Ji Chuan. Next stop, the temple of the Ten Directions [chin .: shí fāng chányuàn 十 方 禅院], a great room, where exist a life-size representations of the 500 Arhat. From some other hikers, the team was informed that the Lake of Dragons [chin .: lóngtán 龙潭] had no water, so continued the path west of the Shaolin temple, making one stop in Cool Porch [chin .: gānlù tái 甘露 台] . According to legend, a sweet dew fell upon this plateau, when the Venerable Abbot Batuo translated sutras, and took that name.

Going up to the top Wuru [chin .: wǔ rǔ fēng 五 乳峰], the Greek travelers visited the Temple of the First Patriarch [chin .: chū zǔ ān 初祖 庵], which is now hidden in the dense vegetation. The temple was completely renovated in the period 1983 - 1986, and has been designated as state grade protected historical heritage.

At the end of the path leading to the central of the five peaks, the Greek mission stopped at the cave of Bodhidharma [chin .: dá mó dòng 达摩 洞]. It is the place where Bodhidharma, the First Patriarch of the Shaolin Chan stayed during nine years of meditation, sitting in front of a rock. One by one , all Greek Shaolin Culture lovers entered the cave, paying respect to the Founder. At the top, the view compensated all hikers for the tiring climb. The mission members admired the enchanting view, as all five peaks Wuru are seen from there and photographed in front of the white marble statue of Bodhidharma, 12 meters high.

Going down, the mission stood to admire the forest with Pagodas [chin .: shàolínsì tǎlín 少林寺塔林], which now is well maintained and the sanctity of the site is protected with a simple wooden fence, disappointing every arrogant who would like to be photographed as actress perched on the tombs, desecrating the sacred soil of the remains of the Masters of the past.

The day was well advanced and the team returned to Shaolin Temple, where continued its day, enjoying conversations with the monks and masters of the monastery.