Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

As the Shaolin Temple is considered the temple from where Chan and Kung Fu for men come from, the Yong Tai Temple is the place of origin of Chan and Kung Fu for women. For centuries, it was nearly forgotten and had declined. Nowadays however, it is reconstructed and presented again as a center for female Shaolin Chan and Kung Fu. The Forever Superior Monastery - Yong Tai Shi [chin .: Yǒngtàisì 永泰寺], also known as the Temple of Perpetual Meditation - Yong Chan Si [chin .: Yǒngchánsì 永禅寺], has a long and deep relationship with the Shaolin Temple of Songsan, since it is historically considered as the Women's Shaolin Monastery, marking a huge contribution to the rich cultural heritage of Shaolin Temple.

Naturally, a visit to this ancient cultural gem, could not miss from the plans of the cultural tour in China by the EPOS team. Following Master Shi Yan Zhuo, who has developed strong friendships, that last many years, with the management of the temple and the School of Martial Arts of Yong Tai, Greek Masters and male and female Students, arrived at the ancient monastery early in the morning and walked one by one all the buildings and gardens of Yong Tai, getting to know closely one more remarkable monument of the Chinese history.

The peaceful, beautiful and serene temple, giving its beauty and tranquility, in a magnificent lush unspoilt natural environment, which combined with the beautiful sun and clear blue skies of Henan, caused the need throughout the Greek Mission, to train and relax. The young of the team, under the guidance of Master Shi Yan Kong [chin.: shì yán kōng 释 延 空] Katakalaios Dimitris, Director of the Athens Shaolin Cultural Centre [POKESA] practiced Shaolin Kung Fu skills, behind theTeaching Hall of the temple, enjoyed by all attendees. Masters found quiet corners and without second thought began to experience an unprecedented feeling, while Master Shi Yan Zhuo enjoyed the quietness of the place, and a rare blend of tea from the flowers of the perennial tree, Sala [chin.: suōluóshù 娑罗树 | Sanski .: शाल, śāla | Sci. Shorea Robusta] that is planted in the central courtyard of the temple, from Princess Yong Tai herself [chin .: Yǒngtài Gōngzhǔ 永泰 公主 | 685-701] before 1500 years, which then shared with all members of the mission, together with the centuries-old history of Yong Tai. During the lunch break, he introduced them to the Abbess of the temple, Venerable Shi Yan Jun [chin .: Shì Yánjūn Fǎshī 释 延 君 法师].

Just before the sunset, the Greek Mission took the way back, having experienced a life sample of the historical past of Yong Tai and its environment.

   
   

---