Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

少林武僧的铲子
The Shaolin Monk's Shovel

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A Weapon with a Rich History

In the world of martial arts, the Shaolin Temple stands out as a legendary institution that has produced skilled warriors for centuries. Among the various weapons associated with Shaolin monks, the monk's spade, known as Yue Ya Chan [Chin.: yuèyáchǎn 月牙汐] in Chinese, holds a special place. This unique weapon, known as the monk's weapon [Chin.: sēngchǎn 僧汁] is perhaps the most famous classical weapon of the Shaolin Temple.

Origin and Name: From Lu Jia Qian to Fang Bien Chan

Historically known as "The Shovel of the Wandering Hero" - Lu Jia Qian [Chin.: Lǔ xiá chǎn 魯俠鏟], this weapon earned its name due to its association with two fictional Buddhist monks from Chinese literature. Lu Ji Shen [Chin.: Lǔzhìshēn 鲁智深], a character from the 13th-century epic The Limits of Water [Chin.: Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn 水浒传] by author Shi Nài ān [Chin.: Shī Nài ān 施耿庵 | 1296 ~ 1372 CE] and the famous monk Sha Wu Jing [Chin.: Shā Wùjìng 沙悟净] from the epic Journey to the West [Chin.: Xī Yóu Jì 西游记] by the 16th century writer Wu Cheng En [Chin.: Wú Chéng ēn 吴承恩 | 1500 ~ 1582 CE], inspired the design of the monk's shovel.

The term Fang Bien Chan [Chin.: Fāng biàn chǎn 方香鏟] appeared in modern times, emphasizing the practicality and versatility of the weapon. The crescent-shaped blade at the bottom, resembling a crescent spade, gave rise to its traditional name, Yue Ya Chan. The historical significance of the shovel in the Shaolin tradition can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, around the 10th century AD.

Functionality Beyond Combat: A Multi-Purpose Tool

The Shaolin monks, known for their physical and mental discipline, adopted the monk's spade as one of their primary weapons alongside the pole. The spade served dual purposes during the monks' solitary journeys of pilgrimage. Beyond its role in battle, the shovel's unique shape made it an ideal tool for digging, cutting leaves and branches, carrying luggage, and even burying the dead.

Design Evolution: Lu Xia Ch'ian [Chin.: Lǔ xiá chǎn 魯俠鏟], in Shaolin

The original form of the monk's spade did not have the crescent shaped stock blade. To deal with issues of stability, the monks wrapped the empty end with iron. A small T-shaped handle was then added for ease of use in everyday tasks, enhancing its practicality as both a weapon and a tool.

According to the "Shaolin Weapons Record" [Chin.: Shàolín bīngqì zǒng pǔ 少林兵器總譜], the Lu Xia Chan Spade [Chin.: Lǔ xiá chǎn 魯俠鏟] was introduced into the Shaolin Temple in the Song Dynasty [Chinese .: sòng dài 宋代 | 960 ~ 1279 CE], and was incorporated into this record after it was classified by the monk Fu Ju [Chin.: Fú jū 福居] during the “5 Dynasties & 10 Kingdoms” period [Chin.: Wǔ Dài Shí Guó 五代十 国 | 907 ~ 960 CE].

The original 29 techniques [Chin.: niàn jiǔ zhāo 廿九招] were passed down to the Yuan Dynasty [Chin.: Yuándài 元代 | 1279 ~ 1368 CE]. The Monk Jinaluo [Chin.: jǐn nàluó héshàng 緧那羅和尚] made them 36 techniques, while in the Ming Dynasty [Chin.: Míngdà i明代 | 1368 ~ 1644 CE], Monk Dan Ling [Chin.: dān líng héshàng 丹靈和尚] added another 38 techniques. Many old monks in the Qing Dynasty practiced this art, such as Chen Hua [Chin.: zhàn huà 湛化], Chen Kue [Chin.: zhàn kě 湛可], Zhang Yuan [Chin.: zhàn yuán 湛元], the Ji Qin [Chin.: jì qín 寂勤 | 1855 ~ 1949] etc. While later the Shi Chen Shu [Chin.: Shì zhēn xù 释貞緒 | 1893 ~ 1955 CE] and Shi Yong Xiang [Chin.: Shì yǒng xiáng 释永祥 | 913 ~ 1987 CE] studied the weapon thoroughly and compiled 19 techniques, which they taught to the monks.

In the long history of Shaolin the Monk Liao Gai [Chin.: liǎogǎi 了改 | 1301 ~ 1376 CE], is recorded as the foremost in the use of this weapon.

Very famous for his knowledge of the Spade was the Monk Chún Hua [Chin.: Chún huá 淳華 | 1848 ~ 1945 CE] from the village of Yi Zhu [Chin.: yí zhōu fǔ 沂州府] in Shan Shu Province [Chin.: Shān shù shěng 山橩省], a disciple of the Famous Shaolin Master Ji Jiao [Chin.: jì jiào fǎshī 寂教法師].

Conclusion: The timeless elegance of Fang Bien Chan

The monk's spade, known by various names such as Yue Ya Chan, Fang Bien Chan or Lu Hia Qian, encapsulates the essence of Shaolin martial arts. Its unique design, inspired by legendary literary figures, and its multi-functional utility make it a symbol of the fusion of spirituality, practicality and martial prowess in the Shaolin tradition. As this ancient weapon continues to be studied and practiced, it perpetuates the legacy of the Shaolin monks and their commitment to the art of self-defense and personal growth.