174-Shaolin Temple London - Buddhism in daily life

Shaolin Temple London

Today I travel to London, visit my master Shi Yan Zi, who is the head of the temple. For a long time I have not seen him, traveling was very difficult for a long time, now it is easier again. I am writing this text at Stuttgart airport, I am here too early, the anticipation has made me forget the time.

The Shaolin Temple in London has been a permanent institution in the metropolis for almost 30 years, is located not far from the metro station "Tufnell Park".

Again I undertake a journey that builds on my actions of almost 40 years ago. If I had not traveled to the Shaolin Temple China at that time, but like "normal" people on vacation, then I would most likely not fly to London now. Our karma builds up over the whole life, everything is predetermined, deep in our ego we know exactly about the connections.

I can't tell you how happy I am to meet the old companions again, the teachers in the Kung Fu school, the staff, my master's family. Attached to the school is a large Buddha room where ceremonies are held, which is used for festivals and celebrations.

My master Shi Yan Zi is a Sanda teacher, which means that the focus is on fighting, less on forms. There is always a lot of action here, many punching bags and a boxing ring complete the training facility.

There are many students from really all countries of the world, London is very cosmopolitan, the confusion of languages is remarkable, but so is the cohesion of the students. Hardly anyone can escape the influence of the Far Eastern culture in the temple, there is a smell of tea and training, there are people everywhere, people are busy training. I am sitting at Stuttgart airport, but I can already "smell" the temple.

At events, the students of my master regularly clear the placements, the training shows effect, the respect grows. Well, my master is also a bit "in the years", he is over 50, I am almost 60 years old, age passes no one without a trace, not even a (former) Shaolin monk. Nevertheless, I train every day for about an hour, I know that my master also hardly misses a day. Even though my exercises have become very moderate lately, discipline is still the defining virtue in my life.

I am very much looking forward to embrace my friends later, the journey almost 40 years ago has effects until today. The way is and remains the goal!

Now it's boarding time!

He who remains faithful to the holy trail will reach the other shore.

- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero

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