Shaolin Temple has gone Modern: China in a Minute #Shorts

Want selfies in between your sutras and your shadowboxing? Welcome to Shaolin Temple in the modern age. Elaine walks us through some of the amenities you can find nowadays at Shaolin Temple in 2021.

The world-famous monastery was founded in the 5th century, and is the birthplace of both Zen Buddhism and the concept of Warrior Monks.

It's continued to innovate to stay relevant into the 21st century, somewhat controversially. Its current abbot Shi Yongxin is often dubbed the "CEO monk" and has turned Shaolin into a multi-million-dollar empire. The temple and martial arts school now has franchises around the world and even floated the possibility of an IPO.

If that sounds crass, so did the idea of filming an action-comedy movie there in 1982. The Jet Li-starring production became a mega hit, introduced the world to Shaolin Kung Fu, and may have saved the monastery itself from becoming a ruin.

What do you think about Shaolin's modern money moves? Let us know in comments.

China in a Minute #shorts zooms in on a trend, topic, or aspect of contemporary China in 60 seconds or less!

RADII shares stories from the center of Chinese youth culture.

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[mattnobrega]

There is nothing wrong with adapting and overcoming. It's very necessary for survival. Sharing needs more pupils so that the knowledge will spread.
🙏Buddha's name be praised.

[workonline_philippines]

For me, i still choose the traditional and original shaolin temple rather than modernized shaolin temple....well, modernized shaolin temple is fine but original is still the best because its original.... nothing beats when it comes to original. theres something unique & positive vibes in shaolin temple being traditional & original than being

[templariclegion]

Until the Chinese government tears it down.