1st Shaolin Summit & SANA

[GeneChing]

Here's more details on the Summit from there.

1st Shaolin Summit 2011 - May 21, 2011
Posted on 2011-05-11

The Shaolin Association of North America and the Shaolin Temple present the 1st Shaolin Summit 2011.

Come and be a part of Shaolin at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Event date:
Sat. May 21st
1:00 to 5:30 pm

Locations:
LA Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa St.
West Hall 515
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Don’t miss this rare chance to:

Meet authentic Shaolin warrior monks
See amazing Kung Fu demonstrations
Learn secret Shaolin techniques and training tips
Hear from the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple
Get the latest news and information on Shaolin martial arts, Zen Buddhism, and the mind/body connection
Learn how Shaolin has influenced pop culture in the West

Speakers and panelists:

Abbot Shi Yong Xin
Shi Yongxin, the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is a tireless advocate to a wide array of measures toward the understanding, revival, preservation and sharing of the Shaolin legacy. He is considered a spiritual head to more than 400 million practitioners of Chan Buddhism and an estimated hundreds of millions of practitioners of martial arts. Worldwide.

Abbot Shi Yongxin joined the Shaolin Temple in 1981 as a Young man, and became its administrative head by 1987 after the death of his master, then Abbot Xingzheng. In 1999, the official title of Abbot was conferred upon Shi Yongxin.

As a member of China’s National People’s Congress, Shi Yongxin has advocated to expand the role of faith in Chinese life. He has also been active in inter-faith dialog as chairman for international exchange of China’s Buddhist Association.

He has compiled many volumes on Shaolin classics, such as The Secret Book of Shaolin Kung Fu and Medicine, and frequently writes books and essays on a variety of topics with a Chan perspective.

Gene Ching
Gene Ching is the Associate Publisher of Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine and www.KungFuMagazine.com, the largest English-language magazine and website exclusively devoted to Chinese martial arts. He has authored hundreds of articles and videos on the martial arts and is a lifelong martial artist. He took his Shaolin layman disciple vows under Shi Decheng in 1996 inside the Shaolin Temple and has the Shaolin name Xinglong. Last year, Gene published his first book, Shaolin Trips, which documents over a decade and a half of research on Shaolin.

延德法师 - Shi Yande
Shi Yande took refuge with Abbot Shi Yongxin of Songshan Shaolin Temple in 1994 and studied at the Mt. Tiantai Buddhist Institute in Zhyejiang province, the Mt. Qixia Buddhist Institute in Nanjing, and the Chinese Buddhist Academy in Beijing. He is a master of martial art, Chan tea, calligraphy, and traditional musical instruments such as Guqin and Bamboo Flute.

Dr. David Rapkin, panelist
David A. Rapkin, Ph.D., is a clinical and health psychologist based in Los Angeles. He is the founding director of the Mind-Body Medicine Group in the UCLA Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Division. He has also taught in the UCLA Department of Psychiatry. Approaching psychotherapy and health psychology from a humanistic-existential-phenomenological perspective, his clinical work integrates Buddhist psychology and philosophy with aspects of the psychoanalytic-psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral traditions. David received his B.A. from Columbia University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from UCLA.

永了法师 - Shi Yongliao
Shi Yongliao entered monastic life in 1999 under Abbot Shi Xingzhou. He spent years in a thatched cottage to practice Buddhist in Mount Zhongnan. He is currently an usher in Shaolin Chan Meditation Hall.

Matthew Polly
Matthew Polly is the author of the book American Shaolin (Gotham) which recounts his experiences of living in China for 2 years and studying with the monks at the Shaolin Temple. He has also written for numerous high profile publications including Esquire, The Nation, Playboy, Publisher’s Weekly, and Slate and won a Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing. His new book, Tapped Out (Gotham) about mixed martial arts, will be published in October, 2011. Matthew has a BA from Princeton University, and a Master’s degree from Oxford University in the UK, which he attended on a Rhodes Scholarship. http://www.mattpolly.com

延勇法师 - Shi Yanyong
Shi Yanyong took refuge with Abbot Shi Yongxin of Songshan Shaolin Temple in 1999. He had secluded in dozens of renowned mountains including Mount Zhongnan, Mount Emei, Mount Song, Mount Hua, Mount Wudang, and Mount Yunju. Ven. Yanyong has won first place in the 2009 Shaolin Chan debate.

延亿法师 - Shi Yanyi
Shi Yanyi entered the monastery as a Buddhist monk in Songshan Shalin Temple in 2004 under Abbot Shi Yongxin. He is an expert in Shaolin’s traditional Chinese Medical Culture, especially in using acupuncture and massage to cure neck, shoulder, leg, and waist ache and illness. Yan Li has also published books on orthopedics and regimen.

Moderator
Jonathan Blank
Jonathan Blank is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and creative technologist. He has spent over 25 years studying high-level martial arts, meditation, Eastern philosophy and esoteric metaphysical practices with many remarkable teachers in the US, Asia and Europe, and this has led him to write extensively on these subjects. He has written the books Secrets of Dragon Gate (Penguin) which is about Dragon Gate Taoism, and Still as a Mountain, Powerful as Thunder (Shambhala) which is about Buddhist chi gung and meditation. Jonathan has a BA and an MFA from Columbia University. http://www.jonathanblank.com

[GeneChing]

Now on the speaker roster - the Iron Chef!:

Mark Dacascos

Mark Dacascos is an actor and martial artist. You might say he was born into martial arts since his parents are martial arts instructors. His early training led to numerous Karate and Kung Fu championships. Mark’s success in martial arts then eventually evolved into a very successful acting career. He has starred in numerous TV shows including The Crow, Iron Chef and Hawaii Five O, video games including Stranglehold and Wing Commander, and movies including Brotherhood of the Wolf, Only the Strong, Crying Freeman and Cradle 2 the Grave, in which he squared off against Jet Li. http://www.dacascos.com/

[TaichiMantis]

Now on the speaker roster - the Iron Chef!:

Actually...he is The Chairman And you MUST click on the video...too funny!

[wenshu]

So it looks like there will be two separate panels.
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroo....html?d=221950

Two celebrated panels of professionals comprising China's legendary Shaolin monks to experts from the fields of martial arts, entertainment, academia and clinical psychology will be among the key participants at the Shaolin Summit in Los Angeles on May 21st. The Summit is a first-of-its-kind event blending presentations and martial demonstrations with a central focus on China's renowned ancient Shaolin Temple and its 1,500-year-old influence on traditional and popular culture. It will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center (West Hall) from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.

In addition to two panel discussions, the event will also feature a rare appearance by Shi Yongxin, the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple of China. The originating source of a substantial portion of Asian martial arts practiced today and birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, Shaolin estimates that there are 200 million followers worldwide practicing martial arts derived from Shaolin.

One panel, featuring authentic Chinese Shaolin monks in simultaneous translation for both Eastern and Western audiences, is entitled "The Three Treasures of Shaolin," focusing on Chan (Zen) philosophy, martial arts, medicine and holistic healing. This panel's participants include these Shaolin monks, all of whom have achieved substantial mastery:

Shi Yanfan, 34th generation Shaolin Warrior Monk. He is the head of the Shaolin Temple Los Angeles in Sherman Oaks, CA and a co-founder of the Shaolin Association of North America. Master Shi Yanfan was the first Westerner to become an ordained monk and receive the ancient Jieba at Shaolin Temple in 2007;
Shi Yande is a master of martial arts, Chan tea, calligraphy, and traditional musical instruments such as Guqin and Bamboo Flute;
Shi Yongliao spent years in quiet cultivation in Mount Zhongnan, the home to many Chinese Masters. He is currently with the Shaolin Chan Meditation Hall;
Shi Yanyong has cultivated in renowned mountains including Mount Zhongnan, Mount Emei, Mount Song, Mount Hua, Mount Wudang, and Mount Yunju. He placed first in the 2009 Shaolin Chan debate;
Shi Yanyi is an expert in Shaolin's traditional Chinese medical sciences, especially in the use of acupuncture and massage. He has also published books on orthopedics and healing;
Moderator Shi Yanli is vice president of the Shaolin Association and is dedicated to introducing real Buddhism to Americans. He also serves in a leadership capacity with the Los Angeles Shaolin Cultural Center.

The second panel, "Zen, Power of the Mind and Martial Arts," features martial arts and entertainment professionals, noted authors and a respected psychologist.

Mark Dacascos, actor and martial artist. Multiple Karate and Kung Fu champion. Known for his roles in The Crow, Iron Chef, Hawaii Five-O, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Wing Commander;
Lucia Rijiker, world champion kick boxer and the first female inducted into the international World Boxing Hall of Fame;
Writer Matthew Polly, author of American Shaolin;
Gene Ching, associate publisher of Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine and www.KungFuMagazine.com;
Dr. David Rapkin, a clinical and health psychologist and founding director of the Mind-Body Medicine Group in the UCLA Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Division;
Moderator Jonathan Blank is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and creative technologist. He has spent 25 years studying high-level martial arts, meditation, Eastern philosophy and esoteric metaphysical practices around the world.
Other events during the day will include powerful Shaolin Martial Arts/kung fu demonstrations with secret techniques and training tips revealed by authentic Shaolin Warrior Monks and a dialog with Shaolin's Abbot Shi Yongxin, along with a preview of his autobiography.

The only glaring omission.


You can't really expect to have a discussion about the influence of Shaolin on pop culture without Bobby Digital and The Genius.

[GeneChing]

Unfortunately, he had a schedule conflict and had to decline. He's a busy man. He was very gracious about it and seemed genuinely delighted to have been asked.

I'm told that the Friday banquet is almost sold out at 350 people. There are only 3 tables (30 seats) left.

I'm also told that tickets for Saturday's Summit at the Convention Center are moving briskly. Be sure to pick yours up ASAP.

[Paquet]

I just say a positing that says a kempo company that cannont be named on this site will be hosting this event. Their logo even appears on the shaolinunited link. How is this even possible?

[GeneChing]

USSD is a sponsor, but not the hosts. The hosts are SANA, which is directly under the auspices of the Abbot. Orb Media is the U.S. promotions group.

Stacey Nemour
Abbot Shi Yongxin of China's Shaolin Temple Coming to L.A.
Posted: 05/17/11 05:10 PM ET

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple, is a tireless advocate for a wide array of measures toward the understanding, revival, preservation and sharing of the Shaolin legacy. He is considered a spiritual head to more than 400 million practitioners of Chan Buddhism and an estimated hundreds of millions of practitioners of martial arts worldwide. As a member of China's National People's Congress, Shi Yongxin has advocated for the expansion of the role of faith in Chinese life. He has also been active in interfaith dialog as chairman for international exchange of China's Buddhist Association.

He has compiled many volumes on Shaolin classics, such as "The Secret Book of Shaolin Kung Fu and Medicine," and frequently writes books and essays on a variety of topics with a Chan perspective.

Abbot Shi Yongxin joined the Shaolin Temple in 1981 as a young man, and he became its administrative head by 1987, after the death of his master, then-Abbot Xingzheng. In 1999 the official title of Abbot was conferred upon Shi Yongxin.

Shaolin Temple is famously known through its kung fu and Chan/Zen Buddhism and is situated in Dengfeng City in the Songshan Mountains of Henan Provence, China, said to be the "heartland" of China where much of Chinese civilization originated.

Shaolin Temple was established in 495 A.D. during the Northern Wei dynasty, by its then-emperor to accommodate the Indian master Buddhabhadra. Later, another Indian monk Bodhidharma arrived at Shaolin Temple, who was said to have crossed the Yangtze River on a reed.

Bodhidharma spent nine years meditating in a cave of the Wuru Peak just behind the temple, and initiated the Chinese Chan tradition at Shaolin Temple. Thereafter, Bodhidharma was honored as the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, now known to parts of the world as Zen.

Legend also had it that Bodhidharma found monks weak and unhealthy after long meditation practices, so he developed movement to strengthen them, which formed the basis of Shaolin kung fu. Shaolin kung fu later evolved into over 700 forms of martial arts and became the cradle of much of the martial arts practiced in the world today.

In the 1,500 years since its founding, Shaolin has endured wars, famines, invasions and revolutions and also presided over times of great peace and prosperity. Its large cannon of stories, practices, culture, personalities and historical data is the stuff of legend, and it has inspired countless adaptations in traditional and popular culture around the world.

His Holiness the Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin will be sharing the mysteries of kung fu and healing with the public for the first time ever. This will be called the 1st Shaolin Summit, which will be held in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 21. Some of events during the day will include powerful Shaolin martial arts/kung fu demonstrations using secret techniques and training tips that will be revealed by authentic Shaolin warrior-monks, and Abbot Shi Yongxin will reveal a preview of his autobiography. There will be a welcoming ceremony for Abbot Shi Yongxin at the Shaolin Temple in Los Angeles on May 22.

Peter Shiao, who is the founder and CEO of Orb Media Group, is presenting the 1st Shaolin Summit. I had the opportunity to speak with him, and he told me:

Shaolin kung fu has become watered down over the years because much that is being taught is limited to the external side of the martial arts. Using a differed approach, the head master of the Shaolin temple will be here speaking directly to the people to help bring back into balance the spiritual side of Shaolin kung fu. The Shaolin monks have other-worldly abilities and can do extraordinary feats however, everyone can take something from this event and benefit.

The event is being produced by the non-profit Shaolin Association of North America in association with the Shaolin Temple of China to enlighten people and generate further support of the Temple's basic philosophy of bringing compassion and health into the world that empower people through non-sectarian practices.

[GeneChing]

Check out Shaolin United on facebook.

The original hall we rented at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 1st Shaolin Summit SOLD OUT, so they have expanded to a larger room. Get your tickets before this room sells out as well. Go to www.shaolinunited.com for tickets and details. Hope to see you there! The summit is this Saturday May 21st from 1-5 PM at the Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall.

NOTE: Today is the last day to enter our Shaolin Summit VIP Prize package sweepstakes!

[GeneChing]

The Monday NYC event is at the Asia Society and Museum in NYC.

Shaolin: Inside Out

The Shaolin Temple of China is world-renowned as the birth place of Chan (Zen) Buddhism as well as Eastern martial arts.

The Shaolin way of life--seeking balance between movement and stillness--has persevered through invasions, wars, revolutions and dynasties, resulting in a large cannon of legends, myths, practices and disciplines that make it one of the most iconic global Chinese institutions ever.

Shaolin's influence on global popular culture can be felt through the hundreds of entertainment properties that it has impacted, from the recent movie Last Airbender, to Shaolin Soccer, and the original Kung Fu television show initially conceived by Bruce Lee.

The Asia Society is honored to feature an unprecedented conversation with the Venerable Shi Yong Xin, Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, who will speak about the emergence of the Shaolin Temple on the global stage. The event will be led by a narrated demonstration and explanation of Shaolin Martial Arts by authentic Masters.

Join us for a special evening inside the legend and beyond the myths — SHAOLIN INSIDE OUT.

For more information on Shaolin, please visit http://www.shaolinunited.com/shaolin/aboutshaolin

May 23, 2011 | 7:00pm to 9:00pm
New York
725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
$30 per person; $25 student with ID/seniors/members Group rate available for groups of 10 or more. Seating limited.

[GeneChing]

Follow the links for pix

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Abbot Shi Yongxin arrives in Los Angeles

This afternoon Abbot Shi Yongxin from the Shaolin Temple of China was greeted by his disciples from Los Angeles and San Francisco as he arrived at the LAX airport. Abbot Shi Yongxin along with a small entourage from Shaolin Temple China is visiting Los Angeles for the inauguration of the Shaolin Association of North America (SANA).

There will be a summit held at the LA Convention Center on Saturday May 21, 2011 featuring the Abbot Shi Yongxin and official Shaolin Warrior Monks from the United States and China.

for more information about the 1st Annual Shaolin Summit, go to www.shaolinunited.com

[GeneChing]

See our Shaolin Summit VIP Prize Package Winners thread.

[Paquet]

The kempo school that cannot be named is taking credit for the event on their website. Is it their event or not?

[GeneChing]

We'll fill you in with a formal report soon, both in print and on our ezine. For now, some teasers.

About 1500+ attended the Summit.

I enjoyed being on the discussion panel "Zen, the Power of the Mind and Martial Arts" - Lucia "Blue Bear" whispered some side comments in my ear.

It was great to meet both wenshu and Mig from the forum here in person.

I ended up sitting between Charles Mattera and Steve DeMasco, across from Richard Black, as they enjoyed a private dinner at the top of the Bonaventure hotel. Mattera generously bought me some drinks and we all enjoyed a delightful conversation.

The SANA project is intriguing. Peter Shiao's organization created an unprecedented platform for the abbot and Shaolin.

The abbot's book is not translated to English yet. More on that on that thread.

facebook photos coming soon!

Tonight is the event in NYC.

[GeneChing]

Shaolin Temple USA Welcomes
• Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin •
to Shaolin Temple Culture Center in Herndon, VA
Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 5:00 pm

The Venerable Abbot will bless the Center and preach to students and participants. Four Chan Masters who accompany the Abbot will give talks on Chan Buddhism, Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Medicine. The Center’s students and Sifus will present a program of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Open to the Public. Please join us!.
Address: 314 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA 20170.
For more information, please call 571-436-0467

Our photos are coming soon!

[GeneChing]

Here are just a few. There are more on facebook. More coverage to come!