暢談世界文化:9 天下功夫出少林 (2/2)

An Indian priest named Tamo came to live there nearly 1500 years ago. According to legend, Tamo arrived at the monastery where he found the monks in poor physical condition. Because they couldn't stay awake during meditation, Tamo introduced a series of 18 exercises designed to feed both body and mind. These movements are said to have merged with self-defense tactics studied in the Shaolin Temple. I see. But I thought you said there were many types? Yes, later, in the 13th century, they were extended to 72 forms by Jueyuan the Monk. He traveled around China and met two other skilled fighters. They further extended the forms to 173 and classified them into five animal forms: dragon, tiger, leopard, crane and snake. That's how we get Shaolin Kung Fu's "Five Form Fist". Sounds special. But I don't want to be too violent. Then I suggest a soft form of Kung Fu. It's called Tai Qi. It comes from Taoism and it's very good for your health. Through its training, you can get inner peace and a sense of physical and emotional well being. It's often called Chinese Yoga: the art and science of meditation through movement. OK, great!