INTO THE SHAOLIN

DOCUMENTARY DIRECTED BY HONGYUN SUN

“In a seemingly paradoxical way, the monks of Shaolin, the birthplace of Chinese Zen and Kung Fu, pursue Buddhist peace and enlightenment. The film examines the life of the young boys, monks, and others at the monastery through the year’s seasons.” Written and Directed by Hongyun Sun, Ph.D., Beijing Film Academy.” –

“Director Sun’s film showcases life in the Shaolin Monastery, the birthplace of Chinese Chan and Kung Fu. She follows several monks and a Ph.D. candidate conducting fieldwork to explore the philosophy of peace and enlightenment through martial arts. It depicts their daily meditation, martial arts practice routines, and challenges outside the temple. The film portrays the realities of their lives and unwavering commitment to their chosen path, featuring ordinary mortals instead of Kung Fu heroes or Saint Monks.”

Into the Shaolin, a feature-length documentary has finished production at the Shaolin Temple in China. Shaolin is the birthplace of Kung Fu and Ch’an Buddhism, a cultural mecca for many followers in China and worldwide. The documentary is directed by Hongyun Sun of Beijing Film Academy in China. The documentary is being screened in film festivals worldwide.

The Into the Shaolin Story

Within the ancient monastery and daily rituals, Into the Shaolin documentary delves into the unknown personal experiences of modern monks and others at the Shaolin Temple. In today’s world, where the Internet plays a prominent role, the connection between the monks of Shaolin and the outside world has changed. There are new conflicts and resolutions concerning traditional customs, Chinese Ch’an (Zen is a branch of Ch’an outside China), love, fame, fortune, and Kung Fu practice.

Xiao Shami

Heng Kun’s father died at a young age. His mother remarried, keeping his younger brother and sending young Heng Kun to Shaolin Temple to study. He became Xiao Shami, excellent at Kung Fu with the Shaolin Temple Wushu Group. The Internet brought him Into contact with his mother, who he misses. He loves his life at Shaolin but wants to explore the outside world and possibly reconnect with his mother and brother.

Shi Yanzi and Marta Neskovic

Shi Yanzi, a Shaolin Temple farmer, was born in 1978. He has been the head of the Shaolin Temple Wushu Regiment. Master Yanzi actively practices a style of farming meditation at Shaolin Temple. He organically combined farming and Ch’an culture. Four brothers and sisters in Yanzi’s family followed him to Shaolin.  Shi Yanzi, Ch’an cultivates the 800 acres at Shaolin Temple year-round.  He has strong notions about Ch’an Buddhism and farming.

Marta Neskovic, a 26-year-old doctoral student from the University of Belgrade in Serbia, studies at Shaolin Temple. She dresses in gray garments like the monks and students. She practices Kung Fu and learns Ch’an Buddhism and the Chinese language. At the same time, she is working on her thesis. Marta’s story is about adjusting to life at Shaolin and keeping in tune with her family and friends.

Shi Yanzhuang

Shi Yanzhuang is the general coach of the Washu group at Shaolin. His martial arts, Wei Zhen Shaolin, and performances have been praised globally. His philosophy brings Ch’an practice to the external performance of Kung Fu.

Some monks at Shaolin are orphans who find their way to the temple.

Shi Yanyong

“Who am I?” Shi Yanyong does not know his birthday, has no parents, and does not know his exact age. At ten, he followed a Taoist priest from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to Shaolin Temple, where the priest abandoned him. He grew up at Shaolin. Encouraged by the Abbot, he accomplished many things, from Kung Fu and meditation to poetry and living in the mountains. His life and search for identity are part of the story of Into the Shaolin.

These Shaolin residents and others have unique stories about their lives at Shaolin. They relate what it means to them, the conflicts, struggles, and who they are now.   These compelling, interweaving stories reveal much about contemporary life today at Shaolin Temple. Set against the pallet of culture and history of Shaolin Temple, they paint a vivid picture few have seen.