A Millennium of Shaolin Heritage, Spreading Compassion to the Southern Land
— 15th Anniversary Charity Gala of Shaolin Temple Australia Successfully Held in Sydney
In August 2025, the Shaolin Temple Australia 15th Anniversary Charity Gala was grandly held in Sydney, bringing together distinguished guests from across the city for a heartfelt gathering that bridged a thousand years of Zen tradition with the compassion of our time.
Chan, Kung Fu, and Medicine in One – Shaolin Across Faiths for Over a Millennium
On the summit of Mount Song, the ancient Shaolin Temple stands serene. Over 1,500 years ago, Bodhidharma, the 28th Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, journeyed from India to Shaolin, meditating in seclusion for nine years. He became the First Patriarch of Chinese Chan, establishing the saying: “All Chan in China originates from Shaolin.”
Through the centuries, Shaolin grew into not only a great Buddhist center but also a unique system integrating Chan (meditation), martial arts, and medicine—a living embodiment of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist wisdom, transcending religion, culture, and borders to become a universal symbol of the East.
As Venerable Yan Chang said: “Chan clarifies the mind, Kung Fu strengthens the will, and medicine serves the world. Together, they are not only a path of cultivation but also a practice of compassion for all beings.”
Fifteen Years of Dharma Echoing Across the Southern Hemisphere
Since its establishment in Sydney in 2009, Shaolin Temple Australia has steadily flourished—spreading the Dharma, benefiting communities, and fostering good affinities. At the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in Sydney, the sound of the morning bell and evening drum accompanies young people—Chinese and from many other backgrounds—training side by side.
Through every stance and movement, they learn courtesy, temper their will, and gain insight into impermanence, quietly inheriting a thousand-year tradition. In this multicultural land, such training not only builds strong bodies but also plants seeds of compassion, patience, and wisdom—preserving Chinese heritage while nurturing rooted souls for the future.
Hearts of the Overseas Chinese, Support from Leaders
The gala received warm support from the Chinese-Australian community and society at large. The Australian Federal Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke MP sent his representative, Cr. Alex Yang of Burwood Council, to attend. Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El Hayek, Deputy Mayor Benjamin Cai of Strathfield, Ms. Shienny Liauw of the Buddhist Council of NSW, and Shaolin Temple Australia Secretary-General Mr. Huang Huansong each took the stage to deliver heartfelt speeches—praising the strength of Shaolin spirit and acknowledging its contributions to youth education and cultural harmony.
Most moving was the devotion of the Sydney Chinese community—whether through generous donations or dedicated support, they upheld their deep bond to their roots and cultural light.
Seeking the Way at Shaolin – Bringing Chan into Daily Life
In the “Seeking the Way at Shaolin” cultural dialogue, three eminent monks—Venerable Prajna, Venerable Yan Chang, and Venerable Yan He—engaged in an in-depth conversation on “Zen Culture and Modern Life.” Quoting the classics with gentle eloquence, they spoke of calming the mind and strengthening resolve, offering timeless wisdom that touched every listener.
Arts and Martial Spirit, Compassion in Action
The evening’s performances blended grace and power. Martial displays such as Drunken Fist, Two-Finger Zen, and steel plate breaking showcased the mastery of Shaolin skills. Artistic pieces like Enlightenment, Fishing Song at Dusk, and I Love You, China revealed the lyrical elegance and emotional depth of Chinese culture.
The charity auction and volunteer recognition ceremony transformed goodwill into tangible action—every small deed becoming part of a greater light.
The Light of Compassion Shines On
Fifteen years is but one step in Shaolin’s overseas journey, yet it represents deep groundwork for cultural roots. In this diverse southern land, the Shaolin spirit is not only a commitment to tradition but also a gentle resonance of shared empathy, shared hardships, and shared aspirations among humanity.
Looking ahead, Shaolin Temple Australia will continue to take Chan as its guiding lamp, Kung Fu as its vessel, and medicine as its ferry—leading more people to inner peace and the path of awakening.
May this light never fade, and this heart never waver.
