Shi Yongxin, Abbot of Shaolin Temple, speaks on the greatest benefit of studying martial arts:
The ultimate Shaolin Kung Fu is to train to have a mind that does not stir. If you develop a mind that does not stir, then you won’t be afraid of death. Not being afraid of death does not mean not loving life. In contrast, you will love life even more. To love life is the real purpose of learning zen! What kind of life is worth loving? Only a life without worries and pain is worth loving. To reach a state where there is no worry and pain, one must practice to have a mind that does not stir. Martial arts zen is a path towards a mind that does not stir.
Translation provided by Kah Joon Liow, author of Shaolin: Legends of Zen and Kung Fu
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