Research On The Evolution And Cultural Characteristics Of Martial Arts In The Region Of Mount Emei

Buddhist martial art of Mount Emei refers to, during more than1,700years long of Buddhist culture originating, development and formation, the art practiced and spread by monks in temples in the Mount Emei range during the course of daily living, learning, production and exercise, named after Emei, popular in region of Mount Emei or spread from Mount Emei to other regions, which is still developing and spreading, featuring specific region, form and connotation, representing national intangible cultural heritage of Mount Emei martial art contents and also the symbol of the culture of Mount Emei martial art. There are three reasons behind the formation of Buddhist martial art of Mount Emei:first, Taoist priests converting from Taoism to Buddhism take the exercise methods for health into Buddhism; second, alien monks preferring to stay or traveling in the Mount Emei temples bring their martial arts; swordsmen from army or the civilians becoming monks bring their martial art. From the relevant Buddhist cultural historical records left during more than one hundred years development of Emei Buddhist martial art, there are some doubts about the existence of Emei Buddhist martial art before Tang dynasty and Song dynasty, while the records of Ming dynast, Qing dynast and period of Republic of China are very clear, it can be initially thought that Emei Buddhist martial art were formed and spread during the latter said periods, during such periods, the Emei martial art’s reputation and influence are also formed. As a result of social unrest and vicissitude of Ming and Qing dynasties, the inheriting clue of Emei martial art can not be found through the existing records, most of the martial contents have already disappeared. While the inheriting clue of Buddhist martial are during the period of Republic of China can be found through records. The contents of Emei Buddhist martial art features inclusiveness during its evolution. Emei martial art is named after Mount Emei while Mount Emei is famous for the martial art, the both rely on and influence each other, and develop together. Cultural core connotations of Buddhist martial art of Mount Emei region contain two aspects. First, practice of inherent body and mind:concentrating one’s mind on one thing; cultivation of one’s mind and morality; combination of Zen Buddhism and martial art. Second, unity of external individual and society:serving the masses, taking martial art as medium; inexhaustible behavior and wish.