The monks of the Shaolin Temple traditionally consumed a diet geared toward supporting them on the path to spiritual fulfillment. While some of the rules seem restrictive to the modern day person, the Shaolin Temple's precepts outlined reasons for each monastic rule. In Shaolin tradition, straying from the diet rules meant that a monk had left monastic training at the temple.
Traditional Shaolin Temple Diet
The traditional Shaolin Temple diet does not allow consumption of animal flesh or animal products, including fish. The strict vegetarian diet also restricts the monks to certain types of vegetables. For example, they do not eat onions, garlic, chili peppers, ginger or other spicy fruits or vegetables that might incite emotion. They eat grains, but without spices or spicy sauces. The diet does not allow eggs, but does permit milk. Traditional Shaolin monks do not drink alcohol.
Carnivorous Fighting Monks
Some controversy surrounds the notion of a carnivorous diet for the Shaolin fighting monks. Buddhist law dictates that clerics residing in the Shaolin temple follow the vegetarian diet. However, monks outside the temple may align with Shaolin philosophy and also eat meat. Many of the fighting monks cite meat as a key part of their diets. These monks have left the Shaolin monastary and opened private academies focused on performance fighting or the fighting arts.
Exercise
Activity forms an essential part of the Shaolin Temple diet and health plan. According to China's Siping City Shao Lin Martial Arts Academy, preparing for entry into Shaolin training entails following a proper diet and preparing yourself for the physical rigors of fighting martial arts. Among the exercise options are sprinting, swimming, hiking, running long distances, skipping rope, tennis and hiking. Emphasize cardiovascular activity, sports that demand hand-eye coordination and speed and strength intervals that build your stamina.
Chinese Roots and Herbs
In the 14th century, Shaolin monks began incorporating Chinese folk remedies into their diets. If monks were weak after meditating or injured from fighting, they would consume or apply Chinese folk remedies. However, the specific roots and herbs used in traditional Buddhist medicine are not identified. Masters of Chinese medicine apprentice new monks in the healing arts, maintaining centuries-old treatment methods while keeping the teachings a secret.
References
- Sifu Wong Kiew Kit's Home Page; Selection of Questions and Answers; February 2000
- Northern China Shaolin: Siping City Shao Lin Martial Arts Academy
- Kungfu Magazine; Meat, Wine and Fighting Monks; Dr. Meir Shahar
- Kungfu Magazine; Shaolin Trinity Shaolin Monk Shi Dejian Discusses the Three Treasures; Gene Ching
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