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China's Shaolin monks have brought their extraordinary abilities to Johannesburg, and their acrobatic feats need to be seen to be believed.
IF this is what meditation, kung fu and devotion to Buddha produces, I want to become a Shaolin monk.
Extraordinary acts of acrobatic ability were demonstrated
The Shaolin Wheel of Life show hit town on 9 March, and it's clear these performing monks are not like us ordinary humans. Their skill, their agility, their command of their bodies, their intense concentration ... is superhuman.
The 25 men, all ordained soldier monks, and five children, fill the stage with their captivating acts. Extraordinary acrobatic feats - like doing a handstand on two fingers - are outdone by acts of mind-boggling dimensions, such as breaking a slab of concrete over two men lying on beds of nails, walking over menacing-looking cleavers, breaking iron bars on the head, and being lifted up while lying on spear points.
The Shaolin monks believe that life is a circle, and that the spirit and energy of the natural world flows through them. In response to war and invasion, they developed self-defence techniques based on their observation of animals. These techniques, together with their spiritual beliefs, they called kung fu.
Originating in Henan province in China, near Zhengzhou City, the temple monks rise each day before sunrise to pray and meditate. They spend four hours a day practising kung fu and studying Buddhism, and another four hours on schooling and domestic duties like farming and cooking. This way of life goes back 1 500 years, to when their monastery was built.
The show, however, dates from 1998, when it was decided to tell the story of the Shaolin Temple in a stage production, showcasing the monks' kung fu skills. Once the cast was selected, 15 months of rehearsals took place, before the first show at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End.
A Shaolin monk performs a daring stunt
It hit the road in 2000, and by the end of 2008 had played over 800 performances to over 1,2 million people across the globe.
The monks remain focused on their origins by travelling with a micro temple community consisting of a teacher, a cook and spiritual mentors. The show allows them to spread the teachings of Buddha in a different way, supported and encouraged by the temple abbot, Shi De Ying Fangzhang.
The show tells the story of an ancient temple legend, beginning with the young men meditating and exercising, and training in the art of being a Shaolin monk.
Meanwhile, in the Forbidden City in Beijing, the emperor is under threat from enemies and calls on the monks to protect him. They come to his rescue, and in a spectacular battle scene, drive off the enemy.
The emperor invites them to serve him as his protectors but they turn him down, saying they must return to their monastery. Angry at their rejection of his offer, he poisons and murders the sleeping monks. Five survive the slaughter, however, and travel to the five provinces of China, spreading the Shaolin philosophy. And thus the wheel of life continues.
Shaolin Wheel of Life is at the Teatro at Montecasino, in Fourways until 22 March. Ticket prices range from R99 to R325 per person. There are group discounts of 10 percent for 20 or more people, and 15 percent for 100 or more people; the same applies to students with valid student cards.
Bookings can be done through Computicket outlets on 083 915 8000 or on the Computicket website. For group bookings telephone Paula Kelly on 011 510 7905, or email
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