An Emperor's Personal Letter to the Monks of Shaolin Temple 告柏谷坞少林寺上座书

These words were uttered on the the 25th of May, 621 by the brilliant 23 year old Li Shimin, the Prince of Tang as he described the state of the realm- his realm, in flames. These words were dictated as part of his congratulatory praise for a group of warrior monks of a then little known monastery called Shaolin that had rallied to his cause and won a great victory in a mountain fortress called the Cypress Valley Fort.

Music: Villages of Khitai

To: The Cypress Valley Fort, Shalin Monaster's Dean and Abbot, and their disciples, as well as to the military and civil leaders, officers, common people, and the rest: 

"Recently, there has been chaos under heaven. Nowhere in the land is there a lord. The world is falling apart and had abandoned the guiding ways of the Buddha. War-horses sweep through the land, the Middle Kingdom is boiling and the devils are all contending.

This court (the Tang dynasty) has recieved the Heavenly Mandates of government. It upholds the correct Buddhist truth...It glorifies the Great Treasure (of the Buddhist faith.) Therefore, virtue will reach the common folk, and the true words will soon instruct the faithful. Thus, the people will enjoy the grace of release from suffering, and all will be favored with the benefits of nirvana.

Wang Shichong usurped another's position. He dared to oppose the Heavenly Principle. He coveted the sacred sanctuaries (Cypress Valley Estate.) He acted recklessly, disregarding the laws of Karma. 

Now the winds of virtue are blowing far, and the beacon of wisdom is glowing near. The Buddhist Eight-fold Path is being (re)opened, and throughout the land the Buddhist sanctuaries are being restored. 

Shaolin's masters deeply comprehended the changing circumstances and adapted to them. The monks immediately realized which action would yield the Buddhist fruit, and they succeeded in drawing an excellent plan. Together...They captured the evil villain (Wang Renze), and they cleansed the sanctuary. The result of their respectful observance and expressed loyalty have become known at our court. Their way of attainment and self-cultivation adds further glory to their temple. 

We heard of Shaolin's contribution with pleasure and appreciation. It surpasses imagination and words. The monastery should be supported, and its monks generously rewarded. Regardless of changing circumstances, the monastery should always be provided with a fixed income. 

The crisis at the eastern capital (Luoyang) will be resolved shortly. At the same time we should urge the people to exert themselves and make a contribution, so that they provide example to future generations. Everyone should peacefully resume his previous vocation, forever enjoying heavenly blessings. Therefore, I send you this stele to express my utmost appreciation. "

May 26, 621.

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3 days later, Li would fight in one of the most lopsided battles in all of Chinese history (3,000 vs 100,000,) at a pass called Hulao- or the Tiger's Trap Pass and both he and the monks who had thrown their lot in his cause would be enshrined in the deepest recesses of Chinese memory.

THANK YOU TO MY NEW PATRON, MR. PETER HELLMAN