henan – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

China: Earliest-Known Wooden Coffins Unearthed in Henan! (12.9.2025)

12/09/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Since 2023, the Henan institute has been conducting archaeological excavations at the site. Its latest research has confirmed that it was a moat-encircled settlement that covered an area of 65,000 square meters, with distinct functional zones located within its boundaries.

“In the central burial area, we have identified a total of over 200 tombs, among which 10 show evidence of wooden coffins,” said Li Jindou, excavation field director at the Jiahu site. Some of the coffins measured about 2 metres in length, 0.6 metres in width and 0.06 meters in thickness, Li noted.

“Soil analysis from their burial context revealed a significantly high concentration of lignin compared to the surrounding areas,” Li said.

According to the institute, the vast majority of tombs in the site’s central burial area contain funerary objects, including bone flutes, turquoise artifacts and pottery, some of which exhibit exceptionally fine craftsmanship.

In addition to the wooden coffins, archaeologists have recently uncovered over 20 bone flutes, with one tomb being the first-known instance of five flutes buried in a single grave.

Master Yin Le - the New Head Monk of the Shaolin Temple!

China: Shaolin Temple [少林寺] Quickly Appoints New Head Monk! (30.7.2025)

30/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Years ago, when I first accessed the internet, I used to argue with young Americans (and some UK and EU people) that the gongfu they were learning for vast amounts of money in China and the West – was not real and product of youth-orientated (Western-derived) gymnastics. They were so brain-washed they thought the lay-men who taught them in robes were real Shaolin monks! Furthermore, they said that our gongfu was “old fashioned” and “out of date”! Many of the ethnic Chinese “teachers” were greedy and money-orientated – seeing spirituality as “weak”. I stopped arguing as I did not want to be seen as attacking the CPC – which I would never do. In return, I was asked to appear on Chinese TV and explain my connection to China – but I politely refused. The last thing I wanted was further exposure and hundreds of people asking for instruction. It is important to live humbly and simply – and not for show. It is best to disappear and not be seen. If in doubt, keep out of sight.

Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple. (File photo/China Daily)

China: Shaolin Head Monk – Shi Yongxin – Under Investigation for Alleged Criminal Offenses! (28.7.2025)

28/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

In Japan, a Buddhist monk or nun can get married, produce children, eat meat, and drink alcohol. In other words, these people are lay-people in robes – but are practicing dishonesty. A group of Chinese Ch’an monks had been following the Vinaya Discipline when they travelled to Japan to spread the Ch’an Dharma – but returned with Japanese wives and children – and wearing lay-clothing – eating meat and drinking alcohol. In front of Xu Yun – these “monks” petitioned the post-1949 government of China to permanently abolish the Ch’an requirement for monks and nuns to be celibate and vegetarian. Xu Yun is said to have loudly slapped the table – stating that the Chinese government should do the exact opposite – that is, integrate the Vinaya Discipline into the fabric of China’s secular law. If a man or woman wants to be an ordained Buddhist monk or nun, then it should be a legal requirement – punishable by secular law – if they fail to uphold the rules and regulations of the lifestyle they have chosen to follow. Being a Buddhist monastic is a “job” that requires a strict form of lifestyle.

China: Longest Ancient City Road Discovered at 3,300-Year-Old “Yin” Capital Site! (27.12.2024)

27/12/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

The main roads discovered in this area are spaced 320 to 550 meters apart, while some intermediate-level roads are located about 100 meters apart. These roads are interconnected, showing clear evidence of intentional human planning, according to Niu.

Based on previous findings of archaeological excavations, it has been confirmed that the roads in the Shang capital city can be generally classified into three levels according to their width, or referred to as main roads, streets and alleys, Niu said.

Situated in Henan’s Anyang City, the 3,300-year-old Yin Ruins is the first documented late Shang Dynasty capital site in China, as confirmed by archaeological excavations and oracle bone inscriptions.

Giant Mao Zedong Statue Tongxu County, Henan, PRC

China: Chairman Mao Zedong – Giant Statue Built By Villagers! (18.5.2024)

18/05/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

Chairman Mao Zedong is in a seated position (facing “South”) and is made of steel bars and cement. The outer layer is painted with golden paint and there is scaffolding next to it. From time to time, people come by car to take pictures in front of the statue of Chairman Mao. The front of the statue faces south – the back faces North (the traditional Chinese alignment), with Chairman Mao in a seated position. It is made of steel bars and cement. The outer layer is painted with golden paint and there is scaffolding surrounding the structure.

Islamic Republic of Iran: Maziar Kebat (مازیار کتابت) Chen Style Taijiquan Practice in the Southwest Fars Province! (18.6.2023)

18/06/2023 Adrian (釋大道)

The setting is beautiful as is the high quality of the martial technique! I suspect that we may assume from this that ‘Taijiquan’ is considered ‘Halal’ within the faith of Islam – a fact which grants the practitioners a certain enhanced ‘virtue’. In China, Islam (and Muslims) are greatly respected for a) their spiritual purity and b) their martial integrity! Good to see Taijiquan in Iran and the people united in practice!

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