Since Shi took office, he has continually promoted Shaolin martial arts and the Shaolin Temple in general. Shi and Shaolin Buddhist monks have visited many countries and regions including Japan, South Korea, the US and Russia to spread Chinese traditional culture to promote friendship and understanding among foreign cultures.

The essence of Shaolin kung fu is the unity of Zen, which focuses on the combination of chan (mind) and kung fu (body).

The performance at the UN was part of the 2013 Shaolin Temple Cultural Festival.

As part of the festival, Shi gave a speech at the Memorial Church at Harvard University on Oct 8, where he described the fundamental aim of Buddhism which is to spiritualize the mind, seek wisdom, reflect on your motivations, live a simpler, healthier lifestyle, study the Buddha's teachings regularly, and keep practicing and learning from others.

Shi and the Shaolin cultural delegation will give a kung fu demonstration in Los Angeles on Oct 12.

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