When Akul Malik arrived at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he never imagined his fitness routine would evolve into a profound cultural odyssey. The 24-year-old engineering student’s journey from gym workouts to mastering ancient martial arts at a Buddhist temple offers a fresh perspective on China-India connections.
‘I thought kung fu was about kicks and punches,’ Akul admits, recalling his initial training at Henan Province’s Fawang Temple under Master Miaodu. ‘But holding a horse stance for 40 minutes taught me it’s really about enduring discomfort to find inner peace.’
His summer intensive revealed unexpected parallels between Chinese and Indian traditions. ‘The temple’s wooden training dummies reminded me of Kalaripayattu equipment in Kerala,’ he notes, referencing the 3,000-year-old Indian martial art. ‘When Master Miaodu explained neigong breathing techniques, I heard echoes of yoga’s pranayama.’
This cross-cultural discovery extends beyond physical practice. The temple’s emphasis on mental resilience through repetitive forms – some dating to the Tang Dynasty – reshaped Akul’s approach to academic challenges. ‘Now when I face complex equations, I hear Master’s voice: ‘Empty your cup to fill it anew.’’
Filmmakers Chen Hongyu and Zhong Xia documented Akul’s transformation, capturing rare footage of foreign students in traditional monastic training. Their project highlights growing interest in China’s martial arts heritage among international youth, with Henan’s Shaolin Temple region attracting over 50,000 foreign visitors annually for cultural immersion programs.
