30/09/2026
福裕禅师 · Fuyu and Shaolin in the Yuan Dynasty 📿
Shaolin’s history is not only a history of martial arts. It is also the story of the monks who shaped the monastery across the centuries.
One of the most important figures of the Yuan period was Chan Master Fuyu (福裕, 1203–1275). Originally from Wenshui in present-day Shanxi, Fuyu entered Buddhist life at a young age and later became closely associated with Shaolin Temple.
In 1253, Fuyu was summoned to the imperial court and was subsequently appointed to lead Shaolin. Under his leadership, the monastery was restored and its community expanded. Historical accounts describe Shaolin developing a wider network of associated monasteries, while Fuyu helped establish a more organised system for monastic life.
His influence did not end with his lifetime. The lineage associated with Fuyu continued through generations of disciples, becoming an important part of Shaolin’s later history.
📜 We explored this lineage in one of our previous posts — have a look back to discover how Master Fuyu’s legacy continued through generations of Shaolin disciples.
After his death in 1275, Fuyu’s influence remained deeply connected with Shaolin. Today, his pagoda still stands in Shaolin Temple’s Pagoda Forest (塔林) — a physical reminder of a monk whose legacy has endured for more than seven centuries.
少林，不只有功夫，也有一代代僧人的传承。
Shaolin is not only Kung Fu, but a tradition carried forward by generations of monks.
少林文化 · 历史与传承
Shaolin Culture · History & Transmission
少林修 | SHAOLIN XIU
