Shaolin Temple Europe — Attraction in Otterbach-Otterberg

I attended the weekend meditation retreats at the Shaolin Temple Europe in winter 2022 and 2023, and both experiences were truly transformative.

Traveling from North Rhine-Westphalia by train, I found it more convenient to arrive in Kaiserslautern the evening before and stay overnight at a hotel near the train station. From there, a 20-minute taxi ride brought me to the temple, making the journey smooth and stress-free.

The retreats were exceptionally well-organized, and the on-site accommodations were clean and comfortable. One of the highlights for me was the food: lovingly prepared, abundant, and absolutely delicious on both occasions.

The structure of the retreats, guided primarily by Shi Miao Hai, was inspiring and impactful. My first visit helped lay the foundation for my practice as a beginner, while the second retreat deepened my understanding with new insights and techniques.

I was deeply inspired by Shi Miao Hai’s teaching style and personality. His reflective nature, heartfelt approach, and willingness to assist in any way possible made a lasting impression on me. In some cases, he switched seamlessly between German and English when no translator was available. Although you won’t find much about him online, experiencing his teachings live is a true privilege and a significant asset to the retreats.

While both retreats were primarily led by Shi Miao Hai, they also included sessions with other members of the temple community, adding valuable diversity to the program. This mix of perspectives and teaching styles enriched the experience and provided additional insights into the practices and philosophy of the temple.

Each retreat hosted around 20 participants, and while the dining and practice areas could feel a bit full at times, everything was well-balanced and worked seamlessly. The group was diverse, offering opportunities to socialize for those who wanted, though the focus remained on mindfulness and reflection, supported by extended periods of silence.

A special note: During the 2022 retreat, I had the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Sifu Shi Heng Yi, who happened to be at the temple for some film recordings. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations—he does not live on-site and does not typically lead the meditation retreats, as I understand it. While he is undeniably the face of the temple and a source of great inspiration, encountering him should be considered a fortunate coincidence rather than a guarantee.

One practical note: I had no phone reception at the temple at all. To make a call or check messages, I had to walk about 10 minutes away from the temple. This is worth keeping in mind for anyone needing to stay in frequent contact with family, etc.

Overall, my weekends at Shaolin Temple Europe were incredibly enriching. The combination of serene surroundings, expert guidance, and a supportive environment makes these retreats highly recommendable for anyone looking to deepen their...

Motivation Letter:

Dear Shaolin Temple Europe Team, I am writing with humility and enthusiasm to express my interest in becoming part of your community of learning and spiritual development. Throughout my life, I have always sought ways to improve my body, mind, and spirit, and the Shaolin tradition has consistently been a profound source of inspiration for me.

Chinese martial arts and Shaolin philosophy represent more than mere physical exercises; they offer a path to self-discovery, mental discipline, and inner harmony. In my quest for personal and spiritual growth, I have always felt a strong attraction to the teachings and practices of Shaolin.

I am convinced that participating in your program will be a transformative journey for me. Despite not being in the best physical condition and having neglected sports recently, I am determined to start afresh and become part of the Shaolin Temple. With the discipline and motivation I possess, I am eager to embark on this new journey of self-improvement. I am prepared to dedicate the time, energy, and determination required to learn and practice diligently within the Shaolin Temple in Europe. I am eager to begin this journey and explore my limits, both physically and spiritually, under your guidance.

I aspire not only to become a practitioner of Chinese martial arts but also to embrace the values and teachings of the Shaolin tradition. I commit to respecting the rules of the Temple, including:

No killing No stealing No drugs that cloud one’s senses No sexual activities and no sexual contacts No lies No jewelry and no cosmetics No material luxury No worldly pleasures No eating separate from the Order No accumulation of property and money Even outside the monastery, the Order expects me to lead a moral life.

Allow me to introduce myself: I am Adrian Valentin Nistor, a 19-year-old citizen of Romania. Regarding English proficiency, I speak fluently and can engage in effective conversations. While my English may not be perfect, I am capable of understanding the teachings of the master and holding meaningful conversations. I am willing to further improve my English skills as I progress.

Thank you for considering my application to be a part of the Shaolin Temple family in Europe. I am excited about the prospect of meeting you and beginning this extraordinary journey together.

With respect,

Nistor...

I have never been to the temple and discovered all of this Shaolin culture in May this year, but I have been fascinated by how much is possible to achieve simply by putting in the intent and the will. I have never practiced Gong Fu before, nor any martial art, but I have always done a lot of sports and at the moment I do climbing at a fairly high level and all the Shaolin teachings have helped me master my fears and my limits my mind thought I had. I feel that my mind and vision is being reshaped, but I also know this is only the beginning because there is so much more for me to discover and perfect, I am so far from mastering anything, but also thanks to the Shaolin spirit Shi Heng Yi’s teaching have ignited in me I now feel more than ever inspired to continue, to push my limits and realise that there are no limits. Every day is a new challenge and that alone is beautiful. What I wanted to say is that the Shaolin methods can really bring a lot of quality and deep understanding of one’s life and it just feels full filling to feel your body, feel the life inside and outside your body and having a peaceful mind which is adapting to what is happening outside. I really hope you will continue doing what you do and that after you other people will continue on you mission. I will continue on pushing past my limit and trying to find my true self, every day more than the day before because I simply want to achieve what I don’t know about yet. Without the Shaolin teachings I wouldn’t feel this way and I am sure that I will discover many more things if I dedicate myself more to the Shaolin Spirit and the constant mindfulness will eventually come. thank you I hope I will soon be able to come to your temple to spend some time learning from you all...