Piture of German metal singer Alea der Bescheidene in Shaolin Temple.

 
"Shaolin has become a part of my life. The martial arts and Zen practice have changed my life, indeed, I would even say they saved it," German metal singer Alea der Bescheidene, who is currently at Shaolin Temple in Central China's Henan Province for an 18-day seclusion retreat, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

In a June 2 Instagram post written in German, the lead singer of the German metal band Saltatio Mortis announced his departure to China for an 18-day retreat, saying he would wake up at 4:30 am in accordance with the local routine, take part in kung fu training, and fully immerse himself in Shaolin life.

On June 9, another post reflected on the experience: "You meet more than friends in the art of kung fu. You meet brothers and sisters. When we move in the same rhythm, nothing can stop us... Kung fu and the Zen philosophy are more than just words. They are the flame in our hearts."

Der Bescheidene said in another post on Tuesday that "In Shaolin, every punch carries strength-and every laugh, brotherhood."

"My journey this year was my fourth visit to the Shaolin Temple. I was truly overwhelmed when I saw my name and the names of my German masters on a large stone tablet in the first courtyard of the main temple," der Bescheidene told the Global Times on Wednesday.

He revealed that another unforgettable experience was a personal conversation with Shi Yongxin, abbot of the temple, "in which I was able to thank him for helping me find my spiritual path in Shaolin and for allowing me to experience some of my most profound moments."

"Shaolin has become a part of my life. The martial arts and Zen have changed my life, and I would even say saved it," said der Bescheidene.

Traditional culture also has no national or ethnic boundaries. In central China's Henan Province, the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu martial arts, exchange and interaction activities have been held with its fans worldwide for years, Xinhua reported in 2023.

The report said about 2,000 foreigners visit the 1,500-year-old temple to learn kung fu and experience Shaolin life every year.

At the beginning of June, Victor Wembanyama, 21, a French basketball star for the San Antonio Spurs, reportedly shaved his head and began a 10-day seclusion and training program at the Shaolin Temple.

The NBA's official account on Sina Weibo, China's X-like platform, also posted the news on June 9, stating that according to reports, Wembanyama had shaved his head and would begin a 10-day seclusion retreat at the Shaolin Temple.

The Zhengzhou-based Dahe Daily learned from sources at the Temple on June 9 that Wembanyama was indeed at the Temple, but more details were unable to be shared with the public, according to the report.

According to CNN, the 2024-25 NBA All-star and 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, had just gone through a tough season. "He had been out since February following a rare deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and several weeks later the Spurs were officially eliminated from playoffs," CNN reported.