Western Regions Shaolin (simplified: 西域少林, traditional: 西域少林, pinyin: Xīyù Shàolín, jyutping: sai1 wik6 siu3 lam4) was a branch of the Shaolin Order established in the Western Regions. It maintained the orthodox Shaolin tradition far from the Central Plains.
Notable disciples
Fang Tianlao, Pan Tiangeng, and Wei Tianwang were disciples of Western Regions Shaolin. They challenged He Zudao (何足道), the “Three Kunlun Sages” (昆仑三圣), on his way to Shaolin Monastery, but were defeated. The incident is recounted in the backstory linking The Return of the Condor Heroes to The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre.
Relationship with Vajra School
The Vajra School (金刚门), also known as the Western Regions Diamond Gate, was founded by Huogong Toutuo, a renegade from Shaolin. It represents a heterodox offshoot distinct from the orthodox Western Regions Shaolin branch.
See also
- Shaolin Order
- Vajra School — Heterodox offshoot
- Fang Tianlao, Pan Tiangeng, Wei Tianwang