Putin visits Shaolin Temple

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) poses for a photo with Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin temple, in the temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006. Putin arrived here on Wednesday for a taste of Buddhism and martial arts. Established about 1,500 years ago, Shaolin is famed for the great combination of martial arts skill and Zen, a sect of Buddhism, that features long meditation sessions to purify the mind.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C), holding a young monk on shoulder, poses for a photo with monks after watching their demonstration of Shaolin Kung Fu in Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd L) watches the demonstration of Shaolin Kong Fu by a monk in Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) watches the demonstration of Shaolin Kong Fu by two monks in Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (3rd L), accompanied by Shi Yongxin (in red kasaya), abbot of Shaolin temple, visits the temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) talks with the monks after watching their demonstration of Shaolin Kung Fu in Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) watches the demonstration of Shaolin Kong Fu by two monks in Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan Province, on March 22, 2006.