The profound cultural connotation reflected by Shaolin Martial Art originates from the wisdom of Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism emphasizes to practice in daily life while Shaolin Martial Art also serves as an important part in monks' daily life and also becomes a way to practice Zen Buddhism. Zen, makes the martial art present a distinct relaxed and unrestrained state. And the martial art also provides a new way to practice Zen through the firsthand experience. Masters practice the martial art to obtain the purpose of body-building, mental workout and intelligent development.

Under the influence of finding the true heart, Shaolin Martial Art emphasizes the practice of the mind. In the Secrets of Shaolin Boxing, it states that you should learn to keep a calm mind before studying Shaolin Boxing. The practice of mind  runs through the movement of Shaolin Boxing. In the 24-character secret of Shaolin Boxing, it mentions sensing the breathing to emphasize the importance of the regular breathing in the practice of Shaolin Boxing. One should let the heart lead the movement and keep the unify of the mind and body.

In the Zen Buddhism, they believe the nature of the mind is tranquility. As wild desires blind the true nature, so people become stupid. Then how to become smarter? One should pursue the wisdom in the enlightenment. Shaolin Martial Art is guided by such theory and focuses on the practice of mind. (Essay: Liu Tao)