The Modern Monks of China

[rug]

The world-weary have sought refuge in Buddhist temples for thousands of years, shedding their earthly entanglements for a higher calling. But what about now? Tang Yue goes into retreat to fi nd out more about the Buddhist monks of 21st-century China.

Buddhism in China is about 2,000 years old. It has had a roller-coaster history with its popularity reaching a peak during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). It was during this period that Xuan Zang, its most ardent advocate and arguably China's most famous monk, traveled overland to India in search of original Buddhist scriptures. His journey took 17 years, and it became the stuff of legends, including the inspiration for Wu Cheng'en's novel Journey to the West, an allegory spiced up with the fictional disciples Monkey, Piggy and Sharky, a sort of China's equivalent to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. As New China hurtled into socialism, religion took a backseat as revolutionary fervor became the faith of the day. China was changing and it had other priorities. Fast-forward again to the 2010s, and today's Buddhist leaders are looking at a revival. As life gets more comfortable, and urban pressures increase, the resulting paradox has stirred up spiritual needs. But 14 centuries after Buddhism set root in China, it is a very different scenario. There are now new platforms from which to evangelize and preach. While the monks of yore had to trudge far to spread Buddhist teachings, the modern missionaries are able to communicate with a click of the mouse. There are online sermons, and many religious leaders make use of that very useful networking tool - the microblogs. Sometimes, they even blog in many languages.

We got a first-hand look at how it works at Beijing's Longquan Temple in Fenghuangling, a Buddhist sanctuary built in the Liao Dynasty more than 1,000 years ago.

Like many monasteries all over the country, it has withstood the tribulations of history. The latest was during the turbulence of the "cultural revolution", when it became a silent shell.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2011-07/17/content_12917213.htm

[geckosfeet]

1. Hmm. Interesting. Hard to tell whether this is government propaganda

meant to distract from the systematic destruction of the Tibetan culture, or if Buddhism really being integrated into 'modern' China. China does not allow this type of endorsement of religion without many levels of government approval, so it strikes me as a feel good puff piece put out by the government propaganda wing. I could be off base though.

I just don't see how they can keep legitimate Buddhist spiritual leaders in exile for 60+ years, then claim Buddhism is making a comeback with a straight face.

On another note - I know some Sri Lankan monks who have a temple near by and they most certainly make use of modern electronics, the internet, etc. These are NOT saffron robed luddites. However, they do maintain and teach ancient and arcane Buddhist beliefs and seem to struggle with understanding some aspects of western culture and the language. And I struggle to understand certain aspects of Buddhism and how it can be relevant to western cultures.

But a nicer group of people you will not meet.

[rug]

2. China Daily is government funded but even propaganda has some interesting facts floating in it.

It's hard to get a close up view of Buddhism in mainland China from other sources.

I suspect this monastery is one of the government approved ones. I was reading about the uproar this past week over the ordination of bishops for the government approved Catholic Church against the wishes of the Vatican. Outside of Tibetan Buddhism, I can't tell if there is also a sharp schism in Buddhism inside China.

This temple isn't far from me and we usually stop by a couple of times a year. Although it originated in Tibet, they have some kind of disagreement with the Dalai Lama.



http://www.kadampanewyork.org/

You're right about Buddhists. A nicer group of people you will not meet.

[geckosfeet]

4. That (Kadampa) is quite a temple. Have never been but would like to.

Yes there have been many schisms within the Tibetan Buddhist community. Tibet itself still suffers at the hands of the Chinese leadership, and there are many opinions on dealing with the politics and government attempts to control and direct the Buddhist leadership. The Chinese government keeps pressure on Tibet to weaken the leadership in exile. Disagreements with the Dali Lama range from political to being unable to find common ground on interpreting fundamental Buddhist teachings. However I think that he is still recognized as a spiritual leader to most Buddhists.

I saw this piece on the Dali Lama: "Dalai Lama visits US: why did Tibetan leader step down?" and thought it very interesting.

[xchrom]

3. recommend