In age-old Buddhist scripture, help for modern woes

Two monks greet each other at the Buddhist Longquan Monastery in northern Beijing. The temple with a history of more than 1,000 years has nearly 200 volunteers, most of whom are graduates of China's elite universities. Jiang Dong / China Daily

New media

Master Xuecheng starts a typical day at Longquan Monastery by responding to questions left by followers on his blog, which he set up in 2006. The queries range in topic from parenting and family issues to workplace conflicts and stress. The temple also posts daily updates about events online in nine languages.

"We need to make sure Buddhism is reaching the public," said Master Xianlyu at the temple. "Sharing Buddhist teachings online is the easiest way, as people today have a quicker pace of life."

He said the interactive nature of new media, which allows users the chance to have direct dialogue with masters, has proved attractive to the public. "We need to explain the thinking of Buddhist classics to modern society so they derive power from these classics," he added.

However, the promotion of Buddhist teachings now relies heavily on lay Buddhists, he said, as the reach of monks is far from adequate. Volunteers at Longquan Monastery, for example, help spread scripture through animation and short films.

Theologians say one of the big questions faced by Buddhism is how to make sure the traditional teaching responds to the changing needs of modern society.

"We're trying to pass on traditional Buddhism through new media and modern technology, but the scriptures do not change," Master Xianlyu said. "The challenge lies in how to make them palpable and acceptable."

For art graduate Yu, Buddhism has answered the questions she had after leaving college. "Some people see religion as a constraint, while it has provided me with inner strength and removed the doubt in my mind," she said. "It freed my inner self.

"Praying to Buddha may seem a tedious ritual, but in a sense it is a constant reminder that we need to control the arrogance in ourselves and be better people."

Contact the writer at xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn