More Chinese office-goers, mainly women, are joining programmes to experience the life of a Buddhist monk to de-stress themselves from high pressure jobs.
Shanghai’s Yufo Temple has received a good response to its week-long program that lets people experience life as a monk.
From October 15 to 21
Most of the participants are female office workers, state-run Global Times reported. The program will be held from October 15 to 21, and it is aimed at reducing stress by experiencing monks’ daily lives.
Activities include listening to the abbot’s teaching, copying Buddhist sutras, meditating and chanting.
Master Huihong of the temple said that there were 108 places for the program and it was filled within 10 days.
Modified tonsure
During the programme, participants will go through a modified tonsure ceremony.
“We will not shave off all of the hair, but will only cut a bit of it, symbolising the ceremony,” he said adding that the program’s purpose is to let people experience the life of a monk, not to recruit people. He also emphasised that meals will be provided in the temple, correcting some media reports that participants will have to beg for all of their food.
“[Begging for food] is a Buddhist ceremony and will be held at noon on the last day of the program. Participants will follow the master and walk a planned route,” Master Huihong said.
According to Yufo Temple, each participant has to pay 2,000 yuan ($315) for the program, to cover costs such as clothing, meals and renting venues.
The temple is currently considering launching a second round of the program.
