Ancient Chinese Monastic Life: A Culmination of Chinese Folk Culture

Author: Wang Jinglin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: Monasteries, as the centers of Buddhist activities, serve as both sacred halls for worshipping Buddha and Bodhisattvas, or holy places where countless devout believers pray to their deities. On the other hand, they are also places where numerous monks reside, practice, and teach. In this sense, Buddhist activities in monasteries belong to both the realm of religious belief that governs people's hearts and a unique religious practice with distinct living content. In the deep courtyards of monasteries, separated from the secular world by high walls, live the main practitioners of religious activities—the monks. Although they come from the mortal world, they have shaved their heads, taken vows, put on robes, beaten wooden fish, struck morning bells, recited scriptures day and night, and engaged in various religious ceremonies, forming a variety of unique living customs.