I believe that foreign tourists visiting China usually explore famous landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. However, beyond these iconic sites, there are other uniquely Chinese landscapes—temples. Here, you will encounter many bald monks who embody qualities of determination, patience, and discipline. They seem unaffected by worldly temptations. In this article, let’s delve into the lives of these Chinese monks and uncover the stories that lie behind their serene and focused lives. These temples offer not just a glimpse into China’s spiritual heritage, but also provide deep insights into personal growth and inner peace.
The history of Chinese monks can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (1st century AD). Buddhism was initially introduced to China via the Silk Road from India. The earliest record comes from Emperor Ming of Han, who dreamt of a golden figure and sent emissaries to the Western regions to seek Buddhist teachings. They brought back Buddhist scriptures and high-ranking monks, and established the first Buddhist temple in China—White Horse Temple in Luoyang. This marked the beginning of Buddhism in China and the origin of Chinese monks.
White Horse Temple, located in Luoyang, is the first Buddhist temple in China's history. Today, it has been transformed into a scenic area featuring multiple Buddhist temple styles, including Thai-style architecture, showcasing the diverse influence of Buddhism in China.
In the early years, Chinese monks were primarily foreign monks who translated Buddhist scriptures and spread Buddhist teachings, gradually attracting local followers. During the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, Buddhism rapidly expanded in China, with a significant increase in temples and monks. By the Sui and Tang Dynasties, Buddhism reached its peak, with famous monks like Xuanzang traveling to India to retrieve sacred texts, which helped promote the sinicization of Buddhism.
Chinese monks not only inherited the Buddhist precepts and practices from India but also integrated Confucian and Daoist philosophies, forming a unique system of Chinese Buddhism, such as Zen Buddhism. This distinctive tradition became an important part of China’s religious culture, deeply influencing both spiritual practices and societal values throughout Chinese history. It not only shaped the religious landscape but also contributed significantly to China's art, literature, and philosophy.
The practices and precepts of Chinese monks are at the core of Buddhist culture, reflecting their deep faith and understanding of life. Their daily routine is marked by the "morning bell and evening drum," symbolizing the start and end of their spiritual practice. Monks wake up to the sound of bells in the morning and conclude their day with the drumbeat in the evening. Throughout the day, they chant sutras, meditate, and strive for spiritual purification through diligent practice. They follow strict monastic rules, including the "Five Precepts" (not killing, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying, or drinking alcohol) and the "Ten Precepts," all designed to restrain the body and mind, cultivate purity and compassion, and help the practitioner overcome greed, hatred, and ignorance, ultimately leading to liberation.
A key feature of Chinese monks is their vegetarian tradition, which stems from the Buddhist principle of "non-killing." During the reign of Emperor Liang Wu, vegetarianism was formally adopted as part of monastic dietary practices and gradually became a hallmark of Chinese Buddhism. Vegetarianism is not only a dietary choice but also a form of practice, reflecting respect for life and self-restraint from desires. By abstaining from eating meat, monks embody compassion and reduce harm to sentient beings.
Monks' vegetarian meals are light, meat-free, and rich in protein, such as legumes. This simple and healthy diet reflects Buddhist principles of non-violence and promotes physical well-being, while also supporting spiritual focus and mental clarity in their practice.
The significance of keeping the precepts lies in achieving spiritual liberation and wisdom through self-discipline. The precepts form the foundation of their practice, helping them resist worldly temptations and focus on inner cultivation. Although challenges arise in maintaining these precepts, especially in modern society, many monks continue to uphold them, serving as role models of pure practice and the embodiment of Buddhist compassion and wisdom.
Throughout history, famous monks have had a profound influence on Chinese culture, and their stories and spiritual teachings continue to be passed down today.
Xuanzang, a prominent monk of the Tang Dynasty, undertook a perilous 17-year journey to the West in search of Buddhist scriptures. He returned with numerous texts, which he translated into Chinese. His work, The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, documented the customs and landscapes of Central Asia, becoming an important source for the study of ancient Central Asian history. Xuanzang's dedication to seeking the Dharma has inspired countless people over the centuries.
Ji Gong, a legendary monk from the Southern Song Dynasty, is known for his eccentric behavior and the title of "living Buddha." Though his actions often appeared mad, his compassion and efforts to help the poor and sick earned him a place in folk tales as a symbol of justice. His story has been adapted into dramas and films, becoming beloved by the public.
Jigong is a famous Chinese monk known for his joyful and humorous personality, earning the title of "Happy Living Buddha." His stories have been adapted into many TV dramas, beloved by audiences for showcasing his wisdom and compassion.
Hanshan and Shide, two monks from the Tang Dynasty, symbolized the hermit culture of the period. They lived in the mountains, using poetry to spread their teachings of harmony between nature and the soul. Their poems, filled with Zen wisdom, had a lasting impact on later generations of scholars and were even transmitted to Japan, becoming a significant part of East Asian cultural heritage. These monks' stories not only enriched China's religious culture but also offered timeless wisdom for cultivating the mind and spirit.
Monks in Chinese history have not only played religious roles but have also been deeply involved in political affairs, showcasing their unique influence in power struggles.
One such figure was Yao Guangxiao, a prominent monk and politician during the Ming Dynasty. He assisted Emperor Zhu Di in launching the "Jingnan Campaign," which successfully seized the throne from his nephew. Although a monk, Yao was skilled in political strategy, becoming one of Zhu Di's key advisors. After the Ming Dynasty was established, Yao contributed to the compilation of the Yongle Encyclopedia, further solidifying the role of monks in politics.
Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, had a strong relationship with Buddhism. To strengthen her reign, she strongly promoted Buddhism, even declaring herself the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Wu Zetian's support of Buddhist scriptures and temple construction contributed to the flourishing of Buddhism during the Tang Dynasty. She also used Buddhist support to suppress Confucian opposition, illustrating the complex intertwining of power and religion.
A particularly unusual event in history occurred during the Northern Wei Dynasty, when a monk named Gao Tan Sheng led a rebellion and declared himself "Emperor of the Great Vehicle." Although his rule lasted only a few months before being suppressed, this event exemplifies the direct involvement of monks in political affairs under certain historical conditions.
These examples highlight that monks in Chinese history were not just religious figures but also key players in political affairs, much like the close relationship between the papacy and politics in the West. Their participation in politics adds a unique dimension to Chinese history.
Monks in China have made outstanding contributions to literature and art, using their works to convey deep cultural heritage and Buddhist wisdom. A representative figure in this domain is Master Hongyi (Li Shutong), who was initially renowned as an artist skilled in poetry, calligraphy, painting, music, and drama. After becoming a monk, he gained great respect for his calligraphy, which is described as "simple yet complete, naturally perfect." His poem "Farewell" has become a classic in Chinese culture.
The poetry and calligraphy of monks often center around Zen, blending aesthetics with spiritual practice. For example, the Tang Dynasty poets Han Shan and Shi De used nature as their theme to create numerous Zen-inspired poems that deeply influenced later generations of scholars and poets. In calligraphy, many monks used their unique style to transcribe Buddhist scriptures, merging artistic expression with religious devotion.
Buddhist music and drama also represent significant contributions from monks. Buddhist chants, such as the fanbei (mantra recitation), combine scripture with music to spread Buddhist teachings and purify the soul. In the realm of drama, Master Hongyi was instrumental in founding the Chunliu Society, which advanced Chinese theater. These artistic forms not only enriched China's cultural traditions but also served as important mediums for spreading Buddhism. Additionally, the singing bowls, used by monks for chanting, have become popular tools for modern meditation practices. These contributions highlight the monks' pivotal role in shaping both religious and cultural landscapes.
In Chinese folklore, monks are depicted in a variety of roles, from heroic warriors to humorous, everyday characters.
One of the most iconic monk figures is the Shaolin warrior monk, famous for their martial arts skills and strong sense of justice. According to legend, these monks helped the Tang Emperor Taizong suppress rebellions, becoming symbols of loyalty and bravery. Their stories, often adapted into films and television shows, have cemented the "warrior monk" image in popular culture, showcasing the monks' unique blend of religious devotion and physical prowess.
Monks and nuns are also featured in many folk tales that explore the intersection of religious life and worldly matters. These stories often depict the monks and nuns engaged in both serious spiritual practice and light-hearted, everyday interactions, reflecting the balance between religious duties and human nature. They offer an amusing and sometimes poignant look at the conflicts and resolutions between strict religious discipline and personal desires.
One of the most famous folk tales is the story of "The Three Monks," a fable about three monks who, due to laziness, refuse to help one another and end up failing in their responsibilities. Eventually, they realize that by working together, they can overcome their problems. This story, often used as a moral lesson, highlights human nature’s tendency toward idleness and the importance of cooperation.
These folk tales provide a diverse portrayal of monks, blending the sacred and the mundane, and continue to entertain and educate audiences with their humor and wisdom.
Modern monks face several challenges related to economics, cultural inheritance, and their social roles. The economic model of contemporary temples largely depends on offerings, ticket sales, religious ceremonies, and the sale of cultural products. Large temples have started offering creative cultural items such as prayer beads and Zen-inspired statues to attract young visitors. Some temples even implement AR tours and virtual reality experiences to blend culture and commerce. However, many small temples, especially in remote areas, still struggle economically, with monks earning meager incomes and lacking basic social security.
In the age of social media, monks have become a captivating cultural symbol, drawing significant attention. Young people, through short-video platforms, have discovered temple life and even regard "temple visits" as a way to reduce stress.
Temples also use social media to promote Buddhist teachings, such as the "Xian Er Monk" cartoon IP from Beijing's Longquan Temple, which successfully bridges the gap with younger audiences.
Cultural inheritance and innovation pose another major challenge for modern monks. On one hand, temples promote traditional culture through activities like Zen meditation courses and Buddhist concerts. On the other hand, the commercialization of Buddhism has raised concerns about losing its core spiritual purpose. The balance between maintaining pure spiritual practices while adapting to modern society’s demands has become an essential lesson for contemporary monks. How to navigate this delicate balance is an ongoing issue that modern monks must address.
