Back from Shanghai, a city of charm. It's charm comes from crossover of traditions and modern. It's charm comes from fast developing, plenty of opportunities yet still remaining marks of its history. This is a trip to make mother happier plus it's my 5th visits. Instead of going to exciting places, we hopped in several temples. As a Christian, I see temple as architecture and history. We have many ancient temples some over a thousand years.
In old time, Government used Buddhism to control people for its reclusive teaching. Today, most Chinese are accustomed to this so-called traditional religion. For not much effort to put in and plenty of choice in god worshipping (god of health, god of wealth, god of fertility etc.), many claim themselves to be Buddhists without actually know what Buddhism is.
I have chance to meet monks of temples and to have vegetarian meals and tea with them (I love to be vegetarian too if I can make that dishes). I found that they are less religious than I thought. Running a temple first you need the support of government. To be the monk leader, good relationship with government is a must. Totally political. Monk and other positions at temples are perceived as good and stable career in Shanghai comparing to general living standard and they do possess prerogative. It's not surprise to find some of their intentions are not as pure as being "called" serving at these religious places.
I declare that I really respect monk and Buddhism. I especially love the construction of temples myself. Just that when I see people not really using their freedom of choice (a big gift from God), I feel sad for them. Religion is never a luxury product. It's the purpose of living. It's the origin of life. It's motivation of a fruitful, influential life. It is definitely worth for serious study and evaluate before committing into it. Use your heart to feel, pray for the spiritual insight, seek the real one! Don't settle for the second best!
In old time, Government used Buddhism to control people for its reclusive teaching. Today, most Chinese are accustomed to this so-called traditional religion. For not much effort to put in and plenty of choice in god worshipping (god of health, god of wealth, god of fertility etc.), many claim themselves to be Buddhists without actually know what Buddhism is.
I have chance to meet monks of temples and to have vegetarian meals and tea with them (I love to be vegetarian too if I can make that dishes). I found that they are less religious than I thought. Running a temple first you need the support of government. To be the monk leader, good relationship with government is a must. Totally political. Monk and other positions at temples are perceived as good and stable career in Shanghai comparing to general living standard and they do possess prerogative. It's not surprise to find some of their intentions are not as pure as being "called" serving at these religious places.
I declare that I really respect monk and Buddhism. I especially love the construction of temples myself. Just that when I see people not really using their freedom of choice (a big gift from God), I feel sad for them. Religion is never a luxury product. It's the purpose of living. It's the origin of life. It's motivation of a fruitful, influential life. It is definitely worth for serious study and evaluate before committing into it. Use your heart to feel, pray for the spiritual insight, seek the real one! Don't settle for the second best!
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