A recent viral video from Chengdu, China, features a Buddhist monk handing out cash to bystanders outside Wenshu Monastery. This act, called “dana,” means giving selflessly without expectation. While some joked about him being a “reverse beggar,” the act reflects a deeper trend in modern Chinese Buddhism.
Chinese social media shows a significant rise in interest in Buddhism, particularly among the youth. Hashtags like #中国佛教 (#ChineseBuddhism) and #禅修 (#ZenMeditation) highlight how people are not only practicing Buddhism as a religion but also embracing it as a lifestyle choice focused on wellness and inner peace. A search on Weibo, a popular social media platform, reveals thousands of posts about personal rituals and visits to temples, emphasizing this growing interest.
Last week, videos of visitors at Jinghong’s General Buddhist Temple in Yunnan went viral. This temple, noted for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere, has become a popular spot for urban dwellers seeking tranquility.
According to a report from Sixth Tone, many temples in China are adapting to modern demands. These sacred spaces now often include cafés, souvenir shops, and wellness centers, leading to what some are calling a “temple economy.” With economic pressures mounting, many young Chinese are drawn to spirituality in their quest for meaning and calm.
However, this blending of spirituality and consumerism has raised concerns. In 2021, Chinese authorities cracked down on “Buddhist lifestyle” influencers who mixed spiritual practices with commercialization. Officials argued that this commercialization betrayed the genuine essence of Buddhism. While religious practice itself remains permitted, the regulation aims to control how it is represented online.
Rinzin Namgyal, a Tibetan scholar, warns that this state oversight could strip Buddhism of its moral and spiritual depth, reducing it to mere aesthetics devoid of real substance. He notes that when religion is overly commercialized and politicized, it risks losing its true voice and purpose.
As Buddhism continues to evolve in China, the balance between spirituality and modern consumer culture raises important questions about the future of religious practice in the country.
