CCTV9英语新闻：Some young people turn to Buddhism for comfort

Buddhist culture has a long histroy in China. Amid rapid changes of modern society, some young people have turned to Buddhism for comfort. Whether it's seeking peace of mind in a competitive and fast-paced society, or simply a passion to study Buddhist theory, those young people are finding comfort in meditation and volunteering at temples.

 

24-year-old Yang Liu has been doing volunteer work at Bai Yun Temple since October last year. The temple was built on Wutai Mountain in Shanxi Province. It's one of the most famous Buddhist destinations in the north of China.

 

Yang has been learning Buddhist theory for many years. After she graduated from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics last year, she worked in a company for a while, and then committed herself fully to volunteer work in various temples.

 

"The greatest benefit I've had here is peace of mind. I’ve learnt to curb my desires and be content with what I have," Yang said.

 

Yang Liu’s peaceful and positive mindset has had an influence on some of her friends.

 

"Many of my friends feel stressed-out... at work and in life. They enjoy talking to me. I tell them to see things differently. They often feel relaxed and happy after these chats," Yang said.

 

While some young people do volunteer work in temples, others are reading about Buddhist culture at home. 31-year-old Liu Tiannan is one of them. As an office worker, he has been learning about Buddhism through books for a decade.

 

"Buddhism is an integral part of Chinese culture. Both of them promote similar values and virtues. Buddhism helps me to understand Chinese culture better. And it also teaches me how to be a better man and how to deal with problems in life," Liu said.

 

In recent years, many temples in China have started to give meditation lessons to young people. Thousands of people are reported to have been competing for the limited number of places available.

 

A psychologist says young people often feel stressed out in this fast changing society. Those who have turned to study Buddhism are actually trying to relax and find peace of mind.

 

"These young people take Buddhism as a way to relieve their stress and regulate their moods. This phenomenon also reflects the underdevelopment of the psychological counseling industry in our country. When young people can’t find a professional psychologist to talk to, some of them will turn to religion, and they believe learning about the religion can address their confusion and pressures," Wang Jie, Psychologist with Shanxi Psychology Society, said.

 

We’re living in a rapidly developing society. Stress, confusion and mood swings are inevitable. Psychologists say however, that religion is not the only way to address our mental problems. Reading books, listening to music, travelling or simply talking to people can also help one relaxed and provide inspiration.