Participants read scriptures at night before going to sleep during a seminar in the Nuona Pogota Temple on the Lushan Mountain in Jiangxi Province. Photo: IC

A temple hidden in Lushan Mountain regularly holds teaching events for followers of Buddhism who long to find inner peace amid the frenetic pace of modern materialistic society.

The Nuona Pagoda Temple in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, named after a patriotic Tibetan "living Buddha" in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the Republic of China era, provides five-day seminars free of charge at least four times a year. The latest seminar, held in early August, attracted 50-plus apprentices from the secular world.

Each day begins with the bell chime at 5:30 in the morning, when the apprentices start reciting the Diamond Sutra for an hour, guided by a master. After breakfast comes the most challenging part, the zazen, during which participants sit cross-legged in meditation. At first, many of the participants have to constantly change position so they don't have numb legs.

Focusing on the rhythm of their breathing while walking slows them down, while listening to the chiming of bells helps them reflect on past sins.

According to tradition, the participants call each other "brother" regardless of the gender, and often share a cup of tea with each other to encourage reverence and gratefulness during tea-making classes every day. Speaking is forbidden while eating the Buddhist diet. Participants do another round of sutra readings at night and chime the bell before finishing the day and going to sleep.

During the seminar, participants are not allowed to go down the mountain, though they are permitted to use cellphones.

The seminar is aimed at boosting the wisdom of participants and bringing them warmth and power. Participants say that at least they have become less worried and more calm, even after they have returned to the secular world.

Global Times

People participating in the seminar meditate during a zazen occasion. Photo: IC

Apprentices have a meal in silence. Photo: IC

Two apprentices share a cup of tea. Photo: IC

A participant sweeps the path as part of the seminar. Photo: IC

Zazen begins after breakfast. Photo: IC