Reporter's Diary: Buddhism goes digital

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Chinese Buddhism is at the crossroad of its future development. How can it progress under the challenges of commercialization and globalization? And how can Chinese Buddhism regain its momentum to thrive?

This story reveals the life of the monks in Longquan Temple, and how they face the challenges ahead.

"Buddhism is about the laws of the spiritual and psychological world. Today with the power of science, this spiritual world will be better spread," said Master Xianqing of Longquan Temple.

Longquan Temple, located in the northwest of Beijing, has more than 1,000 years of history. /CGTN Photo

Finding its way in the 21st century

For years, Longquan Temple has searched for ways to increase Buddhism's development, by enhancing its connection with contemporary culture and seeking wisdom from Buddhism to help society advance.

Masters from the temple said that Buddhist values need to be rediscovered and the spirit of Buddhism needs to be integrated into the fast-changing society. Xian'er, a robotic novice monk, has become a new way to spread Buddhism to the public.

See more: China's monk robot Xian'er to 'speak' English

Master Xianfan introduces CGTN correspondent Han Bin to the second-generation Xian'er robot monk at Longquan Temple. /CGTN Photo

"The cuteness of Xian'er is very much in line with Chinese aesthetics. It lets people feel that he's approachable and amiable," said Xian'er's designer Master Xianfan.