Asia's largest Buddhist academy for nuns

The inner workings of Asia's largest Buddhist nunnery have been revealed by chinanews.com, in a recent trip to Mount Wutai.

Founded in 1991 by master Ru Rui, the Nun Buddhist Academy of Bushou Temple is today home to some 1,300 nuns who devote themselves to the Buddhist doctrine. Built inside the Song Dynasty (960–1279) Pushou Temple, the academy covers more than 7,000 square meters.

The Nun Buddhist Academy of Bushou Temple in Mount Wutai.[Photo/chinanews.com]

Life at the nunnery is one of discipline. Every day, students are required to take praying lessons at 4:30 am and 7:30 pm, and apply themselves to the Buddhist doctrine attentively.

"Promoting Buddhist philosophy to the outside world should give priority to the cultivation of the Buddhism talents," master Ru Rui said. Her proposition that opening the door to wisdom on the basis of religious discipline, has been widely recognized by the Buddhist community.

The academy recruits students from all over the world who are committed to devoting themselves to religious works. "We select outstanding applicants according to their tests and interviews," Ru said.

A red gallery and green trees inside the Mount Wutai Nun Buddhist Academy. [Photo/chinanews.com]

After graduation, some of the students stay on to become teachers while others are sent to other temples to promote the Buddhist doctrine. Nuns under the age of 20 also take courses in mathematics.

The academy also dedicates itself to promoting other cultural activities such as sculpture, calligraphy, cartoons and English.

Notices drawn up by students who study at Mount Wutai Nun Buddhist Academy. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Over the years, many delegations from countries such as Germany, Canada, and Sri Lanka have visited the academy to take part in cultural exchanges. Master Ru Rui said that she hoped that Mount Wutai Buddhist Academy could continue to make contributions to the popularization of the Buddhism in the future.