Text | Xiaofeng talks about history
Because of a "virtual ethereal dream", he willingly dropped out of 985. A pair of scissors cut three thousand green silks, and the beautiful high-achieving students suddenly became a bhikshuni who escaped into the empty door.
From "the princess in the ivory tower" to the "chanting and worshipping the Buddha" in the temple.
(All the information in this article is based on the official website, which is detailed at the end of the article.) Some of the content of the article has been edited and is for reference only. ）
What kind of dream can make Shi Zheng Xiaotong give up "everything in the world". She became the "most beautiful nun" in her "cutting off the dust", who was behind her who "carried everything" for her?
1. "The Reincarnation of the Spirit Child"
As a thousand-year-old temple in the mainland, Hong'an Tiantai Temple has been a holy place in the hearts of many believers since ancient times.
The temple is nestled among the mountains, and this green temple surrounded by green hills is a place where monks practice as if they were in a paradise.
In this beautiful and tranquil environment, Shi Zheng Xiaotong also felt a deep tranquility for the first time.
For this reason, she decided to cancel the rest of her trip and stay in the temple to experience an unusual life.
Her parents respected her choice and allowed her to chant and meditate with the monks throughout the holiday to experience the peace and harmony of the temple.
Although she had never been exposed to temple life before, this pure land allowed the girl to find inner balance at this time.
Even after returning to the university campus, the peace and harmony brought by that temple time still haunts my heart.
However, at this time, he himself was only constantly reminiscing, and he did not yet have the idea of becoming a monk.
And what really made her make such a "contrary to the public's eye" choice was because of her own dreams.
At the end of the tour and after starting her own campus life, she often dreamed that she was wearing Zen clothes, cutting her hair and reciting scriptures leisurely with a wooden fish in her hand.
The recurrence of dreams also convinced Shi Zheng Xiaotong that this was the guidance given to her by the Buddha. After much deliberation, she decided to say goodbye to the bustling world and pursue the faith in her heart.
But because he dreamed that he was "the reincarnation of the spirit child under the Buddha's throne", he decided to drop out of school, which also shocked the relatives and friends around him.
After all, a promising 985 school student, in his best time, did not hesitate to choose to give up his studies and become a nun.
No matter when you look at this choice, it is enough to make people's jaws drop.
However, although the outside world is skeptical of her choice, she has always adhered to her beliefs and proved her determination with practical actions.
In 2008, Shi Zheng Xiaotong resolutely went through the withdrawal procedures, put down his former glory, packed his bags, and embarked on the road to Hong'an Tiantai Temple.
There, she was ordained a monk and began a real life of monasticism.
In fact, in addition to the dream of "the spirit boy under the seat", the reason why the girl has such a "shocking" choice is inseparable from her family environment and personal pursuits since childhood.
2. Choices that go against common sense
Because Shi Zhengxiao's mother was a devout Buddhist, the sound of chanting often came from their home.
Under the influence of ears and eyes, it also allowed the young Shi Zhengxiao to enter the world of Buddhism early.
However, despite the strong Buddhist culture in the family, his parents also attach great importance to their children's studies. They cared for and encouraged her to study hard, and they also nurtured her talents in her spare time, such as singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.
And the girl did not live up to their trust, always responded to their parents' expectations with excellent results, and finally successfully entered the 985 key university.
But it was also during the summer vacation after the college entrance examination, in the process of visiting the Tiantai Temple in Hong'an, that "the gears that changed everything gradually began to work".
As we said, after a short visit, the family got back on track with their lives. Shi Zheng Xiaotong, who has already entered the university, quickly adapted to university life.
Not only did she come out on top academically, but she was also known as the "campus goddess" by her classmates because of her outstanding appearance and versatility. But to be honest, she doesn't care much about the praise that others give her.
She is more willing to spend her time reading Buddhist books and immersing herself in the endless world of knowledge than in the outside world.
Until "dreaming that he was the reincarnation of a spirit child", Shi Zheng Xiaotong put down everything without hesitation and decided to escape into the empty door.
It can be said that on the road of Shi Zhengxiao's journey to the temple, in addition to her own incomprehension, most of the "white-eyed ridicule" was firmly blocked by her parents.
Perhaps it is precisely because of their support that the other party's road can go so "smoothly".
So, after officially escaping into the empty door, what kind of "empty door life" does Shi Zheng Xiaotong live?
3. "The Most Beautiful Nun"
For many people, temple life can mean bitterness and monotony.
But Shi Zhengxiao found real joy in this seemingly boring environment. In addition to getting up early to meditate, chanting sutras and chanting Buddha, daily labor is also very heavy.
But with inner peace, she also gradually got used to an environment free of electronics and entertainment.
Despite the hardships of life, he is still happy. By chance, she successfully joined the Guangxian Art Troupe and began to learn violin.
In fact, the orchestra is also a "means of practice" to help monks better settle down through "Zen sound".
But because this is a newly established existence, the people in the group are not familiar with the musical instruments, and they need to explore all this by themselves.
Every day, they need to travel rain or shine between the professional teachers and the temple.
Thankfully, their efforts paid off over time. And Shi Zheng Xiaotong's violin playing skills are also becoming more and more exquisite.
Since then, the Guangxian Art Troupe has become the first art troupe composed of monks in mainland China.
This art troupe has attracted the attention of many audiences, and their wonderful performances have also received high praise.
And because of an accident, Shi Zhengxiaotong's appearance when he played was taken by a tourist and uploaded to the Internet.
In the photo, she has bright eyes and a gentle smile, which is why she quickly attracted widespread attention and was hailed as "the most beautiful nun" by the world.
This special title also made Tiantai Temple famous and attracted many tourists to come for sightseeing.
However, at that time, as the fame grew, so did the voices of skepticism. Some criticized the troupe's behavior, arguing that it was inappropriate for male and female monks to rehearse together, and questioned that "it is better for monks to sing and dance than to be vulgar."
In the face of these criticisms, Shi Zheng Xiaotong has always maintained a calm attitude. She believes that Zen music is an inclusive art form that knows no borders or religions, and that it deserves to be praised as long as it is motivated by good intentions and beauty.
In addition to questioning this kind of performance, more people are "slandering" Shi Zheng Xiaotong.
Because they don't want to really believe that there really are people in this world who are willing to give up everything they have. The so-called green lantern accompanied by the ancient Buddha must also be a "long-planned" hype.
In the face of these "rumors", Shi Zheng Xiaotong did not show much concern, but just used his actual actions to "slap those who once questioned" in the face.
After all, it is easy to "load" for a day or two, a year or two. But now 14 years have passed, and Shi Zheng Xiaotong still maintains his love and dedication to Zen music.
Isn't so much perseverance enough to prove her sincerity?
To this day, she continues to perform on stage, spreading the charm of Zen music and teaching younger generations to live a quiet life.
Although the years have left marks on her face, they have also made her own heart more peaceful.
The author thinks
In this diverse world, everyone has their own way of life. Shi Zheng Xiaotong's choice may be the most suitable path for her in her opinion.
But what should the public think of this difference?
In fact, in this controversial society, the most important thing for everyone to learn is to respect and tolerate the choices of others, what do you think?
Information sources:
[1] China News Network, "Entering China's First Buddhist Conservatory of Music "Music Monk"".
[2] People's Daily Online, "The Fifth Hong'an Tiantai Temple Zen Music Cultural Festival Opens and Gives Birth to the First Guinness Book of Records in the Buddhist World".