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AmoyMagic--Guide to Xiamen & Fujian
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Nánpǔtuó Temple Monk's Schedule (南普陀寺)
What do monks do besides chant and study? Read on!
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Click Here for "Nanputuo Temple Main Page"

ā Mì Tuō Fú Monks (阿密托弗) The 25 ā Mì Tuō Fú monks do nothing but chant, day and night, ā Mì Tuō Fú (Chinese for “Amitabha Buddha”). As a reward, after death they will ascend to Amitabha Buddha’s kingdom, the “Western Pure Land” (Vancouver?). Amitabha’s kingdom is a later addition to Buddhist eschatology—a half-way house for souls to practice in until they’re ready for Nirvana. (Nánpǔtuó’s vegetarian chefs, by the way, probably chant Yùmǐ Dòufu (玉米豆腐; “corn and tofu”).

Meditation Monks. These 28 monks meditated (duh!) and seek to answer the question, “Who am I?” If the abbot verifies that they’ve got it right (does he just check their ID card?), they ascend to a higher level closer to Buddha and, presumably, Vancouver.

Sacrament Monks. These 8 fellow perform ceremonies for anyone willing to pay at least 3,000 Yuan; the more pay, the more merit.

Incensed Monks. Pilgrims place so much incense in the altars that it could create a fire hazard, so this group of ten monks does nothing but pull them out, all day. I’d think they probably wait until the folks who put them there left; otherwise they’d have some incensed pilgrims.

Retreating Monks Upon request and approval monks are confined to a small house or courtyard for six months or so. They usually speak to no one, regardless of the situation. If sick, tough. If they die—it’s Vancouver.

Miscellaneous Monks. About six monks sell souvenirs, ten are doorkeepers, and one handles robes and cymbals. Editing department monks handle archives, publicity, and the bulletin board, and edit the “Nánpǔtuó Journal.”
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A Monk’s Schedule
4:00 -4:30 Get up
5:00 Chanting
6:00 Breakfast
6:30 Sweep grounds
7:30-11:00 4 Classes
11:00 Lunch
11:30 Chanting
12:00-2:00 Nap
2:00—3:40 2 Classes
4:00 Chanting
5:00 Supper
6:30 2 Classes
8:00 Free time
9:30 Bedtime
10:00 – 4:00 Dream of Nunnery