Spiritual practice of the 21st century: a monk from China learns about Buddhism through playing Counter-Strike

Huayan, a Buddhist monk from China, said that playing Counter-Strike helps him with his spiritual practice and concentration. He said that the team play, mindfulness, and acceptance of change in the game are not contrary to Buddhist principles.

This is reported by Nathanistic .

Huayan has publicly stated that Counter-Strike has a positive impact on his Buddhist practice. He explained that the game helps develop concentration, teamwork, empathy, and acceptance of impermanence.

The monk also compared the virtual “kills” in the game to chess tactical actions that exist within the rules of the game and do not violate ethical norms in real life.

“Playing Counter-Strike does not contradict Buddhist rules,” Huayan said.

According to the monk, he perceives Counter-Strike as a structured environment in which strategy, mindfulness, and team coordination help develop the same qualities that are formed during meditation.

Huayan said he started playing Counter-Strike in 2000 as a child in Shanghai, long before he took monastic vows. He became a monk at Zhong Puto Temple more than 20 years ago, but he didn’t stop playing and continued to play through all the major versions of the game.

It is also reported that the monk currently uses a computer with an RTX 4090 graphics card and has a Gamma Doppler Emerald Karambit gaming knife worth about $9,000.

According to Nathanistic, Huayan holds the title of Legendary Eagle Master, which is considered one of the highest ranks in Counter-Strike.

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