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Venerable Huayan, a senior monk from China, has become an unlikely social media sensation for his high-level skills in the tactical shooter Counter-Strike
The senior monk at Mingjiao Temple in Hefei first started gaming as a primary school pupil in the early 2000s. Since then, he reached the prestigious Legendary Eagle Master rank.
While many see a conflict between his spiritual life and the virtual battlefield, he believes the two worlds require similar levels of mental discipline.
The 30-year-old has been a monk for 20 years and continues to balance his religious duties with his passion for competitive esports
Huayan shared that his most expensive purchases were his computer devices, which cost him 40,000 yuan (RM23,200).
Huayan argued that "killing" in the game is merely a mechanic to improve ability, comparing the experience to a competitive match of chess.
"Killing in the games is a necessary method to improve your gaming ability. It is like beating the opposite side in a chess game. Both are allowed under Buddhist rules," Huayan was quoted as saying by South China Morning Post.
He also said the game's violent nature does not concern him because it is important to distinguish the virtual from the real world
Huayan believes his hobby is a 'good activity' that fosters cooperation and empathy.
"Why should I quit this good activity? While playing games, I can communicate and cooperate with people to achieve a win-win situation. I also gain empathy for others," Huayan said.
The 30-year-old Shanghai native initially faced resistance from his mother, a military official, when he decided to convert at age 15
She finally compromised and agreed to his commitment to Buddhism three years later.
For Huayan, esports and religion both serve the same role in helping him understand himself.
"They both require me to hone my ability to concentrate and to accept impermanence," he said.
