Two monks practise playing the violin. (GT)

"Nowadays, people live a hasty life. They rarely have time to listen to chants or sermons. It would be a good idea for them to feel Buddhism by enjoying music," master Shi Wule, the abbot of the Tiantai Temple, said in a CCTV documentary.

"We hope to serve more non-religious believers by promoting Buddhism music," he added.

In the beginning, some also accused the troupe of rebelling against tradition for using Western instruments and eschewing Chinese instruments like the pipa and guzheng.

"Music has no boundaries. Any kind of instruments can display the thought of Buddhism. Diversified forms can make Buddhist music more appealing," said master Wule.

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