On September 16, 2015, a group of 40 people including coach and players of the badminton team of French-speaking African countries paid a visit to Lingyin Temple and had a friendly exchange with the Buddhist masters of Lingyin badminton team.

In the morning, the African badminton team recieved a guided tour of the temple, learning about its long history as well as the daily life and Buddhist practice of the Sangha. They also visited the badminton training court of Lingyin Temple where a group photo was taken.

The Captain of Lingyin badminton team Master Dingru introduced that playing badminton is one way for Buddhist masters to both physically and spiritually practice Buddhism. Buddhist masters have at least two badminton training every week, which not only helps them to build up physically, but also provides opportunities for them to reflect on themselves.

In the afternoon, Lingyin badminton team and the African friends played a friendly match at the National Fitness Center of Zhejiang, through which both sides broadened their horizons through this exchange experience and also enhanced mutual understanding of each other’s culture.

A guided tour around Lingyin Temple

A visit to the Hall of Heavenly Kings in Lingyin Temple

A group photo at the badminton training court of Lingyin Temple

A friendly match at the National Fitness Center of Zhejiang

Buddhist masters playing badminton