The Internet is key to many temples' expansion plans. Guangdong Province's Guangxiao Temple, which claims to be the oldest and biggest temple in south China, has launched an online worshipping system at http://www.gzgxs.org/Genuflect/index.asp, through which users offer virtual incense, fruit and flowers to a variety of electronic Buddhas.

"The first thing in my daily work is to open the laptop to check e-mails and surf the Internet," said Hui Jue at Jade Buddha Temple. "Everything in the temple is now processed online. No paperwork. Those who failed to pass the computer test were laid off and reassigned non-office jobs."

Hui Jue concedes that the lifestyle of a modern monk does not always permit much focus on the spiritual realm.

"We are very busy, no weekends or vacation. Interacting with the outside world occupies most of our time, so many monks have to use the noon break if they want to do meditation," he said.

But overall, he does not regret the change.

"Before, everyone including the abbot had to clean the temple, and old monks were assigned to check tickets and guard the temple," he said.

"But they often smoked and fell asleep, causing bad influences. Now, we have hired professional service companies to be responsible for temple security and cleaning. This works very well."