NEWS

Buddhist Monks Extend a Helping Hand to Japanese Singles Seeking Romance

By Craig Lewis | | Buddhistdoor Global

With growing numbers of people in Japan delaying marriage until later in life, or in some cases never marrying at all, some Buddhist temples are offering desperate singletons an alternative avenue for finding that special someone, organizing Buddhism-themed matchmaking gatherings to help people connect in a conducive, low-pressure environment. Working in the monks’ favor is the traditional perception in Japan that people who seek marriage advice from monks tend to be of better-than-average moral character. No less of an incentive is the fact the temples tend to charge far less than the fees demanded by commercial matchmaking services. “I’m afraid of online matchmaking because a friend of mine fell victim to marriage fraud,” said one 37-year-old woman hoping to find a potential life partner. “I feel the people coming to events at the temple are honest.” (The Japan Times) Last month, some 60 hopeful men and women in their 20s to 40s gathered in Tenryuin-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple in Tokyo, chanting lines from the Heart Sutra. Addressing the group, chief monk Shinichi Kitaori, told the gathered: “Today will never return. I want you to form a strong connection with each other at this temple.”