04:03Ryuganji Temple in Kyoto has been the talk of the town since its leaders decided to embrace new ideas and technologies, including the use of drones and online streaming within its traditional Buddhist ceremonies.
Footage recorded on Monday shows the temple's priest and resident maid using the drones during prayers, as well as interacting with a live audience watching the event online.
“What you see is a bit different from traditional Buddhism, but I think that the form of Buddhism should not be the same all the time, and there should always be innovation," said Ikeguchi Ryuho, the chief priest of the Ryuganji Temple.
"I don't think using a drone or opening a maid café is such a big deal," he added.
Ryuho also noted that 'since there are so many new technologies and pop culture trends emerging in Japan, the temple should use them to convey the appeal of Japanese Buddhist culture to young people and to people around the world.'
Vanessa, the temple's social media manager, also said the initiatives are an important way to communicate the religion's message to new generations.
"So, I think a lot of people might think that it is a little bit controversial and a little bit taboo to combine traditional things with modern things, but I think it's very important for us to embrace and adapt these cultures to modern life because that's how we live today," she said.
'Important for us to adapt' - Buddhist temple in Kyoto goes 'a little bit taboo' with drones, online streaming
Ryuganji Temple in Kyoto has been the talk of the town since its leaders decided to embrace new ideas and technologies, including the use of drones and online streaming within its traditional Buddhist ceremonies.
Footage recorded on Monday shows the temple's priest and resident maid using the drones during prayers, as well as interacting with a live audience watching the event online.
“What you see is a bit different from traditional Buddhism, but I think that the form of Buddhism should not be the same all the time, and there should always be innovation," said Ikeguchi Ryuho, the chief priest of the Ryuganji Temple.
"I don't think using a drone or opening a maid café is such a big deal," he added.
Ryuho also noted that 'since there are so many new technologies and pop culture trends emerging in Japan, the temple should use them to convey the appeal of Japanese Buddhist culture to young people and to people around the world.'
Vanessa, the temple's social media manager, also said the initiatives are an important way to communicate the religion's message to new generations.
"So, I think a lot of people might think that it is a little bit controversial and a little bit taboo to combine traditional things with modern things, but I think it's very important for us to embrace and adapt these cultures to modern life because that's how we live today," she said.
Ryuganji Temple in Kyoto has been the talk of the town since its leaders decided to embrace new ideas and technologies, including the use of drones and online streaming within its traditional Buddhist ceremonies.
Footage recorded on Monday shows the temple's priest and resident maid using the drones during prayers, as well as interacting with a live audience watching the event online.
“What you see is a bit different from traditional Buddhism, but I think that the form of Buddhism should not be the same all the time, and there should always be innovation," said Ikeguchi Ryuho, the chief priest of the Ryuganji Temple.
"I don't think using a drone or opening a maid café is such a big deal," he added.
Ryuho also noted that 'since there are so many new technologies and pop culture trends emerging in Japan, the temple should use them to convey the appeal of Japanese Buddhist culture to young people and to people around the world.'
Vanessa, the temple's social media manager, also said the initiatives are an important way to communicate the religion's message to new generations.
"So, I think a lot of people might think that it is a little bit controversial and a little bit taboo to combine traditional things with modern things, but I think it's very important for us to embrace and adapt these cultures to modern life because that's how we live today," she said.