Young Buddhist Monk Goes Viral for Fluent English Explanation of Temple Rituals to Foreign Tourists

In the widely circulated footage, 25-year-old Buddhist monk Chen Pin-wen (陳品彣) is seen speaking confidently into a microphone at a temple, guiding foreign visitors through a religious ceremony. He explains, “If you want to participate in the Seven Star Peace Bridge ceremony, you can pray for a smooth future,” while describing the ritual in clear, fluent English.

Following the unexpected online response, Chen revealed that the video he posted on Threads had surpassed 80,000 views, prompting him to record another English-language video expressing gratitude for the attention and support he received.

Chen is a vocational high school graduate whose interest in preserving traditional culture led him to work at a temple. His long-standing enthusiasm for basketball, particularly the NBA, played a key role in motivating him to study English, a skill that later became central to his responsibilities.

Working at the temple has enabled Chen to actively use his language abilities when foreign tourists visit. He regularly explains rituals and other aspects of temple culture to international visitors, bridging a communication gap that often exists in religious spaces.

Chen noted that English-speaking temple workers are uncommon in southern Taiwan, as many in the profession do not consider foreign language skills necessary. However, he emphasized that when guided by someone who can translate and explain, foreign visitors gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s religious traditions rather than merely observing temple architecture and rituals.

The viral moment has drawn attention to the growing importance of language skills in cultural and religious tourism, showcasing how individual initiative can enhance international visitors’ experience and understanding of local traditions.