Nicolas Pike, 52, formally became the first foreign disciple of Tongyong, a 108-year-old renowned Buddhist monk in Mount Emei Tuesday evening when he devoutly prostrated himself before the figure of Buddha in Baoguo Temple.
Nicolas, from Pittsburgh in the United States, fell in love at first sight with Emei, one of the four mountain ranges in China held sacred by Buddhists.
Mount Emei is located in southwest China's Sichuan Province, about 155 kilometers southeast of Chengdu, the provincial capital.
Nicolas has been in Sichuan for two years, boasting that he has traveled all the famous mountains and rivers in the province.
Now, he is teaching in the Southwest China Jiaotong University located at Mount Emei and living near the Baoguo Temple at the foot of the mountain, where he strolls every morning, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the tranquility.
Asked if planning to return home to Pittsburgh after this year's summer holiday, Nicolas replied "no".
Interested in Chinese philosophy, especially Buddhism, Nicolas made his mind to convert to Buddhism and acknowledge Tongyong as a teacher after they met and spoke one day.
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2003)
