"The only thing I was sure about was that I had no interest in herbs."

He went to the temple to visit a middle school friend, who is a monk. He felt the disciplined monastic life might lead to the path he should follow.

So he began his life of daily vocal and violin practices, hard labor and sutra chanting.

Shi Zhengyong used to frequent KTVs and adored Hong Kong pop star Jacky Cheung's songs. Now, he's instead enthralled by the likes of the Italian folk song O Sole Mio and Edelweiss from The Sound of Music.

"Practicing music makes me more patient," he says.

"Only after I attain a sense of inner peace can I feel the subtle changes in tone and tune."

He studies violin under Wuhan Conservatory of Music professor Zhou Xianping.

"I was stunned when a colleague asked if I wanted to teach monks and nuns violin," Zhou says.

"I took the job because I couldn't help but marvel at such a brave crossover."

Zhou repeatedly corrects her three Buddhist students' postures during the two-hour class.

"They need to try harder to truly enjoy playing," she says.

"But they really appreciate the opportunity to learn. They're more diligent and persistent than some professional students. I guess mastering the violin is like meditating."

The troupe currently has an 11-song repertoire, which includes string adaptations of such traditional Chinese melodies as Su Wu Muyang (Su Wu Tending Sheep), choral versions of Buddhist hymns and chants, and dances and recitals of Buddhist music.

The rehearsals are open to visitors, and the ensemble performs for lay Buddhists upon request.

Contact the writer at linqi@chinadaily.com.cn.