I would like to know how they operate at the temple?

In the early Buddhist monastic orders, monks traditionally begged for food and lived a very simple material life.

In contrast, in traditional Chinese monasteries, the economic source is mainly based on the alms given by the believers. At the same time, the monasteries also receive some offerings when they perform the morning and evening Puja, which is the elimination of calamities for the believers or the supernatural. In addition to this, some monasteries also own land as monastic property, especially Zen monasteries, located in the mountains and forests, monks through agricultural production self-sufficiency, agriculture and Zen. The famous motto of Zen Master Baizhang, "One day without work, one day without food", is a good example of Zen family life.

Since the reform and opening up, many monasteries located in the famous mountains and rivers have become tourist attractions, which undoubtedly greatly increased the economic income of the monastery. In addition to the scriptures and confessions of the Buddha and believers to provide more generous than before, but also added the entrance fee and service industry income. The income of the monasteries has thus gained a certain degree of stability and economic autonomy. Even without the offerings of the devotees, the basic expenses of the monastery can be maintained.