Math genius who turned monk; returns to society, gets married
Liu Zhiyu, an ex-math prodigy who left the world of academia to become a monk, has now embraced a more grounded lifestyle by getting married. Liu earned a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2006 and was hailed as a genius by China's renowned Peking University. After graduating in 2010, he turned down a full scholarship to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and opted to join Longquan Temple near Beijing.
'I'd like to be a part of society,' says Zhiyu
Speaking to the South China Morning Post, the gold medalist math champion shared the reason for his return to mainstream society. "I'd like to be a part of society. I think I am more suitable for the down-to-earth life," he said.
Zhiyu's journey from monk to psychologist and husband
Last September, Zhiyu revealed his decision to return to secular life, expressing that his heart was "closer to the wider public." Currently a team leader at a psychological consultation firm, Zhiyu tied the knot with a fellow Buddhist believer. He praises her for guiding him on how to be a good spouse, stating, "I've never met a person like her. She understands and supports me completely. I can share all my thoughts and feelings, my joy and sorrow with her."
Zhiyu's book and continued adherence to Buddhist principles
Despite leaving the monastery, Zhiyu still adheres to fundamental Buddhist teachings such as abstaining from meat, honesty, and humility. He has authored a book called Every Step is Accountable, which imparts the wisdom he acquired as a monk and aims to help others find enlightenment in daily life. Reflecting on his current situation, Zhiyu remarked, "I will give an eight out of 10 score. I deduct two points because I am too busy."
Why did Zhiyu initially choose Buddhism and give up math?
According to reports, the 35-year-old Zhiyu claimed he gave up mathematics and chose Buddhism because studying the subject was "a path to loneliness" and he preferred to "explore his own heart." He told the South China Morning Post that he is just a regular person who wants to be authentic. "I hope people will accept this version of me," he concluded.
