A group of Chinese monks have completed a special MBA course designed to help them mix business and prayer. Chinese state media say the newly graduated "business monks" are reflecting over their latest achievement.

Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple requested Jiaotong University to design a degree focusing on monastery management. According to the religious group, this degree would help monks to blend their daily monastic duties with business.

Chang Chun, the temple's general manager told state media, "Jade Buddha Monastery needs management just like a company." Chun is one of those who enrolled for the MBA. The monks took courses on business, temple management, philosophy and religious product marketing.

"There is nothing surprising (about the monks)." Mr. Gao, a PhD student in economics also from Jiaotong University said. "Monks also have professional divisions: some focus on praying and chanting, while these people concentrate on business."