Peng Lulu, a 30-year-old university teacher of sexology, who became a nun¹ at a Buddhist² institute in Sichuan province on Dec 19 has created an online buzz across the country.

Peng's case sparked intense discussions on Weibo, China's Twitter-like microblog, where the reaction was a mix of skepticism, good wishes, and appeals for more social tolerance³ for sexology researchers.

Peng's former mentor⁴, Peng Xiaohui, one of the most active sexologists in China, wrote a 3,000 word letter to show understanding and support. "Lulu is one of my best and favored students in my 20-year teaching," the mentor said.

Peng Lulu's conversion⁵ to Buddhism⁶ is "not because she is shying away from setbacks in life or reality," Peng Xiaohui said.

It is because Buddhism is able to help her find the truth of the universe and life, as Peng Lulu wrote on her Weibo. "I wish Lulu could help build a bridge between Buddhism and sexology," the mentor said

Peng Lulu became a teacher at Beijing Normal's Zhuhai branch after graduating from Central China Normal University in Wuhan in 2011 with a master's degree in sexology.