The monks were chanting penitential scripture in the temple.
Tips
usage
Mainly in 忏悔 (to repent / feel deep remorse). The word entered Chinese through Buddhism, rendering the Sanskrit idea of 'kṣama' (begging forgiveness); 拜忏 means chanting a penitential rite.
Upright heart radical on the left, side-form of 心. It marks an inner emotional state - here, heartfelt remorse. Same family as 悔 to regret, 愧 ashamed, 怕 to fear.
Right side 千 is the simplified phonetic. The full traditional form 懺 used a more elaborate sound element; the reform replaced it with the simple 千 (qiān to chàn, a loose sound link).
