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I have a bit of a query...

lostandroaminglostandroaming
edited March 2010 in Buddhism Today
I want to roam china in search of a monastary to help around and earn my keep in return for teachings and accomodation, like a live-in arrangement. I currently live in the US and am extremely eager to assume a lifestyle short on modern gadgets and rebuild a relationship with nature and my environment. I am looking for a fresh start, a new beginning, and a logical way of life which may help me find the answers I am looking for. Is this a complete fantasy or does this still happen, is it possible?

Comments

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited March 2010
    China?

    Ok......
    Not sure how well that would work....

    I didn't think the Chinese were too keen on Buddhism, Monasteries and the like, but I am probably entirely ignorant of Chinese attitudes to Buddhism.
    I hope someone will put me right, but I am probably biased against Chinese attitudes, because of the small matter of Tibet.....

    I await further input. :)
  • lostandroaminglostandroaming
    edited March 2010
    i´m not particularly certain where practicing monasteries would be either but from some things that popped up on google I thought China to be listed for several of them. I´m really short on resources or solid information so I hoped that this thread would have some solid guidance. Maybe I got the wrong impression. I just want to give up all my stuff and learn teachings to be a monk and roam the land or apply the teachings regulary and rebuild my connection to environment. I read about some that had a routine consisting of work around the monastery, learning sessions, study time, meditation....a complete lifestyle it seemed. I wondered how to join one.
  • pmm23pmm23
    edited March 2010
    To avoid starting an entirely new topic, I was wondering, are there any followers of Shin Buddhism among us here other than myself?
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited March 2010
    lostandroaming wrote: »
    I want to roam china in search of a monastary to help around and earn my keep in return for teachings and accomodation, like a live-in arrangement. I currently live in the US and am extremely eager to assume a lifestyle short on modern gadgets and rebuild a relationship with nature and my environment. I am looking for a fresh start, a new beginning, and a logical way of life which may help me find the answers I am looking for. Is this a complete fantasy or does this still happen, is it possible?

    I think China (or any other country) would required a visa or some other red tape in order to stay there, that you would have to be "approved" and present a set plan or accounting of what you would be doing and where, and that permission would probably have a time limit.

    I remember a Westerner who became a Buddhist nun saying that she had to be self-supporting in order to stay in the monastery and learn (in India).

    Perhaps you could look into Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, Canada, which offers various types of retreats. You pay, but not outrageously. But I think they want you to have had training in their school of Buddhism first. There must be many such places in the Western world if you look for them.
  • StaticToyboxStaticToybox Veteran
    edited March 2010
    federica wrote: »
    China?

    Ok......
    Not sure how well that would work....

    I didn't think the Chinese were too keen on Buddhism, Monasteries and the like, but I am probably entirely ignorant of Chinese attitudes to Buddhism.
    I hope someone will put me right, but I am probably biased against Chinese attitudes, because of the small matter of Tibet.....

    I await further input. :)

    I could be mistaken, but I believe China isn't disfavorable towards Buddhism. I think it's mainly just the matter of Tibet and its particular flavor.
  • KundoKundo Sydney, Australia Veteran
    edited March 2010
    I would have thought Japan, Korea or even India myself.

    But I'm no expert either.

    Respectfully,
    Raven
    federica wrote: »
    China?

    Ok......
    Not sure how well that would work....

    I didn't think the Chinese were too keen on Buddhism, Monasteries and the like, but I am probably entirely ignorant of Chinese attitudes to Buddhism.
    I hope someone will put me right, but I am probably biased against Chinese attitudes, because of the small matter of Tibet.....

    I await further input. :)
  • StephenStephen
    edited March 2010
    lostandroaming wrote: »
    I want to roam china in search of a monastary to help around and earn my keep in return for teachings and accomodation, like a live-in arrangement. I currently live in the US and am extremely eager to assume a lifestyle short on modern gadgets and rebuild a relationship with nature and my environment. I am looking for a fresh start, a new beginning, and a logical way of life which may help me find the answers I am looking for. Is this a complete fantasy or does this still happen, is it possible?
    There's actually a place in Canada, if that's okay, that needs a steward (at least it did a while ago...). A lay Buddhist to do things that the monks are not allowed to do. It's not China, but it sure does meet your other requirements and you'd have plenty of time to study.

    Here's the link: http://www.arrowriver.ca/
  • LesCLesC Bermuda Veteran
    edited March 2010
    Wow, that site looks so cool... if I were a younger man, I definitely would take a turn as steward.
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