Buddhist temples

Sagat

Hi, I know I have been creating a lot of threads lately, but I was going to go back to the temple again tomorrow, but I'm not sure if I should or not.

I went to a Zen temple that took me ages to find and I knew it would and they meditate Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, most of the time 6-7pm, and I went for an hour to meditate and I think I did it right, I focused on my breathing and I felt a bit relaxed.
One thing I knew is, that if I went a year ago for no reason, I would have sat there, gotten bored and left, but I didn't get bored, so that must be a sign that I was doing something right, or maybe because I wouldn't have been enthusiastic about this a year ago, I'm not sure.

I didn't dare ask questions when I was there, I didn't want to annoy people, I showed up just as everybody were taking a spot and getting ready to meditate, and I just left at the same time.

Are temples open all day around?

Are they open during any season?, its not like they celebrate xmas lol.

Can I go down at any time?

Cinorjer

The temple probably has a website, where they give dates and times of open meditation, but most temples also have periods where they host more intensive "retreats" and might not be open to those not signed up for it.

You're missing out on a lot any Zen temple can offer by not introducing yourself.

Sagat

I could only find the meditation times.

I will make sure I introduce myself, its just socializing hasn't been a strong point over the past couple of years or so.

I think I will try out a different one this week though.

seeker242

>I didn't dare ask questions when I was there, I didn't want to annoy people.

Asking questions does not annoy people. They want to answer your questions and help you with your practice. That is why they are there to begin with.

Sagat

Tbh, I wasn't sure what I should ask.

I have been learning the basics and stuff like that.

Does anybody have any advice on what to ask somebody when I'm there?

What would you ask if you were me?

Rmurray1985

I dunno... If I remember right Zen Buddhism uses koans pretty often...

Maybe ask about some neat koans to think about?

They're always fun

compassionate_warrior

I think the reason you werent bored is that you've come a long way since a year ago, and you're ready for this. Congrats on that!

Ask questions when questions spontaneously arise. We can't put questions in your mouth, they wouldn't be valuable or address where you're at at your stage, necessarily. But asking questions shows people you're interested, and therefore isn't annoying. To the contrary. And if you feel shy or awkward, tell one of the other members that you're new, and you might have some questions, and ask whom to ask, or when is a good time for Q & A.

Try different temples in different traditions, see which seems most comfortable and suitable. Take your time on this exploratory stage, to get to know the differences between different "schools" (Zen, Theravadan (SE Asian), Tibetan, etc.). While you're there, ask what their schedule of activities is, ask when they're open.

Look at it as an adventure. A new phase in life. Take all the time you need. Everyone's used to new members, people new to Buddhism. They should be welcoming when they find out you're new to the whole thing and want to learn.

Happy New Year, Happy New Path In LIfe.

Dakini

Love your threads, Marc. Keep 'em coming. Don't be shy.

TreeLuvr87

Don't worry about asking questions. Introduce yourself and thank the people there for providing an environment to help your practice. A thank you is never annoying (your questions wouldn't be either, but I know what you mean about not being sure what you want to ask). :-)