how do i interview a buddhist priest? I have to go to a temple in tokyo and interview one for my buddhist clas

Question

i have a Buddhist Traditions class, and big part of my grade is going to see a real temple and interview a priest. I'm american, and i'm jewish and i've been to church or temple about 5 times in my whole life, so i know nothing about religious protocal. can i just walk into a temple and ask to see someone? does anyone have any good interview questions to ask him? does anyone know any good temples for doing this? i live kind of near Gokoku Ji so i was thinking of going to that temple, but is it too big and busy for this assignment? any advice would be appreciated. thanks a lot.

Answer 1

So desu ne……..

Buddhist Etiquette

When visiting a Buddhist temple or monastery it is best to call ahead to ensure that there will be someone there. Many Buddhist centers have a set time that they are open to the public.

Dress in modest casual clothing. It is inappropriate to wear clothing that is revealing and unkempt.

Mute or turn off all cell phones, pagers or other electronic leashes so that they do not disrupt other people.

Shoes are left out side of the main shrine room.

If you do not feel comfortable doing prostration or bowing stand quietly until others have finished.

Books containing the Dharma should be treated with respect and not placed on the floor or stepped over.

Do not point at anything or anyone. When indicating a person or an object do so with your right hand, palm up, the same applies for pointing your feet at the altar or the teacher if your legs grow tired point your feet to the side away from the teacher and altar.

When teachers, monks and nuns enter and leave the main shrine room, always stand to show respect.

If you want to take pictures you should call ahead to verify that it is allowed and to find when a good time would be so that you do not disturb anyone. Ask for permission from the person you want in your photo before taking photos while you are there.

Be aware of your attitude. Be positive about the experience and apologize for mistakes.

Suki desu ka?

_______________________
some questions-----

Do you have memories of past lifetimes?

There is a Buddhist slogan which says, "Work with the greatest defilements first." What would you say is the greatest defilement you have had to face in this life?

What meditation practices do you do?

Do you do prostrations?

How long do you practice for?

In your own work, what kinds of meditation and prayer are you focusing on?

How do you achieve a peaceful mind?

We have rising evidence that anger is one of the great killers, not of the people it’s directed at, but of the people who have the anger. How do you feel about this?

dou itashi mashite

Answer 2

Gokokuji's the temple near Tokyo dome isn't it? i go to school next to denzuin (another temple) which is between Tokyo dome and gokokuji.
anyway, i don't think you can just go there and suddenly interview a priest, but if you called or e-mailed them, then you could probably get an appointment.
as for questions, the ones that everyone else said are probably good, but if your questioning about the priest and not Buddhism, them you should ask things like.. "why did you become one?" "isn't 'shugyou'(training) hard?" or just "why do you have to shave your head bald?". sorry that was something i just wanted to know lol. well good luck!

Answer 3

My first interview was for a weekend job as a shelf stacker at a local supermarket. I don't remember much but I got the job. I was 16 and worked there for 6 years through college and university.

Answer 4

if you want ur interview more interesting put these ques
1. how could you justify that spriritual life is better then famly life? I have seen people leaving their family helpless and turning into spiritual life. is that right?

2. what is Buddhism's primary motto?

3. almost all regions preach peace in this world? why cant all humans come under one religion?

4. I have heard that Lord Buddha has told that no one should have a desire . Is that a desire Lord Budha had?

5. How could you difer Buddhism and Jainism?

Answer 5

I do not know your Japanese level, but if it isn't near perfect, I would suggest taking one of your Japanese friends with you if they don't mind to help you translate, and to prevent you from doing any faux pas. Others here have given you good advice, but I thought this would be a helpful suggestion to go along with the others answers.

Answer 6

i think any major metroplex in the usa has a temple. look it up online. perhpas you will find that you can do this online? but i think the experience will be much more gratifying in person.