I find the spiritual aspect of attending to be intriguing. but i don't understand chinese at all. Do you think it would be in my best interests to attend anyway?
2007-02-14 12:59:21 · 7 answers · asked by Raver Xeno 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Why Chinese? The original Buddhist texts are in Phalli, an ancient Indian language and most monasteries are not in China anyway.
Wherever you are there will be a Buddhist Temple not too far away for you to get initial information about Buddhism and monastic life. Becoming a monk is not difficult but does include following more than200 rules which even include when it is your turn to clean the toilets.
At least one Temple in the North East of Thailand has a Canadian as Abbot and most of the monks are from outside Thailand. All can speak English.
If I knew where you were I could possibly direct you to somewhere a little more local for more information. Do not worry about being pressured into converting. Buddhism doesn't work that way. It is not a club with any exclusivity and nobody has to pay anything or do anything to fit in. If you find a Temple just drop in for a chat and most will be happy to help you. I am a Buddhist and we do not try to save souls (haven't got one) do not try to convert people (they are people already and that is all) don't try to disprove other beliefs (there is no conflict in any belief system and Buddhist philosophy) don't ask for or take money (we do believe that to give food to a monk is a praiseworthy act but not required or expected from anybody in the same way that charity is practiced).
2007-02-14 14:51:55 · answer #1 · answered by John B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look. That is up to you. I have visited many Buddhist monasteries, and I barely know a little of chinese. To my surprise, in some of the monasteries I visited, I found people that spoke English.
A wise old monk who knew English spent a couple of days with me talking using hand signals (not even sign language). Before I left for Beijing he told me: "Have a safe trip back to America" in English.
When I asked him, why he never spoke English to me before, he said that, I went there trying to understand, and understanding requires a true effort, and he only helped me to learn to understand, by making me put a little more effort in paying attention to details.
Yes. Go to the monastery, and be well. You will learn a lot there.
2007-02-14 22:03:21 · answer #2 · answered by David G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live in the USA you will be able to find an English speaking monastery. Even if you go to a different language speaking monastery, you will be able to practice and make friends.
2007-02-16 19:44:39 · answer #3 · answered by Teaim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should consider attending a monastery in an English speaking nation instead.
2007-02-14 21:02:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well try to see if there are any english speaking monasteries so that you can check it out and will be able to understand what's going on
2007-02-14 21:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go for it. It will be very educational.
I went to a monastery where Vietnamese was predominantly spoken, and it was still very interesting.
2007-02-14 21:05:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chinese? Go anyway. The monks will openly let you in. Don't worry, but they won't try to convert you.
2007-02-14 21:03:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋