Are any Catholic monasteries in Europe where Zen monk can visit/spend time in reflection with resident monks?

Question

I am a Zen monk, American-born, Ivy League-educated. Lived and trained in Asia many years, formal approval from my Master, who is well-known worldwide. I am interested in returning, for some time, to my Catholic roots via time spent in shared life and reflection together with Catholic monks. I know many Catholic contemplatives would like to learn Zen, but many cannot move from their home monastery (no money, or by rule).

Any ideas how I could do this work?

Answer 1

Max Marie is correct. I am certain that monks from other religious traditions would be welcomed in many monsteries. Here are some links for finding Catholic retreat/spirituality centers in Europe, I would contact the monastery and see what they suggested! Sounds like a beneficial experience for all parties involved.

http://www.cathport.com/europe/eurospi.htm

http://homepages.free-online.net/jesuits/eurolink.htm

http://www.mp-cc.net/retreats.html (scroll to the bottom of the page for European retreats)

You might also be able to find some of the smaller, less well-known monasteries by contacting the dicoseses in the the geographical areas that hold a particular interest for you.

Answer 2

If you are serious then talk to a local parish priest first about the instruction in Catholicism. You will most probably go on several retreats as part of the induction process. If it is not part of the process you would be wise to go on at least one anyways. There are different types of monks... some who are active in a particular mission in society (teaching, working with the poor, hospitals, etc,) and others who are more contemplative in varying degrees. Some of these even observe a vow of silence. At some contemplative monasteries there are even hermits who live in shacks on the monastery's grounds.

Answer 3

Hi there!

Most Catholic monasteries welcome monks of all kinds.

Are you at all familiar with the friendship between Thomas Merton and Thich Nhat Hahn? Their friendship launched the Monastic Interreligious Dialog movment.

Many monasteries have e-mail these days. You should try to find one online and make arragements.

This will certainly interest you:
http://kennedyzen.tripod.com/

PS: feel free to drop me a note if you would like help.