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How to Find a Monastery?

Wed, 2008-04-30 12:37 — garcia24

hi everyone, i need help on how to look into finding some sort of buddhist monastery to become apart of.

i want one outside of the u.s., because i also want to experience a different culture, but only speak english and spanish. will this be a problem? will it likely be necessary for me to learn some other language?

also, does staying at monasteries cost money? lots? little? none?

as far as what school of buddhism i should look into, im not sure either. ive always liked zen, and i know my main interest is in the practice of meditation. i know thats very vague, but i suppose i could give more detail if someone asked me certain questions regarding what im looking for.

i also dont plan on this being for life (though who knows when the time comes), but temporary for about a year or so

i dont know if this info helps at all, but any information will be helpful for me. if you guys have any questions, id be more than happy to answer. thank you

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Fri, 2008-05-02 07:21 — ABN

Tough question

This is a hard question to answer. But a few things can be said.

Be sure you do some research before you go as a full experience really demands that you be able to follow the program, apply yourself to the techniques and teachings, and accept the discipline offered.

More monasteries offer temporary monasticism than in the past, but this has been a tradition among Theravada groups for a long time.

Thailand is probably a good place to start looking.

Best to have all of your affairs in order, owe no money, and be clean with friends and family. Six months to two years without pressure from outside responsibilities will likely produce one of the finest experiences of your life.