Buddhist monastery

Hello!

Have had this dream for a really long time of going to a real, authentic Buddhist monastery (not like a program or package thing) somewhere in the mountains in Asia, and just stay there for six months or less or more and meditate with monks and just live this lifestyle.

Was wondering just how doable this is? Could one really just show up at some monastery and ask for it to be their new home? I know that the process of becoming a Monk is a big thing, and I'm not asking to become one, just to stay in the monastery for a while - learn, live, meditate.

I know people do this - just don't know exactly how they go ahead. Because if they do it through some arranged thing, with several students going together, I don't think I'd be interested. I want the authentic thing.

Just to show up one day. Would I be accepted? Open and polite and happy and peaceful.

Anyone?

(All previous experiences and especially tips about various monasteries will be welcomed with great thankfulness)


Peace

 

yes, go to Tiger's Den in Bhutan, or Tso Pema near Dharamsala or to whichever gompa you're comfortable with. The late HH Penor Rinpoche left well functioning Monestaries in India and the US. Also my lama Kunzang Dechen Lingpa was really the ultimate in lamas and his monestary in Assam, called Zangdokpalri is about as awesome as they go. Understand also that I have never done this but I have had offers. Also understand that as a Westerner you're expected to have your own funds and if you're penniless you will be put to work/study. You really need a way to bounce back onto your feet or you will stay where you land for a very long time.

 

Wow, thank you so much for your reply. And to all these places one could just show up? How would I even find them?

Well - I am pretty penniless. Was planning on working or studying there, I wouldn't want to be treated any different than whoever. Didn't imagine I could just stop by a Buddhist monastery and chill and live the good life for six months. I'd also see it as an educational experience, and also I would like to hopefully help and contribute with something during my stay. But exactly what types of work and/or study do you think there would be? And you said this in such a tone that made it sound like I'd might have to work or study in stead of living the meditative life with the monks, as opposed to doing both? Is this right?

And forgive me, but I didn't quite get what you were trying to say in your very last sentence. If you'd be so kind as to explaining, sounded like important information.

Thank you

Peace

 

I believe his last sentence means... you're going to need money to leave the monastery, otherwise you'll be stuck wherever you go for quite awhile... "living the life."

 

Do whatcha feel Brother. Hope you make it on your Quest man.

 

Why?

 

You never answered my question