If you click on the link below, it will take you to some photos of a temple stay Laura and I participated in during the last weekend in August. It was a very interesting experience, and I think we can learn a lot from the Buddhist community. They don't waste a thing, they don't have or need any personal belongings and they are completely dedicated to being in the moment... as in... right NOW... and NOW and NOW.. I'm sorry I just wasted three moments in your life but it was to prove a point. The active mind is a very vulnerable and destructive thing at times. Think of all the times you've looked back on a situation and been upset because of the way things went.... get over it... it happened then... you should be only worried about now.. because that's all we've got. Conversely, think of all the times you've built up an upcoming event to be absolutely amazing... and then been let down when it didn't happen or didn't reach your imaginative standards... stop doing that... you're only hurting yourself in the long run... LIVE IN THE NOW! These are the basic concepts I appreciate from Buddhism and try to take with me on a daily basis; however, there are many things about the religion that I strongly disagree with.
When you become a monk, you are expected to leave all worldly possessions and attachments at the door; not limited to your own family. Now this, I disagree with strongly. The best times in my life have been with the people I love; my friends, my family. The ability to procreate and share a life with somebody... to raise a family built on trust and emotion is important to me. These are a few of the most amazing things given to us by God, and it is something you must abandon in order to become "enlightened." I say no thanks.. I'll live with my semi-destructive mind for my life.... but thanks to Buddhism the ups and downs will seem less volatile, and I'll make a stronger attempt to stay in the moment as often as I can... my tongue is dry... I'm going to get some water... that's a nice breeze coming in the window... my back hurts... i'm blabbering.... talk to you soon!
Click the link below to see how our experience went.... look for the wagooks (white people).. there weren't many of us :)
Buddhist Temple Stay Photos