Should I go to Taisho University or...

When I go to college, I study Buddhism, and I want to become a monk in the future, but how should I choose a university?
My family is in the Jodo sect, and I want to become a Jodo sect monk. In order to learn this, I think Taisho University, which is within easy reach from home, is good, but my parents and school teachers tell me “it is better to choose a well-known university with a high standard score,” and Komazawa University and Toyo University are recommended.
Recently, too, I began to wonder if it would be better to aim for a university with a slightly higher standard score. However, I thought Taisho University was the only place nearby that had a full range of facilities and curricula, starting with the Jodo sect.
Monk who is watching this, should I go to Taisho University, or should I aim for Komazawa University or Toyo University, which have higher standard scores than Taisho University?
If you don't mind, I would be grateful if you could give me some advice etc. Thank you very much for your support.

4 Zen Responses

Yes, please look at it with your own eyes and make a decision

I read it. If you want to thoroughly learn about Buddhism and the teachings of the Jodo sect in particular, I think it's best to go to Taisho University without hesitation.
I'm not a Taisho University graduate, so I can't explain it as an actual experience, but at Taisho University, wonderful teachers teach me the basics of Buddhism and the basics of the Jodo sect.
Just in case, I think it's okay to go to the website, make inquiries, or visit the site.
It's a very beautiful university right now.
Please take a look with your own eyes and make a firm decision.
http://www.tais.ac.jp/faculty/department/buddhist_denominational_studies/

I sincerely congratulate the Buddha that you will be able to thoroughly learn the teachings of Buddhism and the Jodo sect with your own will from now on and become a wonderful monk.

Monks don't need an educational background

I understand how parents feel, but in a nutshell, it means “monks don't need an educational background.”
This doesn't mean “you don't have to be able to study.”
What is more important than “where you learn” is “what you learn” and “how much you learn.”
A university is a research institution. Certainly, the higher the standard score, the higher the motivation and potential of those around you, so they are naturally drawn to it, but what is important for monks is how not to be swept away by their surroundings and move forward without getting lost in the path they should take.
Stillness in silence is not true silence; stillness in motion is true silence. Right.

Incidentally, I also went to Taisho University's open campus when I was in high school, and it's a campus with a calm atmosphere even though it's in Tokyo, where you can learn not only the Pure Land but also Esoteric Buddhism, so I think it's a great university. The breadth of knowledge expands.

Other universities if you have time

Hello. As you can see in my profile, I entered Taisho University's graduate school from another university and obtained my qualifications.
Taisho University has many teachers who are just right, and I'm sure I'll have many friends who think about becoming monks... in the future. However, in terms of qualifications, it was possible to arrange the necessary credits in 2 years even if I transferred for 3 years... (It was possible in my time, but see for yourself how it is now.)
I think it's a selfish way of saying it, but if possible, I don't think it's too late to come after breathing in the air from other universities. In the sense of being able to take a multifaceted view.
I think the biggest hurdle is probably choosing a mentor. If it's cleared, there are plenty of options. Conversely, if you haven't decided on a mentor, I think it's better to choose a mentor through the teachers early on.

What to ask for

I think it's your own decision.
If you want to become a Jodo sect monk, there is no point in entering Taisho University or Bukkyo University, and there are all good teachers.
If you want to spread your knowledge, you can go to a general university and transfer to Taisho University or enter graduate school after graduation.
If you're looking for pride in standard scores, there may not be much merit in Toyo or Komazawa, regardless of whether you go to the University of Tokyo or Waseda University. However, I think the broad insight of the students who come there is different from the small world of a monk training university. Your personal connections will also be different after graduation.
Which one you go for is up to you. Please think carefully before making a decision.

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