About Japanese Buddhist monks

I'm a monk at a temple, and I was a little interested, so please let me answer.
If you read the Akan Sutras, there are many stories where the Buddha recommended that people practice Buddhism at home, and that people who live in the house become disciples and become monks.
The Buddha himself became a monk and came to his senses.
Therefore, I think it is a better environment to become a monk in order to reach enlightenment.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean you should become a monk. In the sutras, there is also a story that people in the household who properly admonish themselves are more wonderful than those who are monks who don't practice properly.
In other words, the Buddha didn't discriminate against monks or families.
The important thing is to think carefully about the Buddha's teachings, put them into practice, control oneself, eliminate the causes of suffering, acquire proper wisdom, and help people with that wisdom with a heart of compassion.
I think this is the meaning of the existence of monks.
It's the same in Japan.

In that era, monks certainly indicated a group of people who became monks, but now, based on the Buddha's idea of equality (or fundamental thought), people who submit to the Buddha are monks whether they are monks or at home.
If you have an interest in Buddhism and follow Buddha, then you are a monk (Buddhist disciple) just like us.
However, in order to perform rituals of each denomination, it is necessary to become an apprentice to a mentor in that denomination and obtain qualifications. If you are going to become an apprentice, I think it's a good idea to carefully consider which denomination suits you. Also, sects often change, so don't worry too much. If you find a mentor you can respect, I think it's okay to belong to that sect.

appending
Is the nuance a little different?
For example, in the case of the Jodo sect, even if you are a monk, you will be a priest at Motoyama for a limited time and perform the final ascetic practice. Therefore, once you have completed that training and obtained the qualification, it is possible to perform rituals of that sect even if you return to your home (a monk without a temple).

But when I think about it, you're right.
However, by becoming a monk (or rather, staying overnight for a limited time), I think it is possible to acquire not only the knowledge in your head, but also more deeply about that sect through your body.
Also, since completing the ascetic practice at the head temple is still just the starting point for a monk of that sect, it is important to make your own efforts regardless of whether you become a priest at home after that.

> In Japanese Buddhism, monks live almost the same way as at home.
Please leave them alone.
It's because they have their own ideas.

I don't know why Seika became a Buddhist, but it's just a matter of becoming who you want to be.
It's OK to leave people alone.

The meaning of existence as a monk...
What is the axis for becoming a monk, Kiyoka?

How many times did you cry when you became a Buddha disciple?
How many times have you felt frustrated?

The meaning of the existence of monks is that they endure suffering and can be seen in it.

Please start by worshiping the face of the principal image first thing in the morning.

We look forward to your joining our team.

It's easy to misunderstand, but becoming a monk does not mean gaining the identity of being a monk. It's about letting go of your identity. That's why I became a monk and there's no point in my existence.

The same goes for sutras recitation and zazen. When I recite the sutras, I just read the sutras. When I do zazen, I'm just zazen. That's how I let go of myself. It's not about improving yourself by living a special life. When all that is superfluous is dropped, only the important things that were originally saved remain. That's why I'm talking about admonition like this.

> If you receive the sentient Buddha commandments, that is, you enter (fall) into the rank (about) of the Buddhas, and you have the same rank (about) as daigaku (daigaku),
→If you take the precepts, you'll become like the Buddha!

Also, it is also called “when you first start, you get it right.” When I first started my mind, I thought that was what led to enlightenment.

There's no point in doing zazen meditation. There is no point in reciting sutras. Then why do we do it? This is to let go of the products of meaningful thought.

I'm not a thief! No matter how much you think about it, if you steal someone else's stuff, you're a thief at that moment. Similarly, I'm not a Buddhist disciple! No matter how much you doubt it, once you have received the commandment, you are a Buddhist disciple at that moment. I am a disciple of the Buddha in my body, words, and actions.

Rather, how we interpret it is nothing but a cause of suffering. Living with that interpretation is called a falling dream in the Heart Sutra. It's a delusion that seems to have been turned 180 degrees upside down from the truth. Or in the Twelve Lucky Signs, it's called Toshi. There are three causes of suffering: ignorance, thirst, and suffering. Pain arises because it creates likes, dislikes, and evaluations by assigning meaning and certifications with the head... that's the point.

If you're going to teach Buddhism, it depends on whether you become a monk or not, depending on whether you become a doctor or sell home medicine. But if that's not the case, then it doesn't matter if you become a monk or not. You can have a relationship, and if you don't have one, you don't have one. It seems like they're saying it to Tekito, but surprisingly, this is important. The only thing that matters is whether or not you meet the right mentor. That's because even if you're a Buddhist disciple, you can't get direct guidance from the Buddha who passed away. I want to follow this guy! If you think so, please talk to that person again.

It is currently being broadcast about the Uma Sutra on NHK e-TV's 100-minute masterpiece.
It seems that people who are waiting for questions like yours also came during the reign of Shakyamuni.
It is a very interesting scripture for considering the current state of Japanese Buddhism.
I think it will help answer the question of being a monk and staying at home.
Please watch E-TV or read books about the Ima Sutra.