The meaning of temple

Thank you, Ako, for your very good question.
Why is everyone telling the temple? That's really true, isn't it?

For example, a judo hall is a place for judo training, and a kendo hall is a place for kendo training; these are called [dojos]. Similarly, places where people practice Buddhism, that is, [temples], are also dojos.
※Originally, the word [dojo] is a Buddhist term.

There are various styles of [temple] = [dojo] in one word, and there are actually various structures of temples, such as temples that specialize in zazen training, prayer places that specialize in goma memorial services, etc., and Buddhist dojos that specialize in hondō.
For example, the Miyeido at Honganji Temple is overwhelmingly larger than the space for ceremonies, and it is located right in the middle of the city. Meanwhile, the space for pilgrimage seats in places such as Konponchudo at Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei is extremely small, and the space for monks to perform ceremonies is much larger. And it's very deep in the mountains. Among people who go to temples, there are people who stay in the form of monks, there are also people who are here for the purpose of fortune telling or praying, and there are also people who come to listen to sermons.

“Originally, I think temples are a place to get rid of worries and correct one's mind.”
If I go to a temple, I want to learn to control (control) my worries rather than get rid of them. Also, in order to correct my mind, I want to learn to look back at how crooked my guts are.

“Wishing a wish is a nuisance, and isn't that the exact opposite?”
Maybe you're right.
If possible, I would like to ask for the content of the request in a [amicable sense of self-interest and altruism].

Now, if Ako were to go to a temple, what would she aim for?

According to one scholar, originally temples are hospitals for the heart, and monks are doctors of the mind.
I think that's how I should be.
However, there are cases where this cannot be done due to various factors, and it is unavoidable.
For example, the questions you wrote in Hasunoha are things you should have asked a monk at a nearby temple in the past. However, in recent years, people have moved from rural areas to cities, and there is a current situation where people don't have relationships with nearby temples, go to a temple they've never been to, or suddenly have a monk they've never met listen to private stories, and even monks aren't all people who can listen to people's worries.
I'm also a foolish ordinary man who doesn't have the power to cure everyone's mental illness.
It's probably because of such an age that things like Hasunoha that can be consulted on the internet were born.
Also, I think it is important to have the attitude when going to a temple to respect the three treasures, that is, the Buddha, the Buddha's teachings, and the people who practice the Buddha's teachings.

Ako-sama

This is Kawaguchi Hidetoshi. This is my humble answer to the question.

The purpose of going to a temple... After all, I think it is generally either a “sightseeing visit” or a “memorial service for ancestors.” As for “getting rid of worries and correcting one's mind,” I think the current situation is that there is still more to come.

Also, when and where a soul-searching heart, a bodhicitta heart (a strong heart seeking enlightenment), and a Buddha heart will develop will also depend on the circumstances of each person.

There are places where Buddhism is quite passive. It's like if you're not asked, if you're not asked, you won't teach. Of course, there is also a problem with the preacher's ability...

Also, if a strong Bodhi spirit develops, I think they will always go on a trip by asking for a monk rather than a temple in search of a good mentor.

I'm not saying that you should just go to a temple; I think it will be important to be taught by going to a monk who practices authentic Buddhism and who has been thoroughly explaining Buddhism.

Anyway, I would like to continue devoting myself as firmly as possible to become such a monk who can ask questions. There's still more...

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

　In Buddhism, truth and culture are divided into two levels, and both are valued.
It's called true abandonment and worldly abandonment.

Truth is about keeping the commandments and practicing to attain enlightenment, and there is nothing mixed up here. It's something that those who seek it do seriously.

Culture is about protecting morality in the world and living together happily. This is a path where you can accumulate virtue, live a happy life, be born in heaven in the next life even if you die, and live comfortably. It's carefree.
Rituals for the dead, such as memorial services for ancestors and funerals, and other festivals and events at temples and shrines that you see on TV are also cultural. If it's moral, it's a good act of accumulating virtue.

Of course, temples have both roles. You should visit with the feeling that you are not here for enlightenment, but to accumulate virtue. Since it's a culture, there may be some conventions, but if you don't know, you can ask, and it's just common sense in the world, so don't worry about it.

Of course, the feeling that I'll visit a temple is a good heart, so feel free to do it in order to further improve your normal mind or to reset your slightly sunken heart.
If you want to talk to people, search for them, and if you want to be alone, while showing that kind of aura.