I'm at a loss as to what to do now.

The lost boy

Nice to meet you, my name is Urakami Tetsuya, a monk of the Takada school of Shinshu.
I am also from an ordinary family, worked at a relative's temple for 11 years, and now I have set up and run a missionary center called “Nagomi-an.”
Therefore, I deeply sympathize with the lost boy's concerns, and I hope I can help him even a little bit.

In my case, while working at a temple, I rented a house, renovated it, and built a Buddha room. Therefore, the first activity was to hold a monthly puja.

A few years passed in that state, and I was urged by the chief priest of Goku-ji Temple to “become independent soon,” and I decided to retire and concentrate on the missionary service. I don't think it was easy to decide on my own.

It was an uneasy start, but the reality is that something has come to pass. However, regions are different and denominations are different, so you may not be a good counselor, but if you have any questions, please contact Hasunoha directly.

The state of Nagomi-an's activities is written on the blog, so please take a look if you like.
http://753an.blog.so-net.ne.jp/

The Lost Boy

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

For priests who came from home, I'm guessing that in the Japanese Buddhist world where there is a strong hereditary system, various unreasonable things, unconvincing things, strange things, etc. are also scattered, and it is not uncommon for people to wonder.

I'm thankfully currently serving as a priest due to hereditary succession, but every day, I am struggling with various concerns about Buddhism and the state of temples.

In order to solve this problem, we have decided to first and foremost thoroughly gather information. Fortunately, there is an internet, and in addition to searching, SNS such as Facebook and Twitter can also be used, and information dissemination can also be enhanced along with homepages and blogs. The opportunity to participate in Hasunoha is one of them.

On the internet, we comprehensively gather and analyze basic Buddhism, from difficult doctrinal points, to recent trends in Buddhist reform/temple reform, examples of reform efforts, and of course, cases of independence and independence, and consider how we can make use of it in the future and connect it to practice on a daily basis.

As an example of independence and independence, I also think that the cases of Mr. Urakami, Mr. Amano, or the ancestors of Mr. Taguchi Manabu and Mr. Koike Ryunosuke, who also participated in this Hasunoha, may also be helpful. Of course, there is one thing you can try consulting directly with us. Also, I think the efforts of Mr. Higanji, who is developing advanced initiatives, will also be helpful in various ways.

Of course, I know that the most important thing is whether we can make the most of our various “relationships” up until now and fulfill the ambition of promoting Buddhism.

If the element of it being for self-preservation, gain, and complacency is too strong, I think it is necessary to be very careful due to the nature of dealing with Buddhism because of the nature of dealing with Buddhism.

Exactly what exactly am I thinking about becoming independent for, and I know that if I don't make a mistake in determining that, I will surely receive guidance and relationships protected by the blessings of the Buddha and the Guardian.

Let's work hard together by devoting ourselves and working hard towards Buddhism, Dharma, Dharma, and exalted all sentient beings.

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

What did you become a monk for?
What do you want to do after starting a church?
it seems like you're lost
How do people who are lost in their lives respond when they come to consult with them?
When you're lost as a monk, shouldn't you ask the Buddha for answers
Isn't there one?

Hello. Like the lost boy, he is a Shingon sect monk. I'm also from home, and I lived in an apartment with my family of 4 for 11 years, and after that, I worked at the temple of my master and monk for 13 years. During that time, I thought about building a new temple many times (tens or hundreds of times). I think the reason I thought about it is definitely similar to The Lost Boy. But I didn't make that choice.

There are several reasons, but after all, “causing various kinds of trouble to teachers and monks” was a big one. How about that point in the case of a lost boy? Right now, I think people are feeling unreasonable by their denomination or the temple where they work, but in fact, if you get out from under that umbrella, you will be treated even worse by other places. Be prepared for that.

There were not a few unfortunate times for people who built new temples, published books, etc., and are said to have succeeded. Estranged and disliked by the neighborhood, various traders who have had a low posture until now return their palms and treat you with their jaws. You're not treated as a human when it's bad. Even so, if you have a big goal of spreading Buddhism, you can endure it. However, I don't recommend it if it's because you want more recognition for yourself, or if you want to support your family or loved ones. That's because it's far better to get into another job.

Incidentally, in my case, I made my own website, posted and updated puja, went to the Keio Association etc. to talk, and gave Tsuji sermons in front of the station. Actually, there are many activities you can do without a church (temple) or room. First of all, if you think of a temple or building, I'm worried that I'll be dragged into the dark side of being an occupational boy, so just for reference. It just got so hot that I was so sorry.

Of course, no matter what path you choose, we hope to help the lost boy as much as possible, so please feel free to contact us.

I, too, am devoting myself to my thoughts and worries every day.

Answer As all the monks said, I think there will be various forms of missionary activities.
However, I don't think we can ignore the connections between denominations and temples. No matter how good your ambitions are, if you don't get along well, you may be crushed by invisible forces. It seems big, and it's a small world...

It seems like you have a good relationship with the current chief priest, and even if you avoid anything specific, why don't you confide your thoughts on future activities?
If anything happens, I think it is the chief priest who will support you.

Let's walk the Buddha's path together (*^^*)

To the lost boy

First of all, as a question
“I don't feel like I can stay in this temple forever.”
Why do you feel that way?
I feel very grateful to my mentors and monks
Why don't you discuss those thoughts and what you're thinking about in the future?

Even so, when you have to leave, you have to make a decision.
If it's something the lost boy really wants to do,
Even if the location is different, it probably doesn't matter.
Please consider it. Gassho