Whether it's a monk or a general company, about career paths

Good morning. Today is another college class, isn't it? You've probably thought about a lot of things in your own way, even before you talked to Hasunoha. Being 21 years old and seriously considering a career path is very precious.

Actually, my son is of the same generation as Hihi. Therefore, things come to mind that Hihi is struggling between her own thoughts and the situation at the temple and the path of the monks around her.

Before choosing 3 career options, there's something I'd like to ask Hihi. How familiar are the teachings of Buddhism and the Nichiren sect to Hihi herself? And how do you accept the current situation where temples and monks are located? Also, how do you feel about friends and society that seem unrelated to temples, monks, or Buddhism?

While taking a bird's-eye view of these things, I think we will naturally be able to see the direction of our career path. I think the degree of concentration of learning will also change depending on whether “I will acquire it for now” or “I will acquire it because my awareness of the problem is heightened.” And if it's a situation where time lag is allowed until then, it's even great.

The relationship between father and eldest son has always been a difficult relationship in any industry. In the case of temples, there are also concerns about the parishioners who have supported us until now, so there are aspects that are more difficult than ordinary companies. So, more than Hihi-san, the father probably has various ideas about the temple's successors. It also takes courage for parents and children to bring up topics. Instead of suddenly throwing a fastball, saying “I want to work for a general company, gain social experience, and get good credits when I'm in my early 30s,” first ask “What kind of student days was Dad?” I recommend asking them to look back on their days when they were young and share their memories. When your father's true intentions begin to spill out, if Hihi's future plans and enthusiasm are conveyed along with that, wouldn't your father also receive Hihi's growth and future peace of mind?

I would be very happy if you could use this Hasunoha as a preliminary preparation for that. Incidentally, my son, who has completed his career, is now a member of society. He declared, “I'll be back in Jibo in 10 years.”

When Hihi sets out as a monk, her experiences in a society where worries swirl and the appearance of people suffering from distress will be irreplaceable original experiences. All the hasunoha monks are also supporting Hihi's future.

Hihi-sama

I'm a monk of the Nichiren sect. Please feel free to contact us about your career path.
We can also handle it by email, so don't hesitate.
I'm sure your father also has feelings for you, who would be your mentor
It probably depends on the size and conditions of the temple, so it is impossible to make an unequivocal judgment
As an example,
My son is currently doing legal affairs as a deputy chief priest,
I graduated from a general university, got a degree as a physical therapist, and then got a degree,
I took the Class B certification exam (after getting the lowest rank of monks, I also took Class A)
I finished the Shingyo Dojo and am working hard as a Nichiren sect teacher.
Of course, it was OK to get a monk's qualification after getting a job somewhere
The person himself wanted to do that, so he practiced ascetic training without getting a job.

You've already earned it, so don't be impatient
I think it would be better if you didn't consult with your master, monk, and then decide your own career path at the end of the day.
Having gone through various social experiences, cultivating an eye for seeing the world from various perspectives,
There are also a lot of people who become monks
It is also certain that there are excellent priests in the monastic elite.
Please don't be impatient and decide your own career path so that you don't have any regrets as much as possible.
If you ask for advice when making a decision, we will respond, so
First, let's be honest with your heart.

Thank you for your consultation.
It's easy, but as you asked in your question, there are 3 ways to get up
We've pulled out the merits and demerits. FYI.

① Go on to the Faculty of Buddhism now and get the rank of monks
[Advantages]

You can get the qualification as a monk in the shortest time
Learn sectarianism, memorial services, and proselytism in a systematic manner while young
The appointment of future chief priests is smooth
It's easy for parents to feel safe

[Disadvantages]
Become a monk with little experience in general society
It's hard to understand the concerns of office workers and managers as actual experiences
There is a possibility that regrets “I should have looked at society more” will remain

② Get a job once, then return to your 30s and get a monk rank
[Advantages]
You can gain social experience in your 20s
Learn about relationships, work, money, and responsibilities
Makes it easier to understand the feelings of parishioners and counselors
I can reconfirm my determination to become a monk

[Disadvantages]
You may lose the right time to return
It becomes difficult to move due to marriage, house purchases, etc.
The burden of relearning is huge
The aging of the parent generation is progressing

③ Take courses while getting a job and start with a low priest rank
[Advantages]
Learn while securing income
Can you balance a monk and a working person
Can you check if Buddhism really suits you
There is less risk

[Disadvantages]
It takes time to get the qualification
There is a possibility that learning will be half-hearted
When work gets busy, it's easy to put Buddhism on the back burner
Preparations for temple succession are delayed

Whichever path you choose, there's just one thing I want to tell you.
It means life doesn't go according to plan.

Right now, “let's go back when we're in our 30s”
“Let's become a monk after gaining social experience”
Even if you think
The situation may have changed by then.

For example, the situation at the temple. The state of health of your parents.
your own work and home environment.
Or the very way of thinking about Buddhism.

As people gain experience, their values change.
Scenery I saw in my 20s,
The scenery I see in my 30s is different.

So, while valuing my current thoughts,
It's not “let's think about it when that time comes,”
Try asking yourself questions regularly.

Life changes.

That's why, rather than the career path itself
I think it's important not to lose sight of what you want to value even in the midst of changes.

Have you shared your thoughts and feelings with your family?
No matter what direction, precious possibilities, there are relationships that lead to experience and learning.

I also want children to have many experiences and see the world, and above all, I want to have great respect for their own ideas. Doesn't your father take good care of you too?

Are you in a position to become the temple's successor? I think it depends on the condition of the temple where it is located. Do we have to inherit quickly? Do you have time for a leisurely social experience? Are you going to do it as a part-time job? Do you have a job you would like to do yourself?

Let's draw visions for various directions. You may be able to see what you lack. I don't know what the correct answer is. I don't even know what to do first.
All Hasunoha monks have had various life experiences. And I met you here. Life really is a strange thing. This may also be the Buddha's plan.

The path you walk. Whatever you choose, don't regret it.
This is a turning point in the lives of all people, not just monks. Please be careful. That will help you.