Day 03

– Notes written during my stay at the Newbury Buddhist Monastery, Victoria, Australia –

3rd July 2015

What do I see as the Pros and Cons of being a Monk/Monastic

Pros – Being a Monk/Monastic

Away from all the worldly drama.
Have the guidance and support structure that is required to “Learn Dhamma” and “Practice Dhamma”.
Guidelines and Rules are in place to facilitate the “Disciplined Life”.
Since donors & other members of the institute takes care of the basic needs, Monastics can fully concentrate on doing their job:

Social Service

Get closer to enlightenment

Or

Be enlightened

Cons – Being a Monk / Monastic

Monastics may have their own set of drama
I personally don’t agree with some of the rules (Allowables, Etc)
Dealing with “Lay People” may bring back memories from the past.
Require to follow an established structure / process, and limited to express your own thoughts and feelings.
Will be labeled “Buddhist”, which will be an immediate “No” from people from other religions, if you’re to convey a message.

What are the Pros and Cons of going back to the “Real World”, yet live my New Found*** beliefs.

Pros – Back to “Real World”

No rules, no limitations, hence I can practice what I feel is right.
Free to express myself to the world in anyway via Blog / Facebook without having to worry about potential “Brand Damage” of an “Institution”
I don’t need to label myself as a Buddhist, hence I have the ability to convey a message to “Non-buddhist” community

*** New Found: These were already existing, but clouded with cultural baggage, current day social structures, and self doubt.

Cons – Back to “Real World”

Too close to “Real World” and will require a lot more effort to be disciplined.
Limited time to learn, discuss, and write about Dhamma.
Limited time to practice meditation, etc.
No structure, hence easy to be lazy.

After 3 days at the monastery, how do I see my future?

Doing what I’m doing now, helping as a lay person, looking after monastics’ needs seem appealing to me
I definitely can help out in the setting up of the monastery.

Manual Labour

Process optimization (office)

Looking after Monastics

Looking after the place

I can also help myself

Learn new skills (Handy man)

Learn about Dhamma

Learn and practice meditation

Write

Social work

I also can take “leave” and go to the “Real World” for breaks, to visit friends and family.
The longer I stay in a monastery as a Lay Person, the more clarity I will get about what I want to do.
E.g:

Social service as a Lay Person

Social service as a monastic in Newbury

Social service as a monastic in Australia

Social service as a Lay person or a monastic in Sri Lanka.

Complete change (None of the above)

World is my Oyster

Is Atmail history for me?

Yes.
I’ve always wanted to do community services
Whether it’s at the place I’m at or a different place, I know I’m in the right direction.
I definitely want to read more about Dhamma and Practice more.