Finding the monastery right for me

[Y0m]

So over the last couple of months I've been researching monasteries in America, trying to find the perfect one for my practice as a monk.
First, I went through many many buddhist monasteries, but I really beleive more in buddhism AND Hinduism...

Finally I think I've found a good one! It is Kauai's Hindu Monastery in hawaii. They practice devotion to God and also practice meditation. It's really cool and so beautiful. I hope I'll both grow here and also be able to help many people.

Here is the website for anyone interested:
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/

Feel free to ask me questions, because the more questions I get the more I can think about this goal of mine. I'm in the process of applying right now, and then I'll go on a six month visit to see how I fit in.

This is a lifetime decision so I need all the input I can get. I don't want to make the wrong decision here. I know you guys don't belive in Hinduism, but maybe that is a good thing


Much love,
Y0m

[Earth Ritual]

I don't think you'll make the "wrong" decision. A friend of mine says there is no right and wrong, just right and left. I will also convey the words of one of mentors who said, "do not allow yourself to be rushed in any way."

I wish I had questions but I don't. I am just being with the information and observing/trusting the process but if I have some I wont hesitate to ask.

[Kassandra]

YOm, though you're looking into a Hindu monastery, I couldn't help but think of you when I saw this video this morning, LOL! I hope you enjoy your time at the monastery in Hawaii, should you go forward with applying and studying there.


<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JWqut2W2Wg0&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JWqut2W2Wg0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

[WitchyLady506]

Well, what kind of questions do you want? You want us to question you if you're making the right choice, if you're sure there's not something else you want to do that you can't do in conjunction with being monk?

I really think that you're making the right choice. I have a feeling you've put in a lot of thought and consideration into this choice. You've even went the direction of wanting to be celibate, which I personally don't know any guy who would take to that idea without a lot of soul searching. Most might have a period of celibacy, but it's normally none voluntary.

May Ganesha bless you and help you through the rest of this journey.

[Y0m]

Elisa, I really enjoyed that video. Enlightenment is what I will be striving for as well, but they do it with the added benifits of worship and devotion.

And 6528! well, you are right on all counts I suppose I guess I'm just used to being questioned now. My aunt and uncle are athiest so they give me hell, but it gives me even more time for inner search and assurence.

Anyway, i get a little discouraged. It has been so easy for me to comply with all of my vows so far but I still struggle daily with celibacy... I gave in today again, embarissing enough as it is, but I must not give up. What a difficult hurdle it is sometimes.

And you mentioned genisha! lol awesome

Love.

[WitchyLady506]

I can see celibacy being the hardest, but I think that's something you have to wing yourself on. I personally feel that orgasms are addictive, so giving them up is the same as quitting smoking or any other drug addiction.

And I know a little about Hinduism. I happened to have aced my Asian culture class, which included learning about all the different religions of Asia:P

[Y0m]

Well, in the end I had a few realizations.

This monastery is very beautiful and a great place but it isn't where I will ultimatly end up sadly (ha I was excited I would be in such a nice place).

I _could_ go that way but I'm not called to do it.
Rather, I was called to their website to discover and read over their books which are online.. Dancing with Siva, Living with Siva, and Merging with Siva.

After this I will be leaving my family and friends behind to take a spiritual journey in the neaby mountains where I plan to stay until the end of summer. I'm thinking that on this journey I may find my true guru.

So, it's funny how life works out... especially when you are intune with your highest self and inner spirit. I will be around over the next week or so to help those who are in need on this message board.

I love you all,
Y0m

[WitchyLady506]

So, it's funny how life works out... especially when you are intune with your highest self and inner spirit.

I think that kinda goes along with, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes what we think is the right path is just a side trail leading us to our true path.

[blackwavy]

Its not about finding the right monastery because they are in search just like you are. People who seek spiritual, searching for truth is an act of individual and growth which you are in control of. Having a personal relationship with the Creator is the ultimate bond. We are all spirits and spirits have their own uniqueness to them--two are never the same. We are the sum of the Absolute on both the physical and non-physical levels.