Question
For some time, I have been thinking about becoming a Zen monk. Some people have noble, uplifting, pious reasons for becoming a monk. Mine are much less glorious: fear, pride (being a monk is cool, especially when you can still have a drink), the desire to leave my mark on the earth, and also the wish not to waste this precious human existence, which may not come around again anytime soon. Finally, I want to give my practice a real push, generated by a moral commitment, so to speak. All about me. What I am looking for through ordination is to give my practice momentum, because all I manage to do is sit in zazen for 20 minutes every evening, and that is so little… Do you think I am ready? If so, could this happen during summer camp next July, given that I took refuge with the Venerable Dagpo Rinpoche about ten years ago (is there any incompatibility)? If not… …
Thank you!
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Start by practicing at a few sesshins, then ask for bodhisattva ordination. Later, you can ask to become a monk to strengthen your practice.
Kosen