I am feeling pretty lost in my life right now, and have since many years felt strongly towards Zen Buddhism. Now I would very much like to go to the east (japan/china) and live in a monastery for a year or two. Does anybody have any ideas or know any monasteries ? I've tried using google, but havn't really found what I'm looking for. peace sonfield
I strongly suggest visiting Plum Village - Thich Nhat Hanh's monastery in France. I spent some time there and found it the most wonderful and uplifting practice.
I also highly recommend Plum Village. I did a 3-week Summer Retreat there and thoroughly enjoyed it. Reading Thich Nhat Hanh's 'The Miracle of Mindfulness' is what set me off on the Path. I can also recommend Sam Ye Ling in Scotland. It is near Lockerbie. They also have a World Peace and Retreat Centre on Holy Island, off Arran on the West Coast of Scotland. I hope that your Wheel of Life has now spun into a happier phase. Mine certainly has as I am now teaching English in a monastery in Bhutan.
