Nun Experience

Last weekend I entered a monastery for three days as a Buddhist Nun at the Thai Buddhist Temple Of America in Ontario, CA. This was the second time for me to do so at that particular temple.

My days were spent in prayer, sitting meditation, chanting and helping around the temple.

When I entered last time, there were four nuns. This time, there was only one nun. I must admit, it was really nice just the two of us.

Did I mention she spoke no English and I speak very little to no Thai? We made an interesting pair. We used a lot of hand motions. And yet, we completely understood each other. Not being able to really talk to each other also forced me to basically take a vow of silence.

I discovered that I hum incessantly! Which is a no no when you take the nun's precepts. That's right, no makeup, no perfume, no music, no dancing, no sleeping on a high bed, no radio, no TV, and only one meal a day. We are not even allowed to have any money!

Everything in life seems to slow down while in the monastery. Which is really nice with my fast-paced life.

I went there specifically to slow myself down and center myself. Strangely enough, it took me about eight hours that first day that I went in just to get to that point of complete peace and solitude. Wow!I had no idea I was carrying so much!

I came out rejuvenated not only physically but also metally. I am grateful for the practice and was reinspired to spend more time in sitting meditation.

I want to say a special thanks to my family for supporting my spiritual journey. I mentioned to my husband that I look forward to the day that I can enter the monastery for a longer period of time. He jokingly responded,"Two days of your not preparing our meals is long enough!"

Well at least I 'think' he was joking.