Expert: Laurie McLauglin - 6/3/2010

Question
Hi there.

I´m thinking about becoming a monk and i wish to know if i can go and travel from my Iand and go on a playn and go to tibet and travel all the way to the Himalayas and go to the temple wehr the monks live and begin my life there?

I´m also thinking about what if i do this what will i have to take with me and for how long time i can stay there ?

I have practice meditation for many years and lived a life on my own for longer time , i´m on a good place in my life and i want to get more out of my life style so i have been thinking of the plays in the himalayas for many years and today i thought that i would see things out and start by this email to you.

I hope to get mail from you thank you.

Answer
Thank you for letting me answer your question -

As you probably know the Chinese have taken over Tibet. As you probably know, the Chinese are not really into religion and do not want the Tibetans to practice Buddhism in Tibet.  So, I am sure you can travel to Tibet but if you travel to Tibet and practice Buddhism there, the Chinese might give you a hard time and tell you you cannot practice Buddhism there.

I would suggest you go to Nepal or India instead where you can freely practice Buddhism. There you can go to Katmandu or Dharmasala, both have large Buddhist communities. I believe you can stay there three months at a time.  You do not have to bring anything special as far as I know.  If I were you, I would do a lot of research on the Internet and contact others who have been in Nepal or India or who are still living there and they could tell you better what to bring with you and what to expect.

I myself, have never been to Nepal or India so I am not the best person to ask.

I am glad you have practiced meditation so much and want to get more out of your life.  I hope you do get to go to one of those places and that it helps your practice of Buddhism.

If I can answer any other question, don't hesitate to let me know.

Namaste - Laurie