Expert: Justin Choo - 9/7/2004

Question
I have this question wondering if you could help me.

I'm very interested in Buddhism & is very interested to work in a temple. And I have this thoughts, what is the requirement to be in the management level in a temple & what is the criteria if I wants to work towards the goal of the person in charge of a temple?

regards,
erica

Answer
Hi Erica,
Thank you for asking me.  There are different administrative systems in different temples around the world.  From my knowledge and experience, most temple work is purely voluntary i.e. without remuneration.  It also depends on the stature of the temple.  The more established temples will have management commitees to run the worldly affairs of the temples.  You would have to be fairly active and perhaps a bit of an extrovert to attract sufficient attention of the people in charge.  There are also the smaller centres usually set up by small groups of followers for their respective charismatic teachers.  It will depend on whether these groups welcome others or not.  Then again, there are the different schools of Buddhism.  Each has its own peculiarity.  So the best approach is first to make a survey of the temples and centres around your area.  Then acquaint yourself with these places.  By then, you will be able to identify the one which suits you.  Then you will have to do your work as I suggested.  Erica, along the way there will be a lot of "adventures" when you interact with the devotees.  Always remember, they are also humans with the good and the not-so-good attributes.  
I am also assuming that you are familiar with the differnt schools of Buddhism.  You have to decide on the particular tradition which suits your calling.  If you are not familiar I am happy to share with you my knowledge of the different Buddhist school of thoughts if you ask again.
Once you are involved in the temple or centre you would know how to work towards being the person in charge.
Of course I am assuming you are a devout Buddhist! :-)

Hope you are satisfied with my answer.  Please ask again should you need more clarifications.

Smile from justinchoo :-))