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[Dakorma]

*Facepalm*

Good for you Kael. Buddhists are some pretty awesome guys, even if I have trouble spelling the religions name.

Although, didn't the buddha sit under a tree for like 6 weeks? And he's always fat, at least in the general western eye. I mean, how did he manage that?

Just kidding man. Good luck.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_characteristics_of_the_Buddha

[G-Flex]

The fat buddha is the "Laughing Buddha", which was a totally different guy. Hence the confusion.

[Siquo]

Anecdotal evidence for how wandering can save the world (and on-topic, as it's about wandering ):

My uncle, when he graduated from high school, decided to wander the world instead of going to university as my grandfather insisted. He hitch-hiked and walked all through europe, into the middle east, worked some time in a kibbutz, wandered on and eventually ended up being a glass-blowers' apprentice in Afghanistan.

He then returned to the Netherlands, went to the University to study "Tropical agriculture", and went to work for Oxfam Novib, and now works in Geneva for a big NGO, working to help the poorest nations in the world. He's now doing a lot of stuff in Mali, setting up recycling factories, schools and sewers, and coordinating education so people can learn so they can work and make their own country a better place.

So yes, wandering the world can make a big difference.

[KaelGotDwarves]

I wrote up a long post but the laptop overheated from the dust it has gathered and crashed, eating the post. I have cleared out the fans and think it's in working order again. So it goes.

Thanks for all the well wishes. Glad the thread didn't turn ugly while I was out.

The date was bumped up to this Sunday, August 8th, and I have to memorize ten pages of Pali chants by then - as well as wrap up many aspects of my life such as work, family, friends, and such. It's been very, very busy.

The new girlfriend that I like dearly- I'm just putting her on hold for a bit until I return. She's also away in Europe doing a film study  abroad with her school, so we're planning in reuniting when I return to watch Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It seems strange to have someone special waiting for me when I exit being a monk but my life in general has been delightfully weird. I thought becoming a monk was a big step on my spiritual growth path, but the monk who will serve as my first master said the important part is when you exit the monastery- as you will go back into normal life reborn as a new person, and continue through regular life facing problems and decisions that I don't have to worry about in the temple.

@Solifuge or anyone else interested: Express interest at local temples about seeking a short-term ordination, or just visit Buddhist temples and seeing if their idea of practice suits you. You may be better suited to places such as Abhayagiri Forest Monastery, where the monks are mainly native English speakers. The most important thing is while others help you (and hinder you), you yourself are responsible for your own happiness and enlightenment.

Some good reading in English:
Q/A with Ajahn Amaro, an English born monk on Buddhism in the West: http://www.buddhanet.net/budsas/ebud/ebdha066.htm
On Emptiness and Pure Awareness: http://www.buddhanet.net/budsas/ebud/ebdha044.htm

Also, there is much more at Buddhanet.net.

May all of you muster the courage to find love and happiness.