Originally, I was excited to visit Europe, but I'm already planning on studying abroad in Europe (specifically France) for a semester in two years, and I think that would be a better opportunity to travel around a bit. Plus, there's more to the world than Europe, and I want to get a feel for it.
I'm also considering Asia, but I don't know, nor have I studied, any Asian languages at all. I mainly want to go to learn more about Buddhism and maybe visit Mount Fuji. (Not expecting to waltz into a Buddhist monastery and meditate. I just want to see where it all sort of started.)
I don't really want to do both, because I don't want to be away from home too long. Maybe three weeks at the most.
Ideas?
Which is it?
You say you want to learn more about Buddhism.
Then you say you just want to see where it all sort of started.
These are two totally-different goals.
If you want to see Asia, go to Asia.
But don't go because you want to learn Buddhism. Buddhist teachers (almost always monks/nuns) usually teach in their own language . .here in the West, there is usually an interpreter provided to interpret what the teacher says into English.
If you go to Asia, and do not know the languages, don't expect to understand a thing a teacher might say.
If you want to learn Buddhism, attend ANY of the dharma center teachings here in the West. Most of them either have a resident teacher/mon/nun (who has either learned English or the center provides an interpreter) or they have learned from one, and can pass on the teachings.
Buddhanet website has a directory of worldwide centers, and the probably is at least one center either where you live, or a reasonable commute from where you live.
Certainly, though, do not go to Asia "to learn Buddhism".
As for learning Buddhism, what you learn are the techniques. Then you DO the techniques. It takes 3-8 years of training your mind before you have the mental clarity to start observing what Buddha was talking about. And until YOU start to observe the teachings in your own inner workings and in life .. you don't really understand them.
One cannot understand/grasp/comprehend the truths of Buddhism by hearing them or by reading about them. You have to experience them through your own trained observation and insight. Therefore 3 weeks is not long enough. Even 3 years might not be long enough.
Which is another reason why you should't go to Asia if your only reason is to learn about Buddhism. Because you wont' really learn anything unless you are doing the practices yourself for some years.
If you are going to be studying abroad for a semester, you will have the opportunity to travel in Europe. Travel within Europe is fast and inexpensive.
So if you are backpacing somewhere next summer, try Asia, by all means. Do your research, and know how to ensure it is a good experience .. it CAN be a very bad experience to the traveller who is not prepared.
You are right .. you will not be waltzing into a Buddhist monastery .. but you will see Mount Fuji is you make it part of your itinerary.
Most Asian Countries many speak English with the exception of Japan then I found Japan the most difficult with English and they are not as geared up for tourism like places such as Thailand. How ever we managed in Japan with only English but I did a lot of investigating on places I wanted to go to in Japan and pre booked my accomodation also bought a 7 day JR rail pass before I went. my favourite Asian place to visit is Thailand. It is cheap and there are some beautiful areas to explore and many buddhist Temples to visit. English was spoken by most people. I also love Hong kong but a bit more expensive and up market
Europe. Definently
If you are 100% sure you are going to study in europe then Asia but if it's not a sure thing then deff europe.
富士山に登るのは案外大変だよ(登ったことあるから言うけど)。途中で頭が痛くなって...
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