From Office to Temple: A Monk’s Honest Reflection
From Office to Temple: A Monk’s Honest Reflection
(If you haven’t read it yet, we recently shared the story of a local Buddhist monk who visits our retreat—a man who grew up in a temple family, and eventually returned to take over the family’s temple after an unexpected loss. It’s a story of tradition, responsibility, and quiet dedication.)
During one of our retreat programs, a guest asked him a question that opened up a deeper conversation:
“Was there anything difficult about transitioning from a regular office job to becoming a monk?”
He paused thoughtfully, then answered with honesty:
“When I was working in the office, I had enough money to buy the things I wanted. As a monk, I had to learn how to find contentment with much less.”
In Japan, most temples—especially smaller ones in the countryside—are run almost entirely on donations. While there are suggested amounts for services and offerings, ultimately, it’s up to each person to decide what to give. In larger temples with more visitors, things may be more structured, but in his quiet village temple, managing with limited funds is a real challenge.
And yet, he never complains. He always speaks with a gentle voice and a calm smile, connecting with people in a way that feels both sincere and grounding.
Seeing the way he lives—with such openness and peace—it becomes clear why his small temple is so deeply loved by the local community. It’s not just the history or the tradition. It’s the presence of someone who truly lives with heart.
It reminded me, and many of our guests, that a meaningful life isn’t measured by what we can buy—but by how we choose to live, share, and connect.
