Spend some time in a Buddhist monastery to learn what life is like as a contemplative. Here are just a few of the monasteries and meditation centers that are open to visitors:
- The Insight Meditation Society (Barre, Massachusetts): https://www.dharma.org
- Metta Forest Monastery (Valley Center, California): https://www.watmetta.org
- Zen Mountain Monastery (Mount Tremper, New York): https://zmm.org
Before your visit, review the visitor etiquette guidelines at the organizations’ Web sites and create a list of questions to ask the monks—especially if you are considering a career as a Buddhist contemplative. Some monasteries allow people to take short-terms vows to explore the vocation. You can also visit a Buddhist temple to observe the work of priests. Visit http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/country.php?country_id=2 for a list of Buddhist temples, centers, meeting groups, and associations in the United States. You should also learn how to meditate. There are numerous classes (many offered at Buddhist temples), books, and videos that can help you to master this key Buddhist practice.