Joining a monastery

Hey forum!

So i stumbled across this forum today and have decided to join to ask a question. How can I join a monastery in Japan? I am from the US and am currently working in Spain, yet i believe that my time here is almost over. What I would like to do next is join a monastery in Japan. Why Japan? Well my first girlfriend was Japanese. Yeah i know its not a good reason but I've always been interested in Japanese culture and language ever since then. My friend is Burmese and invited me to join a Burmese monastery the next time he goes to Myanmar (to be a monk for 9 days) but I would like something for a year or so (or longer). I also don't know if the situation in Myanmar is safe for Americans. So i guess my question is what options i have in joining a monastery. My knowledge of the language is zero but I am willing to learn. I am also spiritually open and very willing to change my entire form of living to experience this life as a monk. Thanks in advance for your help!

Onstar,

Which Buddhist tradition do you wish to join? In my humble opinion, the difference between Pureland Buddhism and Zen Buddhism is like night and day. Also, do you want the strict monastic discipline of Koyasan (standing under freezing waterfalls while reciting Buddhist scripture) or did you want something less challenging like Honganji? Are you planning to spend the rest of your life as a monk, or do you want to be a minister working with people?

I am familiar with several Buddhist traditions within Japan. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Here are a few threads from the Buddhist Forum that you may want to take a look at:

Why did you ordain?
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?showtopic=50062&hl=

Zen Monastic Discipline in Japan
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?showtopic=53857&hl=

Searching for Zen Teacher(s) in Japan
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?showtopic=38522&hl=

Where to ordain?
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?showtopic=49027&hl=

Ordination in Jodo Shinshu
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index.php?showtopic=62499&hl=ordain+jodo

im looking to leave my country no longer want to stay in the us how can i join an monastery in japan plz help

Start by reading the thread.

Your profile says you have always lived in Japan....congratulations, you're already here.

Do you consider yourself Buddhist? How's your Japanese? Are you expecting to become a Kung Fu master? Does your keyboard have punctuation keys?