M.H.

it was a valuable experience that allowed me to better understand the kind of person I am right now.

I wanted to experience a way of life different from my usual routine. Having often watched Taigu Oshō’s videos and felt supported by them, I also had a desire to give something back to Fukugonji Temple. When I realized I had the perfect opportunity to take paid leave, I decided to join the temple stay on impulse, thinking it would be a great fit for someone like me.

Honestly, I had imagined a more relaxed kind of stay, so I was surprised to find myself living in a way that closely resembled that of a trainee monk. There were only two participants, including myself, and being in a completely unfamiliar environment made me want to go home on the very first day—that’s how I truly felt.

However, I thought that if I gave up and left, I wouldn’t learn anything, and I’d simply return to my everyday life as if nothing had happened. Seeing the frostbitten and cracked hands and feet of the monks somehow lit a fire in my heart. Whether it was a good or bad thing, I don’t know, but I was able to shift my mindset.

Thanks to that, although my mind did wander from time to time, I made it to the final day by focusing solely on the tasks in front of me. Looking back on the events that occurred during the stay, the emotions I felt, and the actions I took, I believe it was a valuable experience that allowed me to better understand the kind of person I am right now.

I didn’t discover any kind of formula for a successful life, but I do believe that the experiences I had here will find their way into my life at unexpected moments going forward.

I sincerely pray for the continued health and happiness of everyone at Fukuganji Temple and in the surrounding community.

Thank you very much.