La Monte: ‘I Felt Connected to Something Truly Larger Than Myself’

The Young Buddhist International Cultural Study Exchange (YBICSE) program served multiple fulfilling purposes to me. 

First, this was my first time traveling internationally. My family does not travel often and this trip provided an opportunity I wouldn’t get otherwise. 

Traveling to another country is an experience I felt like I was missing compared to my peers, but honestly, I did not have much ambition to travel by myself. Felt like a hassle. I had always understood that traveling to another country is a worthwhile experience that can’t be replicated, but now that I have experienced Japan, I understand why so many people devote themselves to travel. 

Second, YBICSE helped me to deeply connect with my Japanese heritage. I am half-Japanese, and despite earnest attempts, I did not learn the language. My Japanese mom was raised very American and I have been trying to work backwards my entire life to reconnect with my Japanese side. 

Being immersed in the culture 24/7 and noticing the differences in food, buildings, manners, and trying to keep up with each new thing and really try to behave in a Japanese manner was very eye-opening and fulfilling. 

We were taken to Osaka castle and Hiroshima Peace Park, important places for Japan’s history and cultural memory. Everywhere we went, I tried to exercise my feeble Nihongo, not really learning much fluency but still trying to use what skills I had. The entire experience was affirming to say the least. 

And, last and most impactfully, YBICSE strengthened my connection to Buddhism. 

While at the Hongwanji-ha, we participated in morning service at the main halls, toured the Shoin chambers and Flying Cloud Pavilion, and I took part in a confirmation ceremony to receive my Buddhist name. 

Additionally, we were taken to Mount Hiei, Shinran Shonin’s mausoleum, and attended the memorial service for the war dead at Hiroshima Betsuin. 

Being in these spaces that are hundreds of years old really emphasized that I am only the most recent in a long lineage of Buddhists. I felt connected to something truly larger than myself, something that reaches far into the past and I am actively carrying into the future. It was both profoundly humbling and empowering.

All these feelings were greatly enhanced by being around other Buddhist youth from Hawaii, Canada and Brazil. Experiencing all this with people my age, all of us foreigners discovering what Jodo Shinshu looks like in Japan together and connecting via this shared identity was truly unique. 

On a less serious note, being on an international trip with a group of 20 or so peers is just plain fun. Real friendships were formed and I enjoyed every second of time we spent together. 

Thank you to the Hongwanji-ha staff for organizing such an amazing trip that I will never forget.