Buddhism, a religion with more than 2,000 years of history, focuses on the "here and now". Buddhist monks live on charity and take a vow of chastity. They devote their lives to helping others, studying the Buddha's teachings and putting it into practice. To become a monk you have to know these teachings very well, you have to study with a mentor and start your journey in a monastery.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learning the Concepts of Buddhism
Step 1. Study the teachings of the Buddha
To begin your journey to be a monk, you need to study the basic principles of Buddhism. Read all the books available in the library, do research online and, if possible, take lessons from a teacher who is also a monk. The Buddha does not force anyone to believe, but it does require discipline to show that candidates are genuinely interested in understanding religion. Here are some basic concepts you should know:
- Study the Noble Eightfold Path which explains how to end suffering. The path consists of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right way of life, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
- Learn the Four Noble Truths which represent the essence of Buddhism. To simplify the concept a lot, it can be said that suffering exists and that it arises from material attachment. The way to end suffering is to practice non-attachment and follow the Eightfold Path.
Step 2. Join a temple, called a sangha, that practices Buddhism
It is a religion spread all over the world with many temples. Practicing Buddhism as a lay person allows you to get an idea of what it means to be part of the Buddhist community, an aspect not negligible if you want to become a monk. You will need to be a member of the community for many months, perhaps years before you can take the first steps towards monastic life.
- Check the phone book or search online to find the nearest Buddhist Center to your home.
- Be an active participant in the temple. Some sanghas offer introductory courses where you can learn a lot about this religion. Others instead plan spiritual retreats to increase faith.
- Not all communities are the same. Just like any other religion, there are more traditionalist and other progressive currents. Find the community you feel closest to.
- It might be helpful to visit Buddhist temples in other cities or perhaps in other countries to get an overview.
Step 3. Find a mentor or spiritual guide
Learning from a teacher is essential if you want to become a monk. Personalized teaching allows you to dive deeper into religion and better understand what is expected of you as a monk. Start working with someone who knows and can teach you everything you need.
- To find a mentor, ask for information and advice within your Buddhist community.
- Often, the temple invites high-ranking religious figures to give group lessons; this is also a chance to contact a potential spiritual guide.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for Monastic Life
Step 1. Meditate
To become a monk it is important to meditate every day, with a conscious effort, to learn how to change the way you think. When living in a monastery, most of the time is occupied with meditation. It takes a lot of practice for this.
- Buddhism involves several forms of meditation, including one that focuses on breathing, one that focuses on transformation, and meditation on the Lam Rim. Each meditation also includes certain postures.
- Start with 5 minutes of meditation each day. When you can meditate for this effortless time, increase by 5 minutes at a time until you can do 15-minute sessions twice a day. Some monks manage to meditate for several consecutive hours.
Step 2. Prepare to be financially independent for two to three years
To be a monk you have to respect a code of conduct called Vinaya, this provides that Buddhist monks and nuns do not have to work every day to support themselves economically. In some cases the monastery provides for basic needs, but in others you need to be able to support yourself for some time.
Step 3. Prepare to give up all your worldly possessions
Monks live as beggars, which means they have no more than they need for a modest life. You will be given clothes and items necessary for a simple life day after day. Remember that electronic devices, expensive clothes and shoes are considered a luxury and are therefore not allowed. Monks are not allowed to possess objects that can arouse feelings of envy, possession or jealousy.
Step 4. Understand that your Buddhist community will become your new family
Once you enter the monastery, your life will be dedicated to the community. You will spend your days serving others and need to focus on who needs your help. You will only be able to maintain little contact with your family of origin and will be encouraged to think of the Community as your new family.
- Before proceeding on this path, you should talk about it with your family and make them aware of your desire.
- Some monasteries do not accept candidates who are married or with other strong ties. Singles give greater guarantees of devotion to the community and to the Buddha's teachings as they are not distracted from other relationships.
Step 5. Know that you will take a vow of chastity
Monks have no sexual behavior whatsoever. Sometimes, monks and nuns cannot communicate with each other, unless it is a matter of everyday life. It is a good idea to start practicing chastity well before you become a monk, so that you realize if this vow is too difficult for you. The concept behind this practice is to direct the energies you would normally devote to sex to issues greater than you.
Step 6. Decide what kind of commitment you want to make
In some traditions, ordination is synonymous with lifelong commitment. However, there are branches of Buddhism that also provide for a limited ordination in time, of a few months or a year. In Tibet, many men complete a course of ordination for 2-3 years to develop their spiritual identity and then pursue other careers or get married.
- Make sure the monastery you want to enter offers the kind of commitment you have in mind.
- If you are unsure, you can always ordain yourself for 2-3 years and then take final vows at a later time.
Part 3 of 3: Being Ordained Monaco
Step 1. Begin your formative journey in the monastery
If you are convinced that you are becoming a monk, you will be ordained in a specific monastery. You will have to meet the requirements imposed by the monastery itself to be admitted. In some cases your candidacy must be endorsed by an elder who "vouches" for you and has assessed you as a good future monk.
Step 2. Attend the ordination ceremony
The ceremony will mark your entry into the Buddhist religion and will be performed by a monk. During the rite the monk will transmit the Three Jewels and the Five Precepts to you. You will also receive your Buddhist name.
If you follow Shin Buddhism, you will have an affirmation and not an ordination ceremony, but one that serves the same purpose
Step 3. Follow your teacher's instructions
If you participate in the ceremony, your teacher will be the monk who celebrates it, you will receive specific instructions on the rite from the monastery as they can vary.
Step 4. Take the Bodhisattva vow
This term identifies a person who dedicates his life to the way of the Buddha. Vows focus on acts of compassion, helping others and seeking enlightenment. Vows help you embody your highest aspirations. They commit you to a life without selfishness, of service to others, and you will need to recite them regularly.
Advice
- Sometime after your initial studies, you may find an advocate to help you financially.
- Buddhism originates in Southeast Asia, and countries like Thailand and India have many Buddhist temples.
