Buddhism, a religion that is more than 2000 years old, focuses on the present. Buddhist monks live for charity and learn pure vows. They devote their lives to helping others and demonstrating Buddhist values. To become a monk, you must have experience in Buddhist teaching, study with a mentor and receive training in a monastery.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Learning About Buddhism
Step 1. Get to know about the teachings of Buddhism
Begin your path to becoming a monk by understanding the basic teachings of Buddhism. Read books in the library, do research online, and if possible, take classes with instructors who were once monks. Buddha doesn't force anyone to believe, but asks his followers to prove their beliefs based on their own beliefs. Here are the doctrinal basics you need to know:
- Learn the teachings of the eight levels, which will put an end to all kinds of suffering. This path contains understanding the truth, speaking rightly, trying right, thinking right, concentrating right, working right, and living right.
- Learn the four wisdoms, which contain the essence of the Buddha's teachings, a simplified version of this teaching is the truth that suffering is real, it arises from attachment to desire, this condition will end when attachment to lust ceases and liberation will be possible through the teachings of the eight paths.
Step 2. Join a temple, or Sangha, that teaches Buddhism
Buddhism is all over the world and almost every country has a temple. Practicing Buddhism as a believer will provide valuable value for providing a clear picture of being part of the Buddhist community, which is essential to being a monk. You'll want to be part of the community for a month, or maybe a year, before you take the next step towards becoming a monk.
- Check your phone book or search the internet for a Buddhist center near you.
- Be an active participant in the temple. Some Sanghas often hold introductory courses where you can learn more about Buddhism. This can help you build confidence.
- Not all Buddhist communities are the same. Like other religious institutions, some tend to be more traditional while others have adapted to modern life. Find a community that fits your general view.
- It may be helpful to visit a Buddhist temple in another city or even another country to gain greater insight into the Buddhist community.
Step 3. Find a spiritual teacher or mentor
Learning from a mentor is essential to becoming a monk. Personalized instructions allow you to dive deeper into Buddhism and give you a better understanding of what you hope to become a monk. Start working with someone who can teach you everything you need to know.
- To find a mentor, ask people in your Buddhist community for recommendations.
- Often, temples invite Buddhist leaders to come and talk in groups, this gives you the opportunity to make contact with potential mentors.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare for Monastery Life
Step 1. Spend some time meditating
Becoming a Buddhist monk requires daily meditation and conscious effort to change the way the mind works. When you stay in a monastery, much of your time will be spent in meditation. This takes practice.
- Buddhism recognizes various types of meditation, including meditation focused on breathing, meditation focused on transformation and meditation focused on the Lamrim. Meditation can also include certain postures.
- Start with five minutes of meditation every day. As you become more comfortable with the five minutes, increase the meditation time by a few more minutes each day until you can meditate for 15 minutes twice a day. Some monks even meditate for hours every day.
Step 2. Prepare to support yourself for two or three years
Becoming a monk requires you to follow the Vinaya, a code of ethics, which requires that monks and adherents of the teachings do not work like normal people to make ends meet. In some cases the temple will provide for the daily needs, but in other situations you will need to have enough savings to make ends meet.
Step 3. Prepare to let go of the lusts of the world
Monks live as poor, which means they only have what is needed for a simple life, nothing more. You will be provided with simple clothes and items and should be comfortable with them from day to day. However, electronic equipment, expensive clothes or shoes, and anything that can be called expensive items are not allowed. Monks are not allowed to possess such items that can provoke greed, envy or attachment.
Step 4. Realize that your Buddhist community will become your new family
Once joined, your life will belong to the Buddhist community. Your days will be spent serving others, and your focus will be on people who need help. You have very little contact with your family, and you have to think of the Buddhist community as the new family.
- Before pursuing ordination, you may want to discuss this with your family and let them know what happens next.
- Some monasteries do not accept candidates who are married or have a bonded relationship. Unmarried people are more welcome to teach Buddhism, because they have no outside pressure to distract them.
Step 5. Prepare to take an oath of chastity
Monks do not engage in sexual activity. In some cases male and female monks are not allowed to talk to each other about things that have nothing to do with daily activities. It is better if you try to practice this before being ordained so that you are sure you can do it. The idea is that the energy you put into sexual activity can be channeled into bigger problems.
Step 6. Decide what commitment you want to make
In some traditions, ordination means a lifelong commitment. However, there are other traditions that allow pursuing ordination for only a few months or years. In Tibet, for example, many people complete two to three months of ordination before finally getting married or pursuing a career.
- Make sure the temple you are visiting is interested in offering an offer for your desired level of commitment.
- If you're not sure it's still possible to be ordained within two or three months, then pursue a longer ordination later.
Part 3 of 3: Ordained a Monk
Step 1. Start the practice at the temple
If you believe to be a monk, you will be ordained in a certain temple, you must meet the requirements to be ordained in one temple. In some situations, getting ordination requires the recommendation of a senior monk who believes you are a good candidate for monkhood.
Step 2. Participate in the dedication ceremony
This ceremony marks your decision to become a Buddhist, and it can only be performed by ordained monks. During this ceremony, another monk will give you three gems and five precepts. You will also get the name of Buddha.
If you follow Shin Buddhism, you will receive an acceptance ceremony, as opposed to an ordination ceremony. This acceptance ceremony is the same in purpose as the ordination ceremony
Step 3. Follow the teacher's instructions
If you take part in the ordination ceremony, your teacher will usually be the master of the ceremony, you will receive detailed instructions to the temple where you serve.
Step 4. Take the teachings of the Bodhisattva
A bodhisattva is someone who devotes his life to the path of the Buddha. This teaching focuses on doing compassionate deeds, and seeks to seek enlightenment in every human being. This oath is your way of realizing your highest aspirations. You will commit yourself to a life of selfless service, you will do it regularly.
Tips
- Sometimes after the main training, sponsorship support may come and give you the possibility of meeting your daily needs.
- Buddhism originated in Southeast Asia, and countries such as Thailand and India have a large number of Buddhist temples.
