can someone ordain with mental illness ?

[Gena1480]

hello after reading a post about mental illness
the question rise in my mind
Can someone ordain with mental illness
is there any sutta stating
that you can or cant ordain
because of mentall illness
anyother question can someone ordain with physical illness?
love and kindness to all

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

According to some definitions, all who are not enlightened are mentally ill to some extent. Anyone who is subject to birth is also subject to disease.

Nevertheless, there are some obstructions to ordination. Some individuals should not be ordained — if they are ordained their ordination is invalid and they should be expelled. Others should not be ordained, but if they are, their ordination is valid, but the monks who ordained them are at fault.

Read Ajahn Thanissaro's chapter on Ordination for details. There is no need to repeat it all here.

[Gena1480]

thank you Bhikkhu Pesala

[rowyourboat]

Hi Gena- it is diffcult (from a practical point of view, rather than than a vinaya point of view), to ordain if you have sever mental illness. You might find the tedium, monotony, business, meditation, whatever it is -a bit too difficult. But if it is a relatively minor disorder (say, anxiety) it might be ok. Think about it.

with metta

Matheesha