Monks and Family

[clw_uk]

I have been thinking about ordaining (in the Forest Tradition) but one thing that holds me back is a thought that i might not see my family again ( i always thought this is what happens), is this what happens or is one allowed to visit family (or visa versa) i have heard some stories of monks going home to visit their families


Any info would be great, thanks in advance

[Cittasanto]

I have heard stories straight from the monks mouth about his parents and brother visiting him at the monestary, and him going to visit his family, and a story from a former monk who knows a monk (who is quite famous) who visited his parents at christmas
so I think that it is ok but I do think there is a length of time where you can't 2 years I have heard but that may of been Vajrayana and not specifically theravada.

[clw_uk]

Thanks for that Manapa

Ive heard some stories like this as well, i imagine there is some sort of "probation" period so to speak, i wonder if the Vinaya has any rules about it

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Craig,

This is a good topic. I hope you don't mind if I move it from the Lounge to one of our Theravada forums.

Metta,
Retro.

[clw_uk]

No not at all

[Dhammanando]

Hi Craig,

I have been thinking about ordaining (in the Forest Tradition) but one thing that holds me back is a thought that i might not see my family again ( i always thought this is what happens), is this what happens

No, we're not the Moonies.

or is one allowed to visit family (or visa versa) i have heard some stories of monks going home to visit their families

Yes, though since this is a matter that is not covered in the Vinaya, in practice the frequency and length of visits will vary according to the in-house rules of a particular community or the views of a particular abbot.

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

[clw_uk]

Bhante Dhammanando

Thanks for clearing that up for me