Temporary ordination practicalities

[rowyourboat]

What l ike about that is that they have the Right view, that such a thing as karma exists and that that there are spiritually superior beings among the bikkhu sangha who as a collective are worthy of respect. Here are people who's belief in karma is not limited to belief but spills over into action, suggesting a strong Right view capable of giving rise to the rest of the Noble eightfold path.

With metta

Matheesha

[Goofaholix]

What l ike about that is that they have the Right view, that such a thing as karma exists and that that there are spiritually superior beings among the bikkhu sangha who as a collective are worthy of respect. Here are people who's belief in karma is not limited to belief but spills over into action, suggesting a strong Right view capable of giving rise to the rest of the Noble eightfold path.

Ever been to Thailand?

[rowyourboat]

What l ike about that is that they have the Right view, that such a thing as karma exists and that that there are spiritually superior beings among the bikkhu sangha who as a collective are worthy of respect. Here are people who's belief in karma is not limited to belief but spills over into action, suggesting a strong Right view capable of giving rise to the rest of the Noble eightfold path.

Ever been to Thailand?

Sure, that must be tempered by the understanding that the rounds of births and deaths are unsatisfactory. Otherwise there was be just 'merit-making' and little practice.

[fabianfred]

Sure, that must be tempered by the understanding that the rounds of births and deaths are unsatisfactory. Otherwise there was be just 'merit-making' and little practice.

Unfortunately many Thais, and even monks, think that escape from Samsara is virtually impossible in this day and age, so they do not even try.
Making merit leads to a better rebirth....still stuck in the prison.
Being good is not enough to escape....that requires much effort.

[Hanzze]

_/\_

[rowyourboat]

It makes me sad that we in the so called enlightened West, have such a difficult time accepting that enlightenment is possible - and find it difficult to accept that there might be enlightened people/monks/individuals in this world -and that it is possible for us to be the same.

With metta

Matheesha

[rowyourboat]

Sure, that must be tempered by the understanding that the rounds of births and deaths are unsatisfactory. Otherwise there was be just 'merit-making' and little practice.

Unfortunately many Thais, and even monks, think that escape from Samsara is virtually impossible in this day and age, so they do not even try.
Making merit leads to a better rebirth....still stuck in the prison.
Being good is not enough to escape....that requires much effort.

Hi Fabianfred

Yes, that is a good point. Would you recommend temporary ordination? If so what benefits do you see in it?

with metta

Matheesha

[Phra Chuntawongso]

... and of course the thrill the Thai people get when they spot Phra Falang.

Yes, should be interesting. I found it mind-blowing enough just being on alms round with my American teacher in Bangkok (in the role of carrying what was offered after it had been into his bowl). We came back to the Wat with about three shopping bags full of food...

Even being on 8 precepts at my local Wat I can get a small taste of this. Apparently last weekend people were competing to be able to bring a meal to my kuti... And I had to share two thirds of the meal with the birds, otherwise I'd be asleep all afternoon

Mike

Hi Mike.
Well I have done the travelling from a non buddhist nation to a buddhist nation while in robes and it certainly is a new experience.From having women reallocated seats on one aircraft as I was seated in the middle of two ladies and the Thai cabin crew wouldn't allow that(Malaysia-Thailand)to be upgraded to first class on an already discounted ticket on another aircraft.(Bangkok to Chiang Mai)Priority through immigration and at check in.Half price bus tickets,the list goes goes on.
I hope that if you do ordain in Aotearoa then head for the Land of Smiles you will see for yourself the incredible difference in attitude.It takes a little getting used to.
Anyway I am now settling into my new temple.The same place as fabianfred.My next experience is that of getting my monks passport and visa sorted.I am waiting to hear from the head Abbot of the area as to whether or not they will accept my ordination papers from Malaysia.If they don't I will have to re-ordain here in Thailand,but the Abbot here says that will be no problem if we need to.
I will keep you all informed of things as the progress.
Nice to be back
With metta

[mikenz66]

Welcome back Venerable.


Mike

[fabianfred]

It makes me sad that we in the so called enlightened West, have such a difficult time accepting that enlightenment is possible - and find it difficult to accept that there might be enlightened people/monks/individuals in this world -and that it is possible for us to be the same.

With metta

Matheesha

our egos often rebel at the thought that there might be better people out there than ourselves...

[fabianfred]

Sure, that must be tempered by the understanding that the rounds of births and deaths are unsatisfactory. Otherwise there was be just 'merit-making' and little practice.

Unfortunately many Thais, and even monks, think that escape from Samsara is virtually impossible in this day and age, so they do not even try.
Making merit leads to a better rebirth....still stuck in the prison.
Being good is not enough to escape....that requires much effort.

Hi Fabianfred

Yes, that is a good point. Would you recommend temporary ordination? If so what benefits do you see in it?

with metta

Matheesha

the effort required does not need temporaory ordination...or even full.... but constant practice...such as at an intensive meditation retreat....for as long as possible.

[nissaranamagga]

Hello,

The temporary ordination program conducted by Buddhistcc is a very good one. It is carried on at the Dekanduwala meditation centre which is in Horana. It is not a meditation retreat but an over all training in dhamma which runs according to a daily schedule consisting of studies, meditation, and other day to day chores of novice monks.

In fact i went through this program in 2005 and it was one of the happiest periods of my life. They also conduct a one year long tripitaka training program for which also you will have to get ordained.

metta,

chan.