Becoming a Buddhist Monk

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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dharmatheway84
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Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by dharmatheway84 »

Hello all,

I haven't posted in a while and have not been keeping up on my reading and learning like I should.

Due to a variety of factors, such as my past and due the direction in which I would like to see my life go, I have been giving serious consideration to beginning on the path to becoming a Buddhist monk.

I realize there will be years of rigorous discipline and study involved and that the monastic life would involve disciplines such as celibacy, poverty and servitude (I do feel led to serve others).

My main question is, can anyone who really desires with a pure heart to become a monk do so if they follow the path and acquire the knowledge and skills required to do so? Is there anything that could exclude one from being able to become a Buddhist monk (past mistakes, reputation (whether based on truth or not), past character flaws and/or bad habits (ie drinking), etc.? Thank you in advance.

-Michael
dharmacorps
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by dharmacorps »

There are some things, but none of the things you mentioned. You can't ordain to escape military service, financial debt, to hide from the law, or if you have certain disfiguring or debilitating illnesses, plus a few other fairly uncommon situations. If the sangha refused admission to anyone who had exhibited bad behavior or made mistakes in the past, there wouldn't be one.
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JamesTheGiant
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by JamesTheGiant »

What dhammacorps said is good.
The main thing that stops a lot of people is debt. You just can't ordain if you owe any money.
SarathW
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by SarathW »

The way I understand the student debt is not a problem.
Student debt becomes due ( active or operate ) only if you have income.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
2600htz
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by 2600htz »

Hi:

Having parents permission is a big one. Being free of debt another. At least believing you can endure the training and not having some illness that needs some medication that is hard to obtain probably the last big hindrance.

Besides that maybe being the right age. But having a strong conviction on the heart probably can solve all that.

Regards.
form
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by form »

Becoming a monk is not easy.
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cappuccino
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by cappuccino »

form wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:06 am Becoming a monk is not easy.
Staying a monk is not easy


Anyway it does not matter


Somehow you learn
form
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by form »

cappuccino wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:16 am
form wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:06 am Becoming a monk is not easy.
Staying a monk is not easy


Anyway it does not matter


Somehow you learn
Becoming also not easy for above 50
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cappuccino
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by cappuccino »

form wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:59 am Becoming also not easy for above 50
Hm…
form
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by form »

cappuccino wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 3:10 am
form wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 2:59 am Becoming also not easy for above 50
Hm…
Forest monk is even harder. Cave monk easier. :mrgreen:
SarathW
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by SarathW »

Before becoming a monk do rehearsal at home.
Wake up at 4.00am, not eating afternoon, observe eight precepts, etc.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
asahi
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by asahi »

If you dont have above said obstacle or hindrance such as debt etc go ahead . If
you consider too much then renouncing is not possible . You have to learn and adapt .
Nothing in this world is perfect . Or the least maybe try a short term say 1 year if that is possible for you .
No bashing No gossiping
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dharmatheway84
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by dharmatheway84 »

Thank you for the input all. Becoming a monk is certainly not something to be taken lightly. I need to speak more about it with the Abbott at a local Monastery. I think working on reaching enlightenment while serving others would be a fine way to spend the rest of my life. I also enjoy learning and so I would have an opportunity to spend a great deal of my time learning about the faith.
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dharmatheway84
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by dharmatheway84 »

Are monks in modern America allowed to have a few possessions like say the materials that comprise an altar and a few potted plants. I ask because I am an avid horticulture enthusiast.
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confusedlayman
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Re: Becoming a Buddhist Monk

Post by confusedlayman »

JamesTheGiant wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 11:10 pm What dhammacorps said is good.
The main thing that stops a lot of people is debt. You just can't ordain if you owe any money.
What about -5$ in bank account? No police or bank come in seaech but even 1$ debt is debt?
I may be slow learner but im at least learning...
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