Becoming A Bhikkhu

bretsaksa

Hello I am an American Buddhist looking to become a monk. I am 18 and fully committed to this. My question is this: Does anyone know of any monastery's that i would be allowed to go and devote myself to becoming a Bhikkhu and all that entails? I have been searching around and i cant seem to find a solid source to contact and see what the process would be. If anyone has anything to add please do, because I am very interested. I grew up in the baptist church and just realized that Christianity is not my way. Thanks again
-Bret-

Dazzle

You could make enquiries here:

http://www.abhayagiri.org/main/

DhammaDhatu

There are many monasteries on the list, here:

http://forestsangha.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=10&Itemid=9

GuyC

Hi Bret,

You might want to read this: http://www.bhavanasociety.org/main/page/the_experience_of_ordination/

And this: http://www.bhavanasociety.org/page/the_ordination_process/

You say that you are "fully committed", but how long have you been practicing for? I know it can be very inspiring when you first encounter Buddhist teachings and I imagine many young people with no commitments may think that ordination is the logical next step. Bear in mind that you don't have to be a monk to practice Buddhism. Becoming a monk may be a fairly big lifestyle change for some people.

In my opinion, if you want to ordain, that's great...but...I would suggest that you take a couple of years to consider if that's really what you want to do. Of course, if you do ordain now and later decide that it's not for you, you can disrobe...but...if you wait a couple of years and continue to practice Buddhism to the best of your ability as a lay person then you might get a better idea of whether or not that is the best direction for you. By practicing dilligently as a lay person first you might end up building a strong foundation for a successful life as a monk.

I would strongly recommend that you take your time to consider all your options. I would recommend that you visit monasteries, talk to the monks/nuns, ask them what they think about being a monk. Stay in a monastery as a lay person. Take it slow. There's no need to dive straight in, dip your toe in first.

Having said all that...ultimately only you can decide what is best for you.

Metta,

Guy

Dakini

You're 18? Are you ready for celibacy?

NOTaGangsta

Go for it! The earlier you start, the easier it is to drop your bad habits!

DhammaDhatu

You're 18? Are you ready for celibacy?

lol...what a stereotypical statement!...classic sexist physical objectification :mullet:

no wonder there are scant morals in the world, with women seeing & referring to themselves as mere sex objects :wtf:

andyrobyn

Is this necessarily a gender based question, DD ?

bretsaksa

I have thought about this decision for a long time so yes i am sure im ready for celibacy.

Dakini

Good for you, bret! I've heard that many monasteries in the US have waiting lists, so the sooner you begin to investigate, the better. In the past, members here have advised people your age to go to college and get a BA first, if possible. In case the monastic life doesn't work out. But depending on your circumstances, you could do that later, if the need arises. Also inquire as to cost: paying for your meals, and so forth. What tradition have you decided on, or have you decided on one?

bretsaksa

I am not sure on a tradition That part is still very alien to me to be honest. And yes does anyone know of the average cost of this venture? oh waiting lists always gotta have some form of Americans today no matter how secluded you get.

Dakini

And yes does anyone know of the average cost of this venture? oh waiting lists always gotta have some form of Americans today no matter how secluded you get.

Yeah, well, I gather the American monasteries are small, and there's a lot of demand. Look up some of the online resources provided on this thread, and get info about cost. The sooner you start your research, the sooner you can get on a waiting list, and start saving your money. This isn't something you can jump into overnight, usually. You may have to get a job and save up for a year. Some people go to Thailand and jump right into a monastery there (language barrier).

bretsaksa

yes im not even sure if i have even ever herd Thai spoken for that matter but im determined and I don't want to spend anymore time then need be for this.