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How to become a monk / dedicate your life to practice.

NewstatesmanNewstatesman
edited February 2012 in Buddhism Basics
So here's a question for you guys:

How does one dedicate his or her life to Buddhist practice?

If I want to become a Zen monk how do I go about it? (or any school if you aren't familiar with Zen)
There are no permanent Zen monasteries in Australia (that I know of)

Answer as generally as you like.
Im not currently in a position to go and become a monk, but I'd like to consider it over the next 10 years.

Comments

  • BekenzeBekenze
    To my knowledge:

    I was offered to be become a monk in monastery (Theravada) in Thailand. They told me this is how you become a monk: You gotta be at least eighteen, typically. Then, you contact a monastery about you wanting to become a monk. They will have you come in, you will go through a little ceremony, they will shave your head and give you your robes, and there you go.

    That is the very basic version, as I am sure there is more too it, but from what I know, there is not much else.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited February 2012


    How does one dedicate his or her life to Buddhist practice?
    Simple.
    You practice and become the best Buddhist you know how to be.
    If I want to become a Zen monk how do I go about it? (or any school if you aren't familiar with Zen)
    well, first of all, I do suggest you investigate all schools and traditions, and plant your mast, as traditions vary greatly. For a start, you can marry in the Zen tradition, whereas in others, you can't. And that's just one difference.
    But it's like getting to perform in the Sidney Opera house.
    You have to follow a dedicated practice.
    There are no permanent Zen monasteries in Australia (that I know of)
    Really?
    http://iriz.hanazono.ac.jp/zen_centers/centers_data/australi.htm
    Answer as generally as you like.
    Im not currently in a position to go and become a monk, but I'd like to consider it over the next 10 years.
    Then start practising your dedication and vocation, to a specific tradition, now.
  • SpinyNorman2SpinyNorman2
    How does one dedicate his or her life to Buddhist practice?
    Find a teacher and / or a sangha. Follow the precepts. Try to be mindful. Do as much meditation as you can. And go on some retreats. That will keep you going for 10 years...

    Spiny

  • ZeroZero Veteran
    Agree with @federica... the answer made me feel sufficiently unevolved such that there must be something in there surely? :)
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