Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron details the practicalities and process of becoming a Buddhist monk or nun. With the proper preparation and sense of commitment, anyone can take the vows of a Buddhist monk or nun and enter the walls of monastic life. Though this is not required in the Theraveda tradition, which focuses on each individual reaching an enlightened state, nuns can elect to take these vows regardless of their secular affiliation. When you live in an abbey, much ⦠And although there are cases of people who take vows and later give them back and return to lay life, this is not recommended. This requires followers to commit themselves to what is known as the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the dharma (the Buddha's teachings) and the sangha (the worldwide group of Buddhists). Becoming a Buddhist monk requires daily meditation and a conscious effort to change how the mind works. A Lifelong CommitmentThe vows of a Buddhist monk or nun are taken for life, therefore it is important to spend time and take great care in reflecting on the various advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. Venerable Amy Miller discuss why she became a Buddhist nun. First of all, you can achieve the same thing by finding a Buddhist teacher and doing the practices daily that you are taught ⦠while you continue to hold down a job, get married, have kids, etc. But Dharmashila was undeterred. It is contrary to the Vinaya (code of conduct) for monks and nuns to work in worldly jobs to support themselves. To become a Buddhist, there is a need to know the foundation on which Buddhism is built. This is especially true in our spiritual journey where a qualified teacher can provide the guidance we need to be successful in our practice. According to Buddhist practice, there are three stages or steps. One should investigate the possibilities that are available to join monastic communities prior to ordination. Buddhist nuns face similar requirements when considering ordination. What is the lifestyle of a Buddhist nun like?. Traditionally a student requesting ordination has completed several years of study and practice under the guidance of a qualified teacher. What can they learn by leading a Buddhist monastic life? By becoming a monk or a nun, one abandons the ways and appearance of a lay person and adopts the appearance and ways of an ordained person by keeping a number of vows. See disclaimer. She has been writing professionally since 2012, with articles spanning topics from French culture to nutrition and brain disorders. The second stage is the elimination of desire and attachment to this samsara. A woman who wants to become a Catholic nun, for example, must be at least 18 years old, be single, have no dependent children, and have no debts to be considered. How to Become a Nun 1. The most important place to begin is to pray (or continue praying) about this call you sense. Considering OrdinationIf possible spend some time living in a monastic community receiving advice from the resident monks or nuns on what it is like to be a monastic. Supporting YourselfTraditionally, when one joins a monastic community, the four basic requisites of food, clothing, dwelling and medicine are provided. However, as monastic communities are still in development in many parts of the world, this is not always possible. 3 Prerequisites for Becoming a Buddhist Nun Paula Bronstein/Getty Images News/Getty Images While the requirements to become nuns and monks were the same in the time of the Buddha, there were already differences in expectations. For those considering ordination, it is important to consider what resources are available for support once one has taken ordination. Once one understands the value of the Buddhaâs teachings and feels they are appropriate for oneâs own spiritual development, the next step is to formally establish yourself as a Buddhist by taking ârefugeâ. For women and men, the first step to becoming a Buddhist practitioner, monk or nun is taking refuge. if you can go to Buddhist countries, the Buddhist communities would support you. Discuss with monks and nuns who have lived with the vows and can offer very practical information on how to maintain oneâs commitment. Those seeking to become monks or nuns should discuss their situation with their teacher or senior sangha to ensure their stability once they have taken ordination. Meet the requirements. Knowing the Buddhist TeachingsBefore making the decision to take ordination, one should have a thorough foundation in the teachings of the Buddha, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim). At that time, a woman may be fully ordained as a nun by taking the entirety of the 311 vows, which is in contrast to the 277 required of men. Why do young women choose to study Buddhism at a Buddhist college? This step away from a householder's path and onto the monastic path is essentially a novice ordination for women. For both men and women, renouncing secularism involves the relinquishment of all material goods except for eight items that the Buddha found necessary for living: a food bowl, three robes, a belt, a sewing needle, a razor and a water filter. Preparing to Become a Buddhist Monk or Nun According to Buddhist practice, there are three stages or steps. In the West, Buddhist nuns don't always call themselves "nuns," preferring to call themselves "monastics" or "teachers." In some cases, one can also reside within a dharma center under the guidance and protectio⦠A new IMI cabin in Thakpa Kachoe, Vajrayogini Pure Land in France. On a deeper level, there is nothing to grasp to about being Western, a nun, a Buddhist, or from the Tibetan tradition. Ven. The second stage is the elimination of desire and attachment to this samsara. Our teacher can help provide the foundation for the monastic life, and will understand when we are ready to take on the commitment required for the monastic vows of ordination. She went away with the Buddhist teachers to Kushinagar in India, where she was ordained. In order to protect our ordination, the vinaya (code of conduct) for monastic life is very explicit in how we live in community. You must be free from contagious, chronic and venereal diseases as well as any mental disorders; this is probably because of the close quarters and interactions with other monks and nuns that occur with this lifestyle. Becoming a Buddhist Nun (Bhikkhuni) 1. However, as monastic communities are still in development in many parts of the world, this is not always possible. Why do many of them choose to become a Buddhist nun? But that doesn't mean that everybody should . To send your daughter to be a nun in a foreign religion was bizarre'. For a woman to become a bhikkhuni, she must meet several basic requirements. For two weeks in July of 2003,⦠Additionally, as the candidate for ordination is normally presented by her parents, you must have your parents' permission and not be bound to any government service. In Buddhism, the goal of the Buddhist path is to reach enlightenment, a state free of mental suffering and characterized by bliss, peace and happiness. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Traditionally, one stays in a monastic community for at least 5 years after becoming ordained. This is her story. How To Become A Buddhist Monk In UK. Living in community also means that we share our resources, our habits, our practice and our personalities. The word zen means meditation. It is also important to strengthen oneâs practice by taking âlay vowsâ preparing one for living with vows; many students will also practice celibacy for a period prior to taking ordination. Women are welcome to visit Dhammasara to find out what is it like. For women and men, the first step to becoming a Buddhist practitioner, monk or nun is taking refuge. Becoming a Buddhist monastic means that you are joining a communityâthe Sangha. Currently, two of the main Buddhist sects, Theraveda and Mahayana, both give women the right to become nuns, but this was not always the case; nuns were missing from the Theraveda tradition for nearly 800 years. Entering the Buddhist PathTake the time you need in developing your spiritual practice. Thubten Chonyi describes a nunsâ life.. Although some monasteries offer part-time ordination, in most schools of Buddhism, the choice to become a Buddhist monk or nun is a lifetime commitment. Though our monastic Sangha represents many co⦠Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Before becoming one, she liked to question about souls and life. Thubten Chonyi. However, as Buddhism is relatively new to many parts of the world, resources to support the monastic communities are limited. There is also a wide variety of ages, from age 15 to 79, though most of the monastics are in their 20âs and 30âs. This requires followers to commit themselves to what is known as the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the dharma (the Buddha's teachings) and the sangha (the worldwide group of Buddhists). Ordaining as a Buddhist nun is a big commitment and requires aspirants to pass through stages which require greater degrees of commitment and higher standards of monastic discipline (Vinaya). Now, Ru Xing is a Buddhist nun at the monastery. She is ordained in the presence of at least five nuns and five monks on the same day. You should at first study the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), know the principles of the Four Noble Truth, Karma, Reincarnation, the Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts. Sangha Jewel – A Community Of Buddhist Monks And Nuns. Mahayana Buddhists take vows to follow the path of the Bodhisattva, suggesting that their attainment of enlightenment is for the good of all beings. In some cases, one can also reside within a dharma center under the guidance and protection of oneâs teachers. by Ven. In learning to live in a community one can face many difficulties, particularly as many of us have been raised in cultures of individual expression. Many monks and nuns provide service to their local dharma communities in exchange for their basic needs. Theravada, Tibetan, etc.). Programs are being developed where lay practitioners considering ordination can gain an understanding and experience of the monastic life in protected retreat environment. to take refuge in the Triple Gem and follow a ceremony during which you take a vow to uphold the Five Precepts (to not kill, not steal, not commit sexual misconduct, refrain from false speech and not take intoxicants that lessen your awareness). Believe it or not, I had to look up âlifestyleâ to think about how to answer your question. © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. NOTE: Here is a downloadable and printable version of this post: How to Become a Catholic Nun PDF. The International Mahayana Institute (IMI) is a community of Buddhist monks and nuns of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). When Buddhism was first initiated around 500 B.C.E., the Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, allowed women to become part of his monastic order of disciples. Additional vows are taken at this step, the head is shaven and study and practice of the Buddha's teaching are implemented as the essential components of the postulant's days. The vows are taken with the determination to keep them for the rest of one’s life. Whether youâre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. Following the renunciation of secular life, there are two additional stages of ordination for women. Copyright ©2020 International Mahayana Institute, Preparing to Become a Buddhist Monk or Nun. Know yourself and know whether you will feel comfortable being a monk or nun. Becoming a nun can be easy but to get continuing support is a different issue. After 49 colourful years working in theatre and academia, Venerable Thubten Chokyi became a Buddhist nun so she could devote the rest of her life to the service of others. In the Plum Village monastic communities there are monks and nuns from many different countries including France, England, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Canada, Sweden, Portugal, USA, and Australia. This is her story. A small difference between the vows of Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhists occurs at this step in the path of ordination for women. The initial stage is to reduce attachment towards life. Thubten Chonyi is a nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The last requirement for full ordination is agreement of the sangha, or monastic community, that she is ready. The requirements state that you must be in good health, physically and mentally. No it is not correct. I learned that some students had troublesome struggles between the time they decided to become a student at this Buddhist college and before their entrance date, either personally or with their parents. How To Become A Zen Buddhist Monk. Some monasteries in Asia (e.g. Answers to these questions can be found in this compilation. Becoming a Buddhist monk or nun is truly a meaningful and worthwhile way to spend your life, and to be of benefit to others. While men only have two levels of ordination, Buddhist women have three; however, the first step for both is the same -- relinquishing of secular life. Tags ask a buddhist buddhist form of address buddhist nun spokanefavs ask a buddhist. IMI also provides support in dependence on available resources. Traditionally, one stays in a monastic community for at least 5 years after becoming ordained. Zen Buddhism started in India and has gradually spread to the western world over the years. The most touching doctrine to her is about cause and condition. The purpose of the community is to study and practice the Buddhaâs teachings, and whenever possible, to share them with others. Lama Zopa Rinpoche is the current Spiritual Director and Abbott of the IMI. They ⦠Some orders have very strict requirements about who can or cannot become a nun. Archive for November 2006 INTRODUCTION. Previous An analysis of Robert Nelsonâs âproofâ of god. What obstacles do they face? But "nun" could work. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Although there is great benefit in becoming ordained, the life of a Buddhist monk or nun also carries a deep responsibility for oneself and for others. Also, be sure to check out the "Prerequisites for Becoming a Catholic Sister or Nun" at the bottom of this post. At that time, requirements for becoming a nun, or bhikkhuni, were the same as those for becoming a monk, or bhikkhu: simply dedicating oneself to the Buddhist path and taking vows in the five precepts of not to kill, steal, lie, consume intoxicants or participate in sexual misconduct. Ask A Buddhist: Becoming a Buddhist - February 4, 2019; View All Posts. Most of my teenage students know I am a nun, and their reactions fascinate me. Proper health is established through a series of 24 questions before any ordination can take place. Shortcut to becoming a Buddhist monk or nun Ciâen temple in Zhejiang province offers three-month course and part-time vows Fri, Jul 5, 2013, 01:00 Her work was first published in the "Journal of Chemical Ecology" as both a full-length article and the journal's cover. We are very fortunate that the monastic tradition started by the Buddha is still alive today, thanks to the devotion, dedication and efforts of many thousands of monks and nuns in Asia over the last 2500 years. Tiffany Andras received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgia Tech in Biology and Biochemistry. Resources and articles are also available online. Lama Thubten Yeshe, the founder of FPMT, established the IMI in 1973 in order to develop a community of nuns and monks where we would not only be cared for, but where we would also take care of each other. International Mahayana Institute - Welcome! Yvonne had always wanted to be the "perfect wife," so for her, she says, the hardest part about becoming a Buddhist nun was having to break up with her boyfriend. Having a Spiritual GuideIn any venture we undertake, we need someone who can teach and guide us. Becoming A Buddhist Nun. The English word "nun" comes from the Old English nunne, which could refer to a priestess or any woman living under religious vows. After 49 colourful years working in theatre and academia, Venerable Thubten Chokyi became a Buddhist nun so she could devote the rest of her life to the service of others. The purpose of the community is to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings, and whenever possible, to share them with others. The second stage, sikkhamana, prepares the novice for full ordination, which is called upasampada. Being Part of a CommunityBecoming a Buddhist monastic means that you are joining a communityâthe Sangha. A woman in the Theraveda tradition must remain as a sikkhamana, or trainee, for a period of two years while she observes, learns and practices with and in the same way as fully ordained nuns and monks. The process itself varies from order to order. Then in the third stage, self-cherishing is eliminated. However, in the Tibetan tradition, one makes a commitment for life. The initial stage is to reduce attachment towards life. How to Become a Monk or Nun The Sangha, the community of Buddhist monks and nuns, is the oldest monastic tradition going back to the time of the Buddha, nearly three thousand years ago. Members of the monastic community are happy that you are interested in following the monastic path and want to support you in your ordination. Over time, Buddhism has split into several different forms with different followers and rites of passage. In order to become ordained, any person, male or female, who wishes to become an ordained member of the Buddhist tradition must meet certain health standards. If you are beginning, check your local area for a center or study group where you can generate an understanding of the teachings, gather the support of other dharma students and have the guidance of a qualified teacher. Pray. Becoming a Buddha monk or a nun in the UK follows the same steps described above on how to become a monk. Responding to a question posed to the Ask a Buddhist feature at Spokane FAVS, Ven. Becoming a nun is a difficult process that requires a lot of time and sacrifice. in Thailand) offer part-time ordination programs, usually for men, which allow one the possibility to live as a monastic for a few days, weeks, months, or years. In the refuge ceremony, the postulant takes vows in the five precepts (or up to 10 if the full precepts are requested), goes through a physical worship practice and is given a Tibetan or Buddhist name if she is not of Eastern descent. They are openly curious about what it means to be a Buddhist as well as a nun ⦠After entering the university, she enjoyed studying the sea of Dharma. idk 0 0 Anonymous Buddhist monastics should be free from family and monetary obligations, such as marriages and debts. Paula Bronstein/Getty Images News/Getty Images, BBC: Religions: Buddhism: History: The Buddha, Buddhanet: Women in Buddhism Questions and Answers: What are the Requirements for Bhikkhuni Ordination. Understand that you are not mandated to accept these teachings. You need to have a teacher who can give you permission to be ordained, and you need to be following one of the Buddhist traditions (e.g. Joins a monastic community, the four basic requisites of food,,... 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