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Epigallo
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What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk?
#7751209 - 12/12/07 08:25 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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I have always half-wanted to spend some time in a monastery. Can someone tell me: 1) Can you basically just drop into one for a few months or are you expected to commit for longer? 2) Are you allowed to read for intellectual stimulation or study other things than Buddhism while there?
I think that's all I want to know right now.
P.S. I have tried to work in a thank-you to the community in some of my posts but it just doesn't come out naturally. But I want to say thanks everyone for so devoutly reading and answering everyone's posts including mine, even when they are stupid. Thank you.
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Lion
Decadent Flower Magnate



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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7751233 - 12/12/07 08:32 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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I think the length you have to commit to stay varies greatly. Many places seem to have programs for prospective residents to stay and practice for a few weeks or a month before making a decision to commit for longer. What kind of Buddhist monasteries in particular do you want to know about?
You're definitely allowed to read, listen to music (on headphones), etc., at most monasteries, though obviously not always free to decide when to do that.
-------------------- “Strengthened by contemplation and study, I will not fear my passions like a coward. My body I will give to pleasures, to diversions that I’ve dreamed of, to the most daring erotic desires, to the lustful impulses of my blood, without any fear at all, for whenever I will— and I will have the will, strengthened as I’ll be with contemplation and study— at the crucial moments I’ll recover my spirit as was before: ascetic.”
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OrgoneConclusion
Blue Fish Group



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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7751251 - 12/12/07 08:36 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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I do know you hafta like orange.
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Middleman

Registered: 07/11/99
Posts: 8,399
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7751303 - 12/12/07 08:51 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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My room mate stayed at Abhayagiri monastery for a couple weeks, he said he really enjoyed it.
Buddhist monasteries don't mess around though, it's lots of work and meditation and only 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night. But my room mate said he's never been higher...
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Silversoul
Rhizome


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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: OrgoneConclusion]
#7751337 - 12/12/07 09:00 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
OrgoneConclusion said: I do know you hafta like orange.
Unless it's a zen monastery.
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Epigallo
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Silversoul]
#7751346 - 12/12/07 09:02 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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holy ____ I like that interior decoration
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redgreenvines
irregular verb


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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7752468 - 12/13/07 02:51 AM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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half wanting is not enough
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Epigallo
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: redgreenvines]
#7754374 - 12/13/07 03:58 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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i might choose to do it though, since the half-want would outweight my 1/3 wants and 1/5 wants etc.
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Silversoul
Rhizome


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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7754382 - 12/13/07 03:59 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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You could test the waters first. A lot of monasteries will have weekend-long retreats for people interested in Buddhism and meditation.
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Epigallo
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Silversoul]
#7754420 - 12/13/07 04:06 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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That would probably be a good idea. Have you ever done a retreat?
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Silversoul
Rhizome


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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7754433 - 12/13/07 04:08 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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No. I considered it once before, but I had other plans that weekend.
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Epigallo
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7754445 - 12/13/07 04:11 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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It isn't just plenty of time for meditation that I am after, but trying on the whole relgious garment, so to speak. I like orange.
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Epigallo
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7765865 - 12/16/07 02:46 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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Do monks ever leave the monastery for special occasions? They are forbidden to have sex, right? Doesn't that go against general physical and mental well being?
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Silversoul
Rhizome


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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Epigallo]
#7765892 - 12/16/07 02:55 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
bradley said: Do monks ever leave the monastery for special occasions?
Certainly. In many countries, monks will go out with begging bowls, and people will give them food in order to generate good karma.
Quote:
They are forbidden to have sex, right?
While they are living in the monastery, yes, unless they are high-level tantric initiates. However, unlike Christian monasticism, Buddhist monasticism does not have to be permanent. Children will often be sent to monasteries to receive an education. People will often serve as monks for a couple years before going out and getting a job. In many Buddhist countries, a man who has been a monk is considered better marriage material than one who has not.
Quote:
Doesn't that go against general physical and mental well being?
I haven't had sex in quite some time, and I feel fine physically and mentally. Of course, that's a little off the subject, because I don't think monks are supposed to masturbate either. In any case, the monks will teach you how to better control your mind and body.
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mushroomplume
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Re: What is required of someone to become a (Buddhist) monk? [Re: Silversoul]
#7767616 - 12/16/07 09:56 PM (16 years, 1 month ago) |
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bradley,
To the best of my knowledge, there are no monasteries in the US that offer permanent residence (unless you are teaching). Many do offer 3 month to 1 year retreats though that you can participate in for about $500 a month.
Whether the US or India, monks are free to leave whenever they want. You can read and engage in things non-buddhist related when you have free-time (if you have free-time). Drinking and secks ain't allowed.
This monastery has the best residency program hands down in my opinion for the US. I think it can last up to two years...
http://www.smzc.net/
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