Looking for ordination

Discussion of ordination, the Vinaya and monastic life. How and where to ordain? Bhikkhuni ordination etc.
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Sokehi
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by Sokehi »

pilgrim wrote:Putting of the merits of the tradition aside for the moment, my perception is that the Thai Forest traditions have a better infrastructure for the long term support of western monastics. I observe that western monks who leave the Burmese monasteries (either Mahasi or Pa auk) tend to wander on their own through various monasteries and have difficulty in "finding a home" or supportive community. This may add greater weight to thoughts of disrobing. Non-Burmese Asians who trained in the Pa-Auk traditions are beginning to form a loose affiliation of monasteries in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Taiwan but these may not be acessible to westerners because of language and visa issues. Do others share this perception?
Indeed, I have the same feeling about it.

But disrobing ... I think it might be different for every "disrober", what brought or forced him to this conclusion. But I guess generally speaking it might be easier for the interested practitioner and his family if one ordains as close as possible to them. The can meet him, see his practice and maybe/eventually gain more benefit out of this close contact. It's good to show ones own family some dhamma, and I think it's good to not go to far away from them. This in return can be supportive for the ordained as well. But just gueswork out of my own experiences.
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Ytrog
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by Ytrog »

Sokehi wrote:
Indeed, I have the same feeling about it.

But disrobing ... I think it might be different for every "disrober", what brought or forced him to this conclusion. But I guess generally speaking it might be easier for the interested practitioner and his family if one ordains as close as possible to them. The can meet him, see his practice and maybe/eventually gain more benefit out of this close contact. It's good to show ones own family some dhamma, and I think it's good to not go to far away from them. This in return can be supportive for the ordained as well. But just gueswork out of my own experiences.
That is exactly why I would recommend the UK instead of Asia if you want to follow the Thai Forest Tradition and are from Europe.
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Goofaholix
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by Goofaholix »

Sokehi wrote:But I guess generally speaking it might be easier for the interested practitioner and his family if one ordains as close as possible to them. The can meet him, see his practice and maybe/eventually gain more benefit out of this close contact. It's good to show ones own family some dhamma, and I think it's good to not go to far away from them. This in return can be supportive for the ordained as well. But just gueswork out of my own experiences.
I think for a junior monk being close to home would be more a source of distraction and restlessness. Once you've been a monk a few years I'd think you'd be better equipped to share the dhamma with family and friends, that would be a better time to be closer to home.
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― Ajahn Chah
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reflection
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by reflection »

Thanks for the replies.

I think one should ordain with a teacher they can learn from, be inspired by and can agree with the dhamma they teach. If that teacher happens to be far away, so beit. Also, I want to find a teacher who I think is as close to enlightenment as possible. If (s)he's far away, well, than I'll go to there anyway.

:anjali:
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retrofuturist
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings Reflection,

As for near or far, there's many factors involved.

If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
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reflection
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by reflection »

You may. I'm 25 now.

:anjali:
starter
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by starter »

reflection wrote:Thanks for the replies.

I think one should ordain with a teacher they can learn from, be inspired by and can agree with the dhamma they teach. If that teacher happens to be far away, so beit. Also, I want to find a teacher who I think is as close to enlightenment as possible. If (s)he's far away, well, than I'll go to there anyway.

:anjali:
One year ago I was in a similar "boat" like you. Fortunately I found out:

"Monks, be islands (lights) unto yourselves,be your own refuge, having no other; let the Dhamma be an island (light) and a refuge to you, having no other." (SN22.43)

"... For those who — now or after I am gone — remain with their self as an island, their self as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, with the Dhamma as an island, the Dhamma as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, they will be the highest of the monks who desire training." (SN 47.13)

Starter
:anjali:
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James the Giant
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by James the Giant »

reflection wrote: One year ago I was in a similar "boat" like you. Fortunately I found out:

"Monks, be islands (lights) unto yourselves,be your own refuge, having no other; let the Dhamma be an island (light) and a refuge to you, having no other." (SN22.43)

"... For those who — now or after I am gone — remain with their self as an island, their self as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, with the Dhamma as an island, the Dhamma as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, they will be the highest of the monks who desire training." (SN 47.13)
You are misinterpreting the quotes if you think that means going it alone. Sure, have no other refuge but the dhamma. But who is going to train you in the dhamma ("monks who desire training."), help you interpret it, to guide you and make sure you are not going the wrong way, or wasting your time up blind alleys. A teacher who has experience and attainment.
Last edited by James the Giant on Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
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retrofuturist
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,

I agree with Starter that the Dhamma is a refuge, but also with James that the Sangha is too.

Just to finish off the all important trilogy, don't forget refuge in the Buddha!

:buddha2:

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
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Alobha
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by Alobha »

I feel you will do great as a monk, reflection.
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reflection
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by reflection »

Alobha wrote:I feel you will do great as a monk, reflection.
Thank you! I have the feeling as well, but we'll see ! :anjali:
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reflection
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Re: Looking for ordination

Post by reflection »

starter wrote:
reflection wrote:Thanks for the replies.

I think one should ordain with a teacher they can learn from, be inspired by and can agree with the dhamma they teach. If that teacher happens to be far away, so beit. Also, I want to find a teacher who I think is as close to enlightenment as possible. If (s)he's far away, well, than I'll go to there anyway.

:anjali:
One year ago I was in a similar "boat" like you. Fortunately I found out:

"Monks, be islands (lights) unto yourselves,be your own refuge, having no other; let the Dhamma be an island (light) and a refuge to you, having no other." (SN22.43)

"... For those who — now or after I am gone — remain with their self as an island, their self as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, with the Dhamma as an island, the Dhamma as their refuge, without anything else as a refuge, they will be the highest of the monks who desire training." (SN 47.13)

Starter
:anjali:
Thank you.

But I think even those who have their self and the Dhamma as an island will do best in a community of likeminded people. Although I will miss my family, which is one thing to consider of course, I think it is important for the general benefit of the dhamma, the world and myself to train in the best possible environment. For me this community will not be very close by anyway, so if it happens to be far overseas, so be it.

:anjali:
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