Becoming a Buddhist monk is a spiritual journey that requires dedication, discipline, and a deep commitment to the teachings of the Buddha. In Australia, the process of ordaining as a Buddhist monk may vary slightly depending on the tradition (Theravada, Mahayana, or Vajrayana), but the core principles are similar. In this article, we will walk through the steps and the necessary considerations to become a Buddhist monk in Australia.
Understanding Buddhism and the Role of a Monk
Before we discuss the process of becoming a monk, it is important to understand what being a Buddhist monk entails. A Buddhist monk follows the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. The goal of a monk is to live a life of simplicity, self-discipline, and meditation, all with the aim of attaining enlightenment (nirvana) and helping others achieve the same. A monk’s life is based on the following core principles:
The Four Noble Truths: These truths explain the nature of suffering and the path to overcome it.
The Noble Eightfold Path: A guide for ethical living and mental development, leading to liberation from suffering.
The Five Precepts: Ethical guidelines that all Buddhists, including monks, follow.
Monks are considered spiritual guides who dedicate their lives to meditation, study, and helping others. Their day-to-day life typically revolves around spiritual practice, studying Buddhist texts, and teaching others.
Different Buddhist Traditions in Australia
Australia has a rich diversity of Buddhist traditions, and the path to ordaining as a monk can vary based on the tradition one follows. The main Buddhist traditions practiced in Australia are:
Theravada Buddhism: This is the most common tradition in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Theravada monks focus on meditation, mindfulness, and strict adherence to the monastic code (Vinaya).
Mahayana Buddhism: This tradition is more prevalent in East Asia, including countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Mahayana monks may also practice meditation, but they focus more on compassion and helping others attain enlightenment.
Vajrayana Buddhism: This is a Tibetan form of Buddhism that involves unique rituals and practices. Tibetan monks focus on tantric meditation, and there are specific guidelines for becoming a monk in this tradition.
Each tradition may have different requirements for ordination, but the essential qualities of dedication, discipline, and faith remain consistent across all.
Steps to Become a Buddhist Monk in Australia
1. Research and Understand the Commitment
Becoming a Buddhist monk is a lifelong commitment. It requires renouncing material possessions, family ties, and a life of worldly desires. Before pursuing this path, you should spend time researching and understanding what it means to be a monk. This may involve:
Reading Buddhist texts: Gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Buddha. Books, online resources, and local libraries can help.
Attending meditation retreats: Many Buddhist centers in Australia offer short or long-term meditation retreats that allow you to immerse yourself in the practice. These retreats give you a taste of the monastic lifestyle.
Consulting with a teacher: Speaking with an experienced monk or teacher is crucial. They can offer guidance and answer any questions about the monastic path.
2. Live as a Lay Practitioner
Before becoming a monk, most people live as lay Buddhists. Lay practitioners follow the Five Precepts, meditate regularly, and engage in community activities at their local temple or Buddhist center. Living as a lay practitioner helps you develop the discipline and understanding needed for ordination.
In Australia, many Buddhist centers offer lay programs where you can study the Dharma (teachings of the Buddha) and practice meditation. During this time, you may also choose to participate in volunteer work, which is encouraged in most Buddhist communities.
3. Choose Your Tradition
As mentioned earlier, different Buddhist traditions have their own requirements for ordination. It is important to choose the tradition that aligns with your personal spiritual goals. In Australia, you can find many Buddhist temples and centers representing all three main traditions:
Theravada centers: These are common in places like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Look for Thai, Sri Lankan, or Burmese temples.
Mahayana centers: These are often found in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean communities. You may find temples and centers focused on Zen, Pure Land, or other Mahayana practices.
Vajrayana centers: Tibetan Buddhist centers are common in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. These centers will often have practices and rituals specific to Vajrayana Buddhism.
Choosing a center where you feel comfortable and spiritually connected is crucial.
4. Undertake Novitiate Ordination (Samanera)
In most Buddhist traditions, the first step towards becoming a fully ordained monk is to take novice ordination, known as samanera in Theravada Buddhism. This is a temporary stage where you are given the title of “novice monk” and must follow the basic rules of the monastic code.
During the novitiate stage, you will:
Receive a new name: Typically, a monk is given a name that reflects their spiritual aspiration or lineage.
Live in a monastery: Novices live in monasteries under the guidance of senior monks. This is a time for intense meditation, study, and practicing the precepts.
Follow the Vinaya: Novices must strictly follow the monastic code, which includes rules about conduct, diet, and interactions with others. The Vinaya is a set of ethical guidelines designed to maintain harmony within the monastic community.
5. Complete the Full Ordination (Bhikkhu)
After several years as a novice, you can apply for full ordination as a bhikkhu (monk) in the Theravada tradition. In Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, the process may differ slightly but will generally involve receiving higher vows and more advanced teachings.
The full ordination ceremony typically involves:
Taking the Ten Precepts: As a bhikkhu, you will follow a more detailed set of rules that govern every aspect of your life, including your thoughts, actions, and relationships with others.
Receiving a monk’s robe: A monk is typically given a special robe, which is a symbol of their commitment to the Buddhist path.
Shaving your head: Shaving your head is a symbolic act of renouncing attachment to vanity and material concerns.
Commitment to celibacy: One of the most important vows for a monk is celibacy, which means renouncing all sexual activity and attachment to relationships.
The full ordination is an important milestone and marks the beginning of your lifelong commitment to the monastic life.
6. Continuous Practice and Study
Once fully ordained, the life of a Buddhist monk in Australia revolves around continuous study and practice. Monks engage in the following activities:
Daily meditation: Monks practice meditation as a way of cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and insight.
Studying the Dharma: Monks spend a significant amount of time studying Buddhist scriptures and teachings.
Teaching others: Experienced monks often teach the lay community, offering Dharma talks and providing spiritual guidance.
Engaging in community service: Many monks in Australia engage in social welfare activities, such as helping the poor, visiting the sick, and offering counseling.
Conclusion
Becoming a Buddhist monk in Australia is a deeply spiritual and transformative journey. It involves commitment, dedication, and a willingness to live a life of simplicity and discipline. If you feel called to this path, it is important to take the time to study, practice, and prepare. The journey is long, but it offers profound personal growth and the opportunity to help others find peace and enlightenment.
