Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It originated in India over 2,500 years ago. Becoming a Buddhist monk is a significant decision. It means dedicating one’s life to the teachings of the Buddha. Monks follow a simple, disciplined lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in becoming a Buddhist monk, the lifestyle of a monk, and the importance of this path.
What Does It Mean to Be a Buddhist Monk?
A Buddhist monk is someone who chooses to follow the path of enlightenment. They give up worldly desires and dedicate themselves to spiritual growth. Monks live in monasteries or temples and follow a strict code of conduct. This includes meditation, prayer, and studying the Buddhist scriptures. By becoming a monk, a person seeks to deepen their understanding of life, suffering, and the path to enlightenment.
The First Step: The Desire to Become a Monk
Becoming a Buddhist monk begins with the desire to lead a life of simplicity and devotion. This decision often comes after a period of personal reflection. Many people feel a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the material world. They may struggle with questions about the purpose of life or seek a way to find peace and happiness. For these individuals, the monastic path can offer clarity and direction.
Qualifications to Become a Monk
Before becoming a monk, certain qualifications must be met. These vary depending on the Buddhist tradition (Theravada, Mahayana, or Vajrayana), but there are common aspects.
Age Requirement: In most Buddhist traditions, a person must be at least 20 years old to become a fully ordained monk. However, younger individuals may choose to ordain temporarily.
Moral Integrity: A person wishing to become a monk must have a clear moral character. This includes being free from serious misconduct, such as violence, theft, or lying. The candidate must also refrain from harmful actions like alcohol or drug use.
Commitment to the Path: The person must be deeply committed to the path of Buddhist teachings. They should have a strong desire for spiritual growth and be willing to give up worldly pleasures and attachments.
Physical and Mental Health: Monks must be in good physical and mental health. The monastic life requires physical labor and long hours of meditation, so it is important to be able to endure such a lifestyle.
The Ordination Process
The ordination process is a formal procedure where an individual becomes a monk. This process usually involves two stages: novice ordination and full ordination.
1. Novice Ordination
The first step in becoming a monk is to take novice ordination. In this stage, the person is given the title of “samanera” (in Theravada tradition) or “shramanera” (in other traditions). This title signifies that the individual is a novice monk.
The novice ordination ceremony typically involves several steps:
Taking Refuge: The individual formally “takes refuge” in the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks).
Taking Precepts: The new monk vows to follow the basic rules of conduct known as the “Eight Precepts” or “Ten Precepts,” depending on the tradition. These precepts include vows to abstain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and other harmful actions.
Shaving the Head: Shaving the head is a symbolic act of renunciation. It signifies giving up vanity and attachment to physical appearance.
After novice ordination, the person lives as a monk-in-training. During this time, they learn the daily routines of monastic life, including meditation, study, and community work.
2. Full Ordination
After some time as a novice monk, the individual may choose to undergo full ordination. This process involves a more formal commitment to the monastic life. The monk receives a new title, usually “bhikkhu” (in Theravada tradition), which means “one who has begged for alms.”
To be fully ordained, the monk must:
Receive Blessings: The candidate must be approved by a group of senior monks. The ordination ceremony involves receiving blessings from these elders.
Vows and Commitments: The monk must take further vows, including additional rules of conduct and ethical guidelines. These rules can vary, but they generally include vows of celibacy, non-attachment, and complete dedication to the path of enlightenment.
Living in a Monastery: After full ordination, the monk begins living in a monastery or temple. They engage in daily meditation, study, and work to support the community.
Life as a Monk
Life as a Buddhist monk is simple and disciplined. It is centered around meditation, studying Buddhist teachings, and helping others. Here are some aspects of the life of a monk:
Meditation
Meditation is a key part of the monastic life. Monks spend several hours each day meditating to cultivate mindfulness and concentration. There are different types of meditation, such as vipassana (insight meditation) and samatha (calm-abiding meditation), each aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the mind and the nature of suffering.
Study of Buddhist Scriptures
Monks study Buddhist scriptures, such as the Tripitaka (the Pali Canon), which contains the teachings of the Buddha. They also study commentaries and other texts that explain Buddhist philosophy and ethics. This study helps deepen their understanding of the Dharma and prepares them for teaching others.
Alms and Charity
Monks do not work for money or material possessions. Instead, they rely on the generosity of the lay community. They go on daily alms rounds, where they collect food and other necessities from local people. In return, they offer spiritual teachings, guidance, and blessings.
Rules of Conduct
Monks follow a strict code of conduct, known as the Vinaya. This code includes many rules about behavior, such as how to interact with others, how to live harmoniously in the monastic community, and how to maintain purity of body and mind. For example, monks are forbidden from engaging in sexual activity, from owning property, and from using money.
Teaching and Helping Others
Monks often serve as teachers and spiritual guides for the lay community. They may give talks, lead meditation sessions, and offer advice to people who are struggling with life’s challenges. Monks also perform religious ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and blessings for the sick.
Why Do People Become Monks?
People become monks for various reasons. Some are seeking inner peace and spiritual growth. Others are motivated by a desire to help others and spread the teachings of the Buddha. Some may feel a deep calling or vocation to lead a life of simplicity and mindfulness. Regardless of the reason, becoming a monk is a serious commitment that requires dedication and perseverance.
Conclusion
Becoming a Buddhist monk is a profound and transformative path. It requires dedication, moral integrity, and a deep commitment to the teachings of the Buddha. The journey begins with the desire to live a simple, disciplined life devoted to spiritual growth. Through ordination, monks take vows to live according to the Buddhist teachings, and they spend their lives meditating, studying, and helping others. While the monastic life presents many challenges, it also offers the opportunity to attain peace, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of life’s true nature.
For anyone interested in following this path, it is important to understand the significance of each step and the commitment involved. Whether as a novice or fully ordained monk, the life of a Buddhist monk is one of deep spiritual exploration and dedication.
