Training


 

General Overview of the Training Program

Phase Training Details
1. Orientation, Medical and Outward Bounds Training
2. Meditation and Training in Basic Virtue
3. Meditation and Rehearsal for Ordination
4. Ordination Ceremony
5. Study of Monastic Discipline and Training and the Meditation Retreat
6. Meditation Retreat
7. Application of Dhamma Principles for Everyday Life and Course Debriefing

Duties

 

The main purpose of ordaining is to free yourself from worldly commitments and worries so that you may have the opportunity to fully commit yourself to meditation and break away from the shackles of desire so that you may find true happiness.

Monks manage to free themselves from worldly desire by fulfilling the daily routine required of them by the tenets laid down by the Lord Buddha. In this case, the word ‘duty’ (kicavatra) is a compound made up of two words: ‘kica’ and ‘vatra’.

‘Kica’ means duties that are so important that they are considered compulsory. ‘Vatra’ means things that are advisable do, although not required. If you choose not do these latter, the consequences may not be disastrous – they do not break the monastic discipline – but they could result in the lessening of respect by those who support the monks out of faith. However, if you comply with these activities, the level of respect accorded on you will only improve and strengthen. These items of daily routine will also help to free you from worldly desire.

 

The recommended daily routine is as follows:

 

  1. Going on almsround
  2. Sweeping the temple
  3. Confession
  4. Chanting and Meditation
  5. Reflection
  6. Caring for Your Preceptor
  7. Management, Maintenance, Exercise
  8. Studying the Dhamma and Monastic discipline
  9. Caring for Temple Property and Responsibility
  10. Behaviors Worthy of Respect


Daily Schedule

04.30             Wake Up

05.00             Morning Chanting, Meditation Session, and Spreading Loving Kindness

06.30             Community Services

07.10             Breakfast

09.15             Meditation Session and Dhamma Talk

11.00             Lunch

12.30             Personal Time

14.00             Meditation Session and Dhamma Talk

16.15             Exercise

17.00             Refreshments

18.30             Evening Chanting

19.00             Meditation Session and Dhamma Talk

21.00             Personal Time

21.30             Sleep in Peace


Eligibility

1. Gentlemen who can speak English or Chinese well & are between the ages of 18-60.

2. Good character and ready to conform strictly to the rules set the training supervisors.

3. Healthy, free from infectious diseases or illnesses such as diabetes, mental illness, epilepsy, asthma, kidney disease or drug dependence.

4. Free of commitments which might interrupt the course of training.

5. Content with a non-vegetarian diet and whatever accommodation is provided by the training supervisors.

6. Have a visa valid for at least 60 days stay in Thailand.

 
Application Requirements

1. Two recent 2″ passport-style photographs of the application.

2. Photocopies of applicants’ identification documents and passport.

3. Written permission from applicant’s parents or guardian.

4. Medical examination record with physician’s statement of guarantee.

5. 5,000 Baht application fee.