Q&A for How to Become a Buddhist Monk

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How do Buddhist monks get their food?

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Monks may get their food from their monastery, which will food donations or use monetary donations to buy food, though some Buddhist sects may require monks to get food by begging (alms).

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Can a Buddhist monk get married?

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Not usually, but it depends upon the sect. Buddhist monks and nuns can marry in Japan, as well as in certain sects of Tibetan Buddhism. American Buddhist sects based on Japanese schools like Zen may also allow monks and nuns to marry.

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Can I be a Buddhist if I'm not a virgin?

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Yes, virginity is not a factor.

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Can I get a free book on Buddhism?

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There are many free books about Buddhism. Check your local library, or search for PDF files online.

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How a girl can become a monk?

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Females can become nuns as the males become monks.

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What age do I become a Buddhist monk?

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Any age. It does'nt matter how old you are as long as you are devoted to endless service of devotion and compassion.

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What are the categories of monks as far as ranking goes?

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In the Thai forest tradition of Theravada Buddhism: 1. Anagarika (Postulant - can still own money, a homeless monastic but technically still a lay person, wearing white robes) - 6 months to 1 year - 8 precepts 2. Samanera (Novice - can't own money, officially not laity anymore, wearing orange robes) - 1 year - 10 precepts 3. Navaka Bhikkhu (New monk - fully ordained monk, dependent upon teacher for the duration of being a Navaka) - 5 years - 227 precepts 4. Majjhima Bhikkhu (Middle monk - like graduating, gets to travel, independent of teacher) - 5 years 5. Thera Bhikkhu (Elder monk - teacher, "Ajahn") - remainder of ordained life

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How can I be a Buddhist monk in Bihar, India? I am depressed so much from my life.

Pure Buddhism

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Please do not use the reason of depression to become a monk. It requires a lot of sacrifices to become a Buddhist monk. Please contact a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka to get some advice.

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Can a lady become a monk?

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Yes, they are known as nuns; however, they usually do not interact with monks as much due to precepts.

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Can a girl become a monk?

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Yes, a girl can become a monk, but they have to follow slightly different rules.

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How do I become a Buddhist monk in China?

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Many Buddhist temples exist in China. Find one close to you, or, simply study by yourself with books and online teaching.

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What time of the year can I become a Buddhist monk?

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Any time year would be as good as any other.

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How can I tell my religious family that I want to change religions?

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Just tell them, and allow events to unfold as they may. If you still want to pursue this path after discussing it with your family, then continue onward. Your path is your own.

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As a 26 year-old female, can I became a monk?

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Women can only become nuns, not monks.

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What if I want to have children?

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Within the Zen tradition, it is possible for ordained monks to marry and have children.

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Can I become a Buddhist monk while being a soldier?

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No, you may not be a Buddhist monk while being a practicing soldier. Buddhists are strictly opposed to violence.

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Can a Buddhist monk ever leave the monastic life?

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Yes.

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Can a married man become a Buddhist monk?

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"The Buddhist view of marriage considers marriage an (exclusively) secular affair." Which means that married individuals cannot be monks.

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I am married and have a son, but I want to leave it all behind and seek the truth as a monk. Is there any abbey that will help me?

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You should be able to find an abbey that will allow you to come study with them, but think very carefully about that before making your decision. Leaving your spouse and son would be incredibly difficult on them, and you should decide if they will be able to cope with your sudden disappearance.

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How can I become a monk in India?

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There are hundreds of Buddhist temples in India. Look for one near you. When you think you have a strong enough faith, try joining.

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Can I be a monk if I am married and have three children?

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"The Buddhist view of marriage considers marriage an (exclusively) secular affair." Which means that married individuals cannot be monks. However, if a married man wants to have kids with his wife, it is possible within the Zen tradition.

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What is the maximum age to become a monk?

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There is no maximum age to becoming a monk.

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Are tattoos (which are mostly Christian) a reason to be turned away from joining an abbey or monastery?

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Absolutely not. You are going for a spiritual journey, what's written on your skin makes no difference.

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Can I be a Buddhist monk and not live in the temple?

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No, unless you become a zen Monk, you must live in the temple as your fellow monks become your family.

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Does your head have to be shaved?

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Yes, it does.

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How do I become a Buddhist monk in India?

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There are hundreds of Buddhist temples in India and 9.2 million Buddhists. Look for a temple near you. When you think you're ready, try to join

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Can I become a monk if I have lots of tattoos?

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Yes, having tattoos won't prevent you from becoming a monk.

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Can an elder monk have a romantic, but only platonic, relationship with a woman?

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Your question is contradictory — "romantic" means the expression of love, and "platonic" means friendly.

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I am 36. Can I become a monk?

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Yes. In some countries, such as Myanmar, kids can be monks.

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Are there any books on becoming a monk? It must be helpful for me

Pure Buddhism

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There are lot of books. However, you would be better to contact a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple to get more information

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