What does it mean to be ordained as a monk in Thailand?
What does it mean to be ordained as a monk in Thailand?
What Does It Mean To Be Ordained? Unlike being ordained as a Christian monk or priest, in which it is thought to become your new way of life, being ordained in Thai Buddhism is a short-term commitment in which you dedicate yourself to the religion for between one week and a few months.
Can a foreigner be a monk in Thailand?
It often comes as a surprise to foreigners that one can become a monk for only three months but even more surprising is that it’s possible for someone, no matter what they look like or where they come from can be ordained as a monk and practice for as little as two days.
How long does it take to get ordained in Thailand?
Traditionally, the ordination ceremony is held in a couple of months before the rainy season. Thai men can stay in monkhood period from weeks to three months to learn Buddhist scriptures and practice Buddhism disciplines.
What is an ordained monk?
A bhikkhu (Pali: भिक्खु, Sanskrit: भिक्षु, bhikṣu) is an ordained male in Buddhist monasticism. Male and female monastics (“nun”, bhikkhunī, Sanskrit bhikṣuṇī) are members of the Sangha (Buddhist community). The lives of all Buddhist monastics are governed by a set of rules called the prātimokṣa or pātimokkha.
What to expect at a Buddhist monk ordination ceremony in Thailand?
Most importantly, enjoy the Buddhist monk ordination ceremony for what it is — a unique experience most non-Thais will not get to experience. And, remember, take lots of photos as well. You are allowed to take them at any time during the ceremony, and the Thais definitely will, so do so.
What do you have to do to become a monk in Thailand?
– Of course, many Thai villages and towns will have a slightly different Buddhist monk ordination ceremony, depending on the temple the young man is joining. All though have specific things they include in the ceremony. The first part of the ceremony involves the man’s head and eyebrows being shaved off.
Why are Thai men ordain as monks before getting married?
While showing your devotion is one aspect to taking the cloth, there are other, more practical reasons that come into play. Buddhist monks are required to be celibate with a strong prohibition on touching women. In Thai society this is generally interpreted as an all-out ban of any physical contact between a monk and a woman.
When did Nang Rong become a Buddhist monk?
In 2012 he graduated and before joining the job hunt he would ordain as a monk in his hometown of Nang Rong. His ordination would last one month before he returns to Bangkok to join the working world.