Hello fellow members. I am more focused on peace and diverting my mind to god and therefore I would like to take this path of becoming a monk. I required some guidance on how to become a monk in India. Are there any requirements, certain rules, and where I would need to go? Much appreciated in advance for your replies.
To become a monk in India, you must first find a monastery that is accepting new monks. Once you have found a monastery, you will need to speak to the abbot or head monk to express your interest in becoming a monk. The abbot will then assess your suitability for monastic life and may ask you to undergo a period of probation before being formally ordained. Eligibility criteria The eligibility criteria for becoming a monk in India vary depending on the monastery. However, most monasteries require that monks be: Male Unmarried In good physical and mental health Free from any criminal record Committed to following the monastic lifestyle Probation During the probation period, you will be expected to live and work at the monastery and learn about the monastic lifestyle. You will also be expected to follow the monastery's rules and regulations. The probation period typically lasts for a period of six months to one year. Ordination Once you have completed the probation period and the abbot is satisfied that you are ready to become a monk, you will be ordained in a formal ceremony. The ordination ceremony is a sacred event and is typically presided over by the abbot and other senior monks. Life as a monk Life as a monk is typically very simple and disciplined. Monks typically wake up early in the morning and spend the day in prayer, meditation, and study. They also perform various chores around the monastery, such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening. Monks are expected to live a celibate life and to follow the monastery's rules and regulations strictly. Different monastic traditions in India There are a number of different monastic traditions in India, each with its own unique set of beliefs and practices. Some of the most common monastic traditions in India include: Hinduism: There are a number of different Hindu monastic traditions, such as the Advaita Vedanta tradition, the Dvaita Vedanta tradition, and the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta tradition. Hindu monks typically follow a strict vegetarian diet and wear saffron robes. Buddhism: There are two main Buddhist monastic traditions in India: the Theravada tradition and the Mahayana tradition. Theravada monks typically follow a strict monastic lifestyle and wear orange robes. Mahayana monks have more flexibility in their monastic lifestyle and may wear different colored robes depending on the tradition they follow. Jainism: Jain monks typically follow a very strict monastic lifestyle and wear white robes. Jain monks are also required to practice non-violence and to avoid eating meat, eggs, and dairy products. Tips for becoming a monk in India If you are considering becoming a monk in India, here are a few tips: Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the different monastic traditions in India and the lifestyle of monks. Visit monasteries: Visit different monasteries to get a sense of the monastic lifestyle and to find a monastery that is a good fit for you. Talk to monks: Talk to monks about their experiences and get their advice on becoming a monk. Be prepared to make a commitment: Becoming a monk is a lifelong commitment. Be prepared to make sacrifices and to live a simple and disciplined life. If you are serious about becoming a monk in India, I encourage you to visit different monasteries to find a monastery that is a good fit for you. Becoming a monk is a big decision, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. Good Luck
