A question for anyone knowledgeable of Buddhism or who has visited/ lives in a Buddhist country?

Question

I was just wondering if Buddhist monasteries in far eastern countries (either in an urban or far-removed context) allow white western europeans to become monks with them as you see in Hollywood sometimes, or whether they look upon you as odd unless you hail from the same country?

This is of course providing the visitor was fully willing to learn, believe and become a monk in the fullest sense- and if they are accepted, are you a monk for life or can you leave if and when you please?

Thank you for serious answers- any advice most welcome

Lets assume this person was already a practising Buddhist in their homeland.

Answer 1

Wat Pan Nanachat
The above is a temple for foreing monks founded by the great Ajahn Chah.
Ajahn Bharmavamso is one of his famous 'white' disciple.Go to:http://www.bswa.org
they will be able to help you.

Answer 2

there are many 'white' buddhist teachers/ masters:
1) ajahn brahm, he was a londoner, trained in thailand
http://www.bswa.org/
2) Ven. Chodron, she was an american, trained in nepal
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/index.html
3) richard thurman (father of uma thurman) was a student under the dalai lama. he now teaches/ writes on buddhism.
4) Thanissaro Bhikkhu (aka Ajaan Geoff) was trained in thailand
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/index.html

too many to mention....
**************
a student does not take a lifetime vow of obedience to a teacher. If he feels that the teacher does not have his best interests at heart-i.e., if he sees that the teacher does not really embody the above qualities-he is free to leave the teacher in search of another.

FAQ. 6: Is there a Vinaya rule that states that once a person becomes a monk, he is not allowed to disrobe? If he is allowed to disrobe, is there anywhere in the Vinaya that sets the maximum number of times he is allowed to do so. If so, under what circumstances is he allowed to disrobe?

A: I know of no place in the Vinaya that states a bhikkhu cannot disrobe. If he no longer has any interest in the bhikkhu-life, the tendency will be for him to become lax and a bad example for others. His Dharma friends therefore will try to re-fire his enthusiasm. However, if that is not possible, becoming a good layman may be better than being a bad monk. (Nevertheless, in some countries there is a cultural expectation of 'ordaining for life' and a corresponding stigma attached to disrobing.) There is a tradition (but not a rule) about a bhikkhu not re-ordaining more than seven times.

Answer 3

First,monasteries are not just in the far east

One does not become a monk overnight.
As long as you submit to the rulles of the monastery and are not a disruptive force on the peace and serenity of the monastery,you can become a monk

But it would be more constructive if ,after a time,you returned to your own community and practiced the ways of Buddah there

Answer 4

Here's a website that might give some info regarding your question. There is a video in one of the pages showing a Caucasian monk's ordination in Thailand. I don't understand the Thai language nor know what the stages are in the ordination process, from the video, it seems you're not only learning what the Buddha taught but completely immersing yourself in the culture that adopted the Buddha's teachings. Hope these sites help.

http://bhikkhu.wordpress.com/

(Monk's ordination) http://bhikkhu.wordpress.com/monk/


Other videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaFuJn2fz5U
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1391369075955545401&q=buddhist+monk%2C+ordination&hl=en

Answer 5

Of course. Buddhism is a real religion without looking at one's race. Like Richard Gere, he's white and he's a Buddhist. Sure it'll be a little awkward but hey, you're in the same club with them, you can be a member and will get along.

Answer 6

yeah i agree with sista.. ajahn brahmn is famous in australia..
you can try thailand.. i hear that there many western goes there to become a monk for a month, a year, 2 year, anytime you want to.. so it's kinda flexible..
i also hear that it is tradition there for all teenager to practice meditation and living as a monk for couple months just as mark of becoming mature..
or you could check at your local place for vipassana meditation
http://www.dhamma.org/
or
www.buddhanet.net

Answer 7

I think you need to meet the criteria....like a series of tests to gauge your readiness....there is no restrictions to any race getting acceptance into the monasteries.

Answer 8

Yes. I seen them in Thailand.

Answer 9

Hm..I'm sure that they would have no objection if the person was a true buddhist.

Answer 10

Yes, they allow anyone.
Yes, you can leave anytime.