How to become a monk?

[przeciwwymiotne]

Was wondering how hard would it be for a European woman to run away and become a monk for a year or two? I always day dreamed about being a monk and since I'm finishing uni this year it could be a good thing for my crumbling mental health

 

[Hvergelmir]

Was wondering how hard would it be for a European woman to run away and become a monk for a year or two? I always day dreamed about being a monk and since I'm finishing uni this year it could be a good thing for my crumbling mental health

However much I'd like to discourage blind faith in any religion... if this is what you want to try, visit your local monastery. They ought to have all the information you might need.

 

[Jack_Nimble]

Many would argue that Buddhism isn't a religion at all, but a philosophy. With no beliefs in any gods. Or claims of knowledge of how we got here.

 

[greebo6]

Erm... monks are usually male.....
Religious callings are usually supposed to be... well, kind of forever.....don't think they'd let you just do it ' for a year or two'....

Escaping from the word and its pressures in some kind of sealed off peaceful tranquil community...I do understand the appeal of that.

 

[biosphere]

Hey, me too! I sometimes want to just leave everything behind and join a convent, despite being agnostic. I know a nun's life is mostly tedious and boring but I can't stop romanticizing it.

I did end up looking into this for the catholic church one time, but the process appears lengthy and they'd be suspicious as I have no record of church-going or faith. I imagine it's even harder for your religion, especially since you'd be considered a foreigner. Unless you mean locally, then you should look into monasteries close to you as the other user said. Also, consider doing some research online if you're serious about this; I really doubt anyone here would know!

 

[littleadonis]

Was wondering how hard would it be for a European woman to run away and become a monk for a year or two? I always day dreamed about being a monk and since I'm finishing uni this year it could be a good thing for my crumbling mental health

What religion are you thinking of? Christianity? Buddhism? If it's Buddhism, and it genuinely means a lot to you, then yeah it might do you some good. If it's Christianity, then that would be a hard 'no' from me dawg. Or maybe you're just talking about being a hermit. I've been a hermit for years now and it definitely has its benefits. It changed me massively.

In terms of how easy it would be and how you would do it, I really don't think this is the forum to ask this on. The people on here wouldn't know shit about the logistics of becoming a monk and what that lifestyle entails.

Religious callings are usually supposed to be... well, kind of forever.....don't think they'd let you just do it ' for a year or two'....

Not really. Not in the modern day anyway.

 

[alltoomuch2]

I

Erm... monks are usually male.....
Religious callings are usually supposed to be... well, kind of forever.....don't think they'd let you just do it ' for a year or two'....

Escaping from the word and its pressures in some kind of sealed off peaceful tranquil community...I do understand the appeal of that.

I had an idea from somewhere that you could stay at a monastery for a year but not become a monk. More like a retreat.

Was wondering how hard would it be for a European woman to run away and become a monk for a year or two? I always day dreamed about being a monk and since I'm finishing uni this year it could be a good thing for my crumbling mental health

I'm sort of religious in my own way. I've got to say spending a year in an abbey or monastery does sound peaceful.

 

[Leiot]

I don't know about other religions but you can stay at a Buddhist monastary for a while. As a female you'd have to stay with the nuns. Check out https://sravastiabbey.org/lifestyle-of-buddhist-nuns/ They have programs where you can check it out. Other Buddhist monastaries have similar programs. Sravasti is in the US but I believe there are monastaries in Europe.

 

[_AllCatsAreGrey_]

I was a monk when I was younger. In the Hindu tradition, Gaudiya Vaisnava. Even though it came with it's own problems, I feel it kept me going for awhile.

 

[Praestat_Mori]

Women become nuns not monks. Mostly depending on where you live you can investigate which "religions" are practiced and where to get in contact with people. Then see how it goes. But be careful not to become brainwashed! It's a long process to become a nun/monk, that doesn't happen within a few months/a year you'd start as a novice.

I believe it can be a personal and groundbreaking experience for oneself but it can also end up as big disappointment.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!