On my recent bike trip, I saw so many amazing temples across Thailand and my desire to learn more about them and the people who live there increased dramatically. I have never studied the Buddhist religion and I do want to learn more about it. I found an interesting program that allows for English speakers to live as a monk for a month to learn about the religion and the life of a monk. It sounds like a fascinating program. Has anyone ever done anything like this? Heard of other programs geared toward English speakers?

 

http://www.monkforamonth.com/

Heard of other programs geared toward English speakers?

 

http://www.monkforamonth.com/

Refrain from sexual misconduct, refrain from taking food after noon???

Also will you shave your head and eyebrows?

 

Just the program for you GT.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention GT! For two months I satyed at an ashram in the States but not in the Buddhist tradition.

 

Btw-To test the waters you can stay for only a few nights if you choose.

 

I also see women are welcome and perhaps can be ordianed as a novice monk?

 

 

There is an international Wat in Bangkok, at which foreigners who are seriously interested are welcomed. English is spoken there. I would advise checking with this Wat before committing to this "Monk for a Month" program. That way you will have a basis for the best choice.

 

 

I do not know about the center in Bangkok. We have an excellant center here in Chiang Mai that teaches for free and where you can stay for a month and learn mediation and Buddhism. This is their site.

 

http://www.fivethousandyears.org/mos/

I do not know about the center in Bangkok. We have an excellant center here in Chiang Mai that teaches for free and where you can stay for a month and learn mediation and Buddhism. This is their site.

 

http://www.fivethousandyears.org/mos/

I would not mind learning more about Buddhism. Meditation would be nice in order to achieve inner peace and relaxation. I could probably deal with the shaved head but not eating after twelve noon would be torture for me.

I would not mind learning more about Buddhism. Meditation would be nice in order to achieve inner peace and relaxation. I could probably deal with the shaved head but not eating after twelve noon would be torture for me.

 

According to my doctor, it would be very good for me. When I get settled this is one thing high on my list.

Saw this in Chiang Mai. Might be a good way to start!

"I saw so many amazing temples across Thailand and my desire to learn more about them and the people who live there increased dramatically. I have never studied the Buddhist religion and I do want to learn more about it."

 

There is Buddhist religion and there is Thai Buddhist religion. I would strongly suggest that you first read several books about the religion in general, and then about Thai Buddhism. Understanding Thai Buddhism is key to trying to understand Thai culture and society.

 

Just jumping into a month of living with monks may not teach you much about the religion, but about daily tasks. Without some background you will not have the faintest idea of what is happening.

 

Do your reading first and then decide.

On my recent bike trip, I saw so many amazing temples across Thailand and my desire to learn more about them and the people who live there increased dramatically. I have never studied the Buddhist religion and I do want to learn more about it. I found an interesting program that allows for English speakers to live as a monk for a month to learn about the religion and the life of a monk. It sounds like a fascinating program. Has anyone ever done anything like this? Heard of other programs geared toward English speakers?

 

http://www.monkforamonth.com/

 

 

I strongly advise you to read the book Phra Farang, available at Bookazine in paperback, before you take any extreme steps. It is about a Farang who lives for a few years as a Teraveda Monk at various Wat's in Thailand.

 

You might also want to first avail yourself to some of the meditation classes offered locally at Wat Boon.

We have an excellant center here in Chiang Mai.....

Thanks, KhorTose, for this excellent recommendation. Their website is fascinating. I'll be very interested to look into this further in my future Chiang Mai visits. Thank you!

 

Thanks for the helpful advice. I have read several books on Buddhism and many books by the Dali Lama. But, I have never really read much on Thai Buddhism and I will pick up some books on that while I am here and I'll then be able to research it more. I agree that the reading is an excellent idea and I am sure when I take some time at a Wat that I will be much more prepared for it.