Should I become a Monastic? - 2016.10.09

[@tylerwhitney3443]

I am going to deeply explore the monastic path at Deer Park starting in the fall of 2021...in just a few months! I've spent the last 7 years living a somewhat monkish lifestyle; primarily without money, vegan, substance free, wholesome practices(yoga, kirtan, mindfulness etc), so it seems like the next step to go to that higher level, made possible through the strong support of sangha, of brother and sister monastics hand in hand, step by step. I have lived in shared value community in Portland over that 7 years, yet I still felt like the odd man out, especially with my extreme frugality practice. Along with that, there was usually quite the variance with lack of wholesome awareness....a lot of fired up activists hell bent on attacking, fighting, tearing down. It's tricky under capitalism to fully embody Right Livelihood as well, trying to only take donations for my offerings, and be of benefit, rather than just another person hawking trinkets or services that are not beneficial. I've been influenced by many others who have come before, like my buddy Daniel Suelo, Peace Pilgrim, Ken Ilgunas and many more. The "system" doesn't seem to know what to do with me, nor I with it. :) Living in the fringe, a partial drop-out, yet still engaged with helping, connecting. I have been waiting to see if I will be a good fit with the Plum Village tradition for over a year now, and have had my patience tested being unable to "start" that process onsite with the Pandemic, which thankfully is abating. It also has been an interesting challenge because I have not had the privilege of visiting Deer Park, and don't have that close personal connection to the monastics, or the practice. There are still several paths of service I could take, yet right now I can't see one that is more synergistic and meets my needs than eventually donning the brown robes. More will be revealed in the fall.

[@Juliap28]

Could you give us an update? Are you a monk at Deer Park 🥰

[@tylerwhitney3443]

@@Juliap28 did not join, but still a mendicant in my own way. Actually looking into Franciscan Friar route lately

[@indigomoonbc]

Thank you so much for this thorough answer Sister! I am tremendously grateful - you have clarified many of my questions....although of course many more have come up! Thank you for your candor that it is a wonderful life...but one needs to see monastic life with eyes wide open.

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to the young lady for the good question, and to the Sister for her excellent explanation about this issue. Both of you have helped me a lot. Hugs. Evangelina Cortes.

[@skrig1987]

Thank You for this video, I made a hungarian subtitle that you can turn on in the settings :)

[@peacefortheworld1120]

I don't know when the idea of becoming a Buddhist monastic has popped up in my mind but ever since I feel more and more like as if it would be my destiny to become a Buddhist nun. At the moment I'm studying in university and I really enjoy my life everyday but I feel somewhat incomplete,... I am wondering if I am really supposed to become a Buddhist monastic, I really feel a very big connection:) Hopefully I will soon find out whether or not that would be the right way for me but it's difficult since here at my home I don't have many people to talk about this topic.

[@novicenovice8780]

Thank You Sister. A Lotus for you Dear Sister

[@yunqian2294]

wonderful video. it answers a lot of my questions. I wish I will be able to join a monastic life in this life.

[@selinakiefer6129]

Thank you so so much ♥

[@faithmarielake592]

Can a disabled person join the Monastery? Like if on a walker or such. Is it required a monastery person must travel?

[@PlayUnbox]

Faith Marie lake I’m also disabled and I’m contemplating becoming an aspirant

[@susanmoran5226]

I am disabled and would like to be an aspirant.

[@keytoclay]

@@PlayUnbox I have read on their website you have to be in good health and cannot be disabled, but I can be wrong.

[@PlayUnbox]

@@keytoclay yes thank you

[@susanmoran5226]

I would like to know about being an aspirant.

[@plumvillageonline]

Dear Susan, please have a look here: plumvillage.org/about/becoming-a-monastic/ Hope this helps. 🙏

[@faithmarielake592]

Were in Michigan do you have these meetings?

[@bigcurt3572]

This is a good video and a great understanding but I’m living a life of a Buddhist right now and been doing it for awhile but I’ve study on my own and would like to join a monastery

[@plumvillageonline]

Dear Curtis, please have a look here: plumvillage.org/about/becoming-a-monastic/ Hope this helps. 🙏

[@bigcurt3572]

@@plumvillageonline yes I have a look before on your site and been thinking about joining your monastery but don’t know when you will be open now or later

[@nguyendanh4227]

@@bigcurt3572 perhaps send an email, it would be easier for the brothers and sisters to support you with further info Dear.

[@furbetta7]

🙏🏻❤️

[@faithmarielake592]

Why do the woman shave their heads? Im new to all this and Im Learning. Your video's have been helping me so much. I'm coping much better in differnt ways.

[@XOXO-mb2vh]

What's ever the problem?