Discernment

“I speak of an aspiration and an urge. It is not because one wills it that one becomes a monk. The monk is compelled, as it were, by an experience that can only articulate itself in the praxis of one’s life. It is an experience of the presence of the goal of life, on the one hand, and of its absence (of not having reached it) on the other.” — Ramon Panikkar, Blessed Simplicity 

The wish to become a monastic is precious. The wish itself is a glimpse of our Buddha Nature, our deep wish for happiness and for the end of suffering.

And while the initial impulse or inspiration can arise in a very strong way, it is important allow yourself time to carefully discern whether or not to take monastic vows. For those of you who are still considering ordination, every aspect of this course, and your life, is part of your discernment process. For those of you who are already ordained, reflecting on why you choose to live as a monastic can help strengthen your vows and commitment.

There is no timeline for discernment. For some, their karma is extremely powerful and all the causes and conditions arise very naturally for them to take monastic vows, and they know very clearly it is the right choice. There are many stories from the time of the Buddha where people where ordained on the spot. There are also many modern life stories of prominent monks and nuns that would also fit into this category. For others, the discernment process takes years. But even if you already feel clear, and everything is coming together smoothly for you to take monastic vows, it is still useful to investigate why you are choosing this path and what it means.

In the Catholic tradition, discernment is a process that is structured to happen over the course of several years. Those wishing to ordain move through distinct phases of noviciate to senior, so that even those with a very strong impulse to ordain have time to experience monastic life before committing to it. This has been copied by some Western Buddhist groups, including Zen Mountain Monastery, where the time between moving in to the monastery and becoming fully ordained is typically 6 to 8 years. Other places have created a system for taking temporary ordination or vows for at least a year, including Gampo Abbey and Sravasti Abbey. If you have the opportunity, being able to live in a monastic environment or “try it out” can be an excellent way to discern whether to commit to lifelong vows.

Another way that some teachers are helping their Western students “try it out” is by giving them the 5 lay vows, plus the vow of celibacy (and sometimes more), for a period of 1-2 years, where they can also wear robes, before giving them the novice monastic vows.

Throughout this process it is important to know and remember that ultimately this is your decision. While your teacher may encourage or discourage you, you still need to make this decision for yourself. Also, while life is impermanent, it’s also good to not feel rushed in making a choice. The process of discernment is in itself a form of practice—you are investigating who you are and how you want to live. It is not wasted time.

Questions for reflection:

• What does discernment mean in general, and in every day life? What about in the context of choosing to take monastic vows?

• What are the steps I will take to discern if monastic life is right for me?

• How will I know if I’m ready to take life-long vows? What does that commitment mean to me?

• What are the aspects of monastic life I am most inspired by?

• What are the aspects of monastic life I am most afraid of or concerned about? If you can, see if you can find a senior monastic to discuss these concerns with.
  

Read:

• Motivation for Ordination, quotes from H.H. Dalai Lama and other teachers

• This is the Way I Express my Gratitude by Shugen Roshi

• Advice on Preparing for Ordination by Venerable Jendy and Venerable Jenying

• Released all Bounds, an interview with Matthieu Ricard (aka. Konchog Tendzin)

• Sangha Reflections on Discernment from Zen Mountain Monastery community

• Entering Monastic Life, by Dhammadharini Monastery
  

Watch:

• The Need for Correct Discernment by Thubten Chodron

• My Path to Becoming a Buddhist by Emma Slade. One person’s journey to becoming a nun.