How to Be a Western Buddhist Nun

Becoming a western Buddhist nun is a long process.

To become a western Buddhist nun is a long journey, including a number of years studying and spiritual practice under the guidance of a teacher, who may be either a monk or a layman recognized as a qualified instructor. The teacher, or lama, determines when the seeker is ready to be ordained as a nun. The seeker will then receive a novice ordination, or "sramanerika." If the nun wishes to receive full ordination, or "bhikshuni," she must seek another teacher who follows the Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese Buddhist traditions.

Instructions

1. Talk to your loved ones about your intentions. Becoming a Buddhist nun will change the way you relate to them -- and how often you see them -- so be sure they understand what you are doing and share why you are seeking ordination.

2. Undertake strict Buddhist practice. Many precepts require staying in an Asian convent or near a monastery and paying your own costs. Others work at Dharma centers found across western nations where they receive instruction and room and board in exchange for work at the center.

3. Develop a relationship with a lama or teacher who will agree to teach you through novice ordination. This stage may involve attending retreats or undertaking coursework, as well as study sessions with the teacher.

4. Prepare for ordination by studying the precepts and sutras, meditating and living within the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. This can take several years of seclusion, study and practice before the lama decides you are ready for ordination.

5. Accept ordination when it is offered.

References

• Venerable Thubten Chodron: Western Buddhist Nuns: a New Phenomenon in an Ancient Tradition
• BuddhaNet; "Becoming a Buddhist Nun"; Ani Rinchen