We do not offer temporary ordination to any applicants. Ordination is a progressive process that requires dedicated training. An applicant must first train as an Upāsaka (lay practitioner), then as a Paṇḍupalāsa (probationary aspirant), and later as a Sāmaṇera (novice monk) before becoming eligible for Upasampadā (higher ordination).

1. Basic Eligibility Criteria

1. The applicant must be male and at least 18 years old.
2. The applicant must have completed at least 12th grade or an equivalent level of education in their respective country.
3. The applicant must not have any criminal record.
4. The applicant must be free from any mental disorders or conditions such as psychosis.
5. The applicant must have been free from substance abuse for atleast six months.
6. The applicant must not have been involved in creating a schism in any monastic community.
7. If the applicant was previously ordained as a Bhikkhu and committed a Pārājika offense, he is permanently disqualified from ordination.
8. If the applicant was previously a Bhikkhu and committed an unconfessed Saṅghādisesa offense, he must complete a probationary period equivalent to the duration the ofense was concealed.
9. The applicant must be free from any outstanding loans or debts to private or public institutions.
10. The applicant must not be legally bound by any military or government service contracts at the time of ordination.

2. Health and physical requirements

1. As per the Buddha’s Vinaya, applicants sufering from leprosy, boils, eczema, tuberculosis, epilepsy, or any serious chronic or incurable disease are ineligible for ordination.
2. Those who are physically handicapped, feeble, or deformed in a way that hinders monastic life cannot be ordained.
3. Applicants with visible tattoos that contradict a Bhikkhu’s ideals are advised to have them removed before ordination.

3. Age limit & Commitment

1. The applicant must be at most 40 years old at the time of joining the training.
   • Exceptions: Celibate practitioners and advance meditators may be considered for a relaxation of this rule on a case-by-case basis.
2. The applicant must have a genuine desire to learn and practice in accordance with the Dhamma-Vinaya as taught by the Buddha. Ordination should be sought only after gaining confidence and understanding in the Buddha’s teachings.

4. Expectation

1. Live as an Anagārika (Eight Precepts).
2. Follow all rules as if already ordained.
3. Show humility, service, and willingness to learn.

5. Daily Schedule (Indicative)

• 4:00 am – Wake up, Exercise
• 4:30 am – Group meditation
• 6:00 am – Alms round (where practiced) or breakfast
• 8:00 am – Personal meditation, study, or seclusion
• 10:50 am – Main meal
• 12:00 pm – Rest
• 1:00 pm – Walking meditation, study
• 5:00 pm – Refreshment
• 6:00 pm – Personal meditation, study, or seclusion
• 10:00 pm – Lights Out

6. Dress Code

• White or brown upper and lower cloth (traditional Anagārika attire).
• No ornaments, perfumes, or colored clothes.

7. What to Bring

• White clothing
• Toiletries
• Notebook and stationaries
• Personal items
• Personal Medicines

8. Spiritual Commitment

• Practice seriously with a view to ordination.
• Receive guidance from bhikkhus.
• Avoid intellectual pride, conceit of any kind and remain open to learning under senior monks’ guidance.

9. Volunteering Responsibilities

• Assist in cleaning, serving food, organizing events, etc.

10. Approval Process

• Application with intent statement.
• Trial stay followed by feedback from Sangha.
• With regard to the ordination of a candidate at Sangharama Monastery, the Sangharama Bhikkhu Sangha Committee’s decision shall be final.
• If the Ordination Aspirant is approved for the Samaṇera ordination, then a specifically appointed Venerable Bhikkhu by the Sangharama Bhikkhu Sangha Committee shall offer the ordination to the candidate.