How to Become a Monk: A Beginner's Guide

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life is choosing your career path. If you want to become a monk, there are some things you should know first before making the leap. Being a monk has its perks and its challenges, so if this sounds like something you want to try, read on for some guidance on how to become a monk.

• Introduction

Becoming a monk is not something that should be taken lightly. It is an incredibly rewarding, but also difficult lifestyle. If you are considering becoming one of the monks at Clear Creek Monastery, we would like to share some things with you that will make your life easier and more enjoyable.

• Choosing the Right Religion

If you're considering becoming a monk, you should first ask yourself what your beliefs are. This will help you decide which religion is right for you. The best way to know if your beliefs align with one specific religion is by researching what the teachings of that religion are on the internet. For example, Buddhist monks strive for enlightenment by escaping the cycle of life and death through meditation and contemplation. Hindu monks believe in karma and reincarnation, where good deeds now can help lead them to nirvana in the future. Different religions have different beliefs so it's important that you do some research before choosing which one is right for you!

• Choosing Where to Live
  
  
  

Most monks live in monasteries and convents. Monasteries are often built specifically for housing monks. Convents are sometimes used as well, especially when the monastery is not large enough or cannot house all of the nuns who want to live there.

• Choosing What Career to Pursue

The life of a monk is not one that everyone finds appealing. Sure, there are plenty of benefits, but it can also be hard, tedious work. That being said, if you're considering entering the monastery, here are some things you should know before you commit. 

- The biggest reason people enter the monastery is because they feel called by God. If this doesn't sound like something that would motivate and excite you, then this probably isn't the right profession for you.

• Becoming Ordained as a Monk

If you're considering becoming ordained as a monk, the first thing you need to do is talk with your local monastery. There may be an application process in addition to an interview process before they'll let you become ordained as one of their monks. Once the monastery agrees that you can become ordained, they will work with the Diocese and Bishop of your area, who will then grant ordination.

Buddhist community

• Joining the Monastic Community

In order to join the monastic community, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are not of legal age, you can become an oblate and live in the monastery while attending college or working. 

There are two steps in becoming a monk. First, you will enter into temporary profession for one year and live as the brothers do for this time period. You will spend your time praying, studying Scripture and working with the community on daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

• Life as a Monk
  
  
  

For most people, there are two ways that becoming a monk can happen. The first is by joining an established monastic order and making vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. The second way is through the process of becoming an oblate, which is more like taking private instruction with the goal of eventually converting to Christianity.

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