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My Transformative Experience at iMonastery in Northern Thailand
In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to join a small monastery in the peaceful village of Pa Pae, Mae Taeng District, located in Northern Chiang Mai, Thailand. Known as iMonastery (www.imonastery.com), this sanctuary offers a unique monastic experience, particularly for Westerners, while following the tradition of Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok. Although it upholds the Dhammakaya practices, iMonastery operates with a certain level of independence, adapting its programs to make them accessible for those unfamiliar with Thai Buddhism.
The senior monks are compassionate and always willing to help, creating a supportive environment that made my stay truly life-changing. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or someone simply curious about monastic life, all you need to join is an open mind and a bit of humility.
Living the Simple Monastic Life
While life at the monastery is beautifully simple, becoming a Buddhist monk is far from easy. Adhering to the Vinaya (monastic discipline) is a significant part of the experience. Buddhist monks are required to follow 227 precepts, which are designed to cultivate mindfulness and deepen one's spiritual practice. These precepts serve as a guide, not just for daily life, but for personal growth and development.
The Ordination Process
One of the standout aspects of my experience at iMonastery was the seamless ordination process. The monastery’s event organization team takes care of everything, from helping with visa arrangements to preparing you for ordination. They guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that your journey into monastic life is as smooth as possible.
However, it’s crucial to tie up any personal matters before embarking on this journey. The monastic life requires full focus, and distractions can hinder the benefits of ordination.
I ended up staying for nine months, and every moment was worth it. I would have stayed longer had I not needed to return home to take care of personal matters.
For more information about iMonastery’s ordination program, you can visit their additional site at www.monklifeproject.com, or follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/imonasterythailand.
Take care and be well.
Alberta, Canada
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