Join our Retreat
A Life of Freedom
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live with no possessions, no social obligations, and no distractions? The Temporary Ordination program offers you the rare opportunity to leave your lay life behind and ordain as a Samanera (Novice Monk) or Samaneri (Novice Nun).
This is not merely a retreat; it is a transformation. For a period of time, you will shave your head, wear the robes, and live by the 10 Precepts of a novice. You will step out of your identity as a "parent," "employee," or "student," and step into the identity of a "Seeker of Truth."
Temporary Ordination
Leave the world behind and experience the true freedom of the monastic life.
Why Ordain?
In many Buddhist cultures, temporary ordination is a rite of passage—a way to repay the kindness of parents and accumulate immense merit. But beyond tradition, it is a powerful method to cut through attachment. By physically changing your appearance and lifestyle, you create a powerful psychological break from your old habits. You will realize how little you actually need to be happy. The simplicity of the robes, the alms bowl, and the silence creates a sense of lightness that is hard to find in the modern world.
The Training
As a novice, you will train closely under Jin Kyeong Sunim and the senior Sangha. You will not just be meditating; you will be learning the Vinaya (Discipline). You will learn how to carry yourself with dignity in every action—how to walk, how to eat, and how to speak with mindfulness. You may also experience Pindapata (Alms Round), the traditional practice of receiving food, which cultivates deep humility and gratitude.
