Expert: Justin Choo - 4/12/2009

Question
Hello Justin, I am very grateful to find that there is someone like yourself to answer the questions of people like me, who are so interested and drawn to living the Buddhist life but don't have the knowledge that brings confidence to proceed. Thank you so much for being there for us.

I recently discovered that "Buddhism" is the term for the life that I've been living all along. (For the past few years at least) My pre-existing actions and beliefs were all almost exactly the same as what I've been learning about Buddhism.

In fact, it feels so natural to me that I think I would like to live the monastic life as a nun. I have never even stepped foot in a temple though, and I'm afraid I won't be taken seriously. I really have no idea how/ when to go about visiting or joining a temple.

What I'm wondering is:
1) What is the procedure regarding temple attendance?
2) Is there a time or achievement requirement prior to becoming a nun?
3) Does being a nun always mean living in another country? (I live in Vancouver, Canada)
4) Is there an age requirement? (I am 29 years old)

Thank you so much for shedding some light on these uncertainties for me. I truly appreciate it.

I hope you have a wonderful day :)
Amanda

Answer
Hi Amanda,

Thank you for dropping in.  It's always a pleasure to share whatever knowledge I have about Buddhism with anyone who cares to listen.

Buddhism is about leading a harmless and noble life.  An average person knows what is "harmless and noble".  A person does not have to be taught by any religious leader or founder what "harmless and noble" is all about. The Buddha's teachings are about good universal values which transcend race, nationality, culture, space and time.  

If you are a harmless and noble person, you are practising the values encouraged by the Buddha.  There are no hidden messages in Buddhism.

First to answer your questions:
1) What is the procedure regarding temple attendance?
There are different "schools" of Buddhism, although the fundamental belief is similar, they vary in their rites and rituals.  You will need to actually attend the various temples to have an experience.


2) Is there a time or achievement requirement prior to becoming a nun?
Usually one should have a fair knowledge of a nun's lifestyle before embarking on the journey.


3) Does being a nun always mean living in another country? (I live in Vancouver, Canada)
You may be lucky to find a temple which accepts nuns in your area.


4) Is there an age requirement? (I am 29 years old)
You are matured enough to decide.


I know the answers above do not help much.  My suggestion is that you surf the Buddhist web sites to find out more.  The "mother" of all Buddhist websites is www.buddhanet.net

You can Google "buddhist nuns" to find out more.

One of the sites I found is:
http://www.buddhanet.net/mag_nuns.htm

Take care, Amanda.

Justin Choo