Expert: Justin Choo - 3/29/2011

Question
Hi, I'm interested in learning more about becoming a Buddhist nun.  I studied Buddhism when I was younger and want to learn more about the process of becoming a nun.  Any ideas how/where I should start?  I live in Atlanta, GA.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Debra,

If you want to become a Buddhist nun in the Mahayana tradition, then you can visit any of the Mahayana temples to find out.  If you are not familiar, you may first want to search through the internet to find out.  The "mother" of all Buddhist sites is :

http://www.buddhanet.net

However, if you want to become a nun in the Theravada tradition, you need to approach one particular group in Australia.  You see, there is much controversy over ordination of nuns in the theravada tradition.  The "orthodoxed" group, especially in Thailand is dead against ordination of nuns based on some archaic reasoning. You can start off by watching the youtube here;
http://www.youtube.com/user/BuddhistSocietyWA#p/u/0/NRAGjvj4xJA

then go to the main page of this Buddhist society: http://www.dhammaloka.org.au/
This site is in Western Australia where Ajahn Brahmawamso resides. He is an English monk and is a very popular speaker. You can listen to his talk through this site. Ajahn Brahm as he is popularly called, has incurred the wrath of the monks in Thailand simply because he initiated ordination of nuns.    

Ok, having directed you to the relevant sites, now just a few words to give you a starting direction.  You need to know much more about Buddhism, and especially the different traditions, their perculiarities and idiosyncrases.  You would need to choose the one that suits your temperaments before the crucial decision.  You need to probe deep and hard into the teachings of the Buddha in the first place, and then into the particular temple or center that you wish to be ordained in due course.  You need to take your time.  

I am sorry I can't give you more specific advice other than the above.

Hope this helps.