We recognise that even in our postmodern world, there are those who feel called to the life of a non-sectarian, contemplative monk. Becoming a formal monastic student is a process of making a conscious commitment to the teachers, the training, and the sangha. It involves noticing what is of fundamental importance in our lives and dedicating time and energy to break free from a lifetime of conditioning.

The entry process involves passing through Five Gates of Discernment designed to help prospective monastic students clarify their intent. Because the journey is a long and challenging one, it is best not to begin without a deep, personal sense of what it will demand.

The Five Gates of Discernment are:

1. Participation in an Introduction to Dharma Training Weekend retreat.
2. Completion of a week-long meditation intensive (sesshin) at the Monastery.
3. Meeting with the Guardian Council, a group of senior monks, to articulate one’s reasons for practicing the Dharma of Compassion and wanting to become a formal student of the Khenpo – Dharmacharya Gurudas Sunyatananda.
4. Tangaryo, dawn to dusk sitting in solitary zazen.
5. Asking the Lama for the teachings.

While it is not necessary for active monastic students at the candidacy level to be in residence at the Monastery, maintaining a relationship with the teacher and sangha through visits, retreats, sesshins, and short-term residencies, and home practice is essential. Each new candidate may choose three training advisors — senior students or monks — to offer valuable guidance, support and fellowship through the candidacy period.

Introduction – Candidacy

Usually lasting one or two years, the first step of entering The Contemplative Monks of the Eightfold Path is Candidacy. During this stage the candidate is immersed in community life. He or she is introduced to the liturgical and cultural traditions of the community, deepens his/her own personal practice, and continues to meet with a Spiritual Director. Candidates learn to be good stewards of the ashram or monastery by doing household and maintenance work. Keeping physically fit is encouraged. Depending on the jurisdiction and his own personal need, a candidate might do some college work or take pre-requisites for graduate studies. (S)He would also do some volunteer work or take part in the apostolic service and outreach of the Order. Candidacy is a hands-on experience to live life right from the start.

Incorporation – Novitiate

During this year-long program, the candidate receives the robe of a novice, and is formally accepted into the Order. During this more contemplative year, the novice deepens his/her knowledge and appreciation of the Brief Rule of Life, the Customary of Order, and the Dharma of Compassion. This stage of formation intensifies the development of the interior life and the practical skills of being a member of an intentional monastic community. It also focuses quite purposefully on the vows of Detachment, Compassion and Service. At the end of the year, and if the novice, directors and rest of the community concur, (s)he professes Temporary Vows, promising to live the vows over the next three years.

Integration – Living the Vows

During this stage of formation, the junior-monk specialises in dharma training and academic studies. (S)He might complete a college degree, begin graduate studies, or take some other track to prepare for ministry. The focus on this three or four year period is on commitment. His/her continued discernment ultimately draws a conclusion whether (s)he is called and ready to profess the vows for the rest of his/her life (Solemn Vows). After five or six years and three stages of formation (Candidacy, Novitiate, and Post-Novitiate) and ongoing discernment, (s)he is finally able to profess final or Solemn Vows. It takes at least six years (or longer) before a person can move through the three phases of formation (Candidacy, Novitiate, Post-Novitiate) before (s)he–and the community–can make a final decision. This is by design to give all parties as much input as possible to make an informed and responsible decision.

Financial Responsibility

During the Candidacy and Novitiate the candidate covers his/her health insurance and spending money, and is responsible for a pre-determined monthly cost for room and board. (If enrolled in a university as part of Candidacy, contact the vocation director for information on that. Seminary formation and academic preparation through Lojong Institute is paid for by the Order.) Once a person enters the vowed life, (s)he shares in the expenses of the ashram or house, and will be covered by any group medical insurance that might exist for the members of the Order at that time. Every member of the Order is expected to be self-sufficient, and maintain a career/job to be able to contribute to the costs of maintaining the monastery and ashram.

For more information about the vocations process, contact the local leader of your Sangha or the Vocations Department, found in the “Get Involved” section of this website.