A Monk Changes Traditions

A Monk Changes Traditions

Date Posted:
April 2011

A monk wrote to advise Rinpoche that he was changing traditions and intended to request full bhikshu [Tib: gelong] ordination in the Theravada tradition. The student’s letter and Rinpoche’s response are below.

Student's Letter 

After residing at Nalanda Monastery last year, participating in the Basic Program, I realized quite clearly that Nalanda was not the best fit for me. I also discovered a very strong urge to study and practice the early teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon. I visited several Western Theravada monasteries of the Thai Forest tradition in England and the USA and in December of last year took up residency at one of these. I know that I have found the monastic environment most conducive for my progression along the path. I have requested the samanera ordination from the abbot and this should take place in late July. In one year's time I intend to request the full (bhikshu) ordination in this tradition.

I have written to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to inform him of my decision. I am not returning the getsul vows I took from His Holiness (nor was I asked to do so). I am merely re-ordaining as a novice. Because I am dedicating the rest of this life to following faithfully and purely the Buddha's teachings, as a monastic, and that I daily recollect my motivation for doing so—namely, for the ultimate benefit of myself and all sentient beings—I have no doubt that you will accept my decision. I often contemplate the good fortune that enabled me to find my way to you and to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I would be grateful for your blessing as I move into this next phase of my spiritual journey.

Rinpoche's response

My very dear Robert,
Thanks for your letter about your life and interests, according to your karma. Please do what His Holiness the Dalai Lama says.

Buddha has allowed us to check up on Buddhist teachings, but I think other religions do not allow this. So, check up if one way has mistakes or not. Check up whether you find mistakes. Or maybe the person finds mistakes and then gets very confused and completely lost. If you don’t check, then this way may have some benefits, but there may also be mistakes. Please check up if the mistakes or the benefits are greater.

With much love and prayers...