At Songdhammakalyani Monastery, we offer samaneri (female novice) ordination twice a year, April 6th and December 5th. Each ordination lasts 9 days with full training. If you are interested, you can find the registration form and instructions below.
There is basic expense of B1000 for the process of registration. All other expenses will be covered by the monastery. Of course, if you want to make a donation, that is most welcome. Robes and bowl will be provided.
If your registration is accepted, you are expected to arrive at the temple 3 days prior to the actual ordination for preparation and the rehearsal. During the ordination you should not use any internet devices (unless there is an emergency, but first consult with Ven. Dhammananda) and no visitors are allowed. You will be mostly engaged in the classroom, 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon where you will learn some points of the Vinaya and some Buddhist teachings (translators are provided for those who do not speak Thai). Meditation is also taught and there will be time for practice. Community service will be requested (working in the garden).
You are expected to attend all monastic rituals, i.e. morning and evening chanting with 30 minutes meditation after the chanting and communal work in the evening. Also, the candidates are requested to going for alms rounds with the bhikkhunis in the morning. Every samaneri will have a chance to experience receiving alms. We try to keep it the way it was done in the Buddha’s time.
As a monastic you will take a communal breakfast at 7.00 a.m. and last meal of the day at 11.00 a.m.. Drinks will be available in the afternoon and evening.
You will be trained to follow monastic behavior as appropriate to Buddhist culture and also Thai culture. Apart from the clothing provided as a monastic, you will only need your undergarments but nothing fancy and no nightgowns.
All candidates are requested to turn off their light before 10.00 p.m..
If you come from a foreign country and you have more questions, please feel free to contact us.
P.S. According to the vinaya requirement, ordination is not given to those who are not Buddhists.
If you are from other tradition, make sure you have already been a Buddhist at least 6 months.