FAQs

1. Is the program open to women as well as men?

The program is open to both men and women although the process is slightly different for each. As a woman you will not ordain as a monk or a nun but you will be invited to take the 8 precepts and wear the white robe of a traditional lay acolyte. Men can go through the white robed 8 precept stage en route to ordination. Beyond that the course is the same, studying Buddhist teachings (Dhamma) & practicing Vippasanna meditation.

2. Does the program run all year round and how long do you have to book in advance?

While the program does run all year around there are some periods where availabilty is quite limited. The 'rains retreat' or Buddhist Lent, from August through to October is a very busy time in the temple and there are other times when rooms are not available. So it is best to let us know as far in advance as possible as to the dates you would like to be on the program. There is no set time in advance you have to book but the earlier the better.

2. What does the program include?

Our 2 week program includes:

• pick up and return from Chiang Mai,
• 3 cooked meals per day when on the 5 precepts (first week) &
• 2 cooked meals per day when on the 8 precepts (2nd week),
• all your tuition materials in English,
• lessons provided to you in English comprising 7 X 2 hours dhamma lectures,
• your robes,
• donation to the temple
• comfortable accommodation &
• round the clock support

3. How do I get to the Temple?

The temple where the ordained program takes place is located near the township of Fang close to the Thai-Burma border and some 150 km north of Chiang Mai city.

Chiang Mai has an international airport with daily flights to many large Asian cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Vientiane. For internation flights you can get some good deals at kayak.com & expedia.com.
There are also multiple daily flights from Bangkok which being domestic flights, are relatively cheap. From Chiang Mai we then pick you up from the airport or your guest house and get you on the bus to Fang. This service, including the bus fair is complimentary for guests staying a minimum of 2 weeks. For short stay guests, the cost of the bus is around 130 Baht each way.
The Bus trip to Fang is just over 3 hours, once you arrive there you are greeted by a Guest Coordinator and brought to temple and your accommodation.

4. If I ordain will I really become a monk?

Actually you would become a novice monk. To become a full monk would usually take at least six months of preparation and in some traditions even longer. As a novice monk you would be subject to follow the 10 precepts to shave your head and to wear the orange robes.

5. Do I have to become a monk and shave my head?

Not if you don’t wish to. Many guests stay at the temple and do the program without becoming a novice or even taking the eight precepts. The only guests who are required to shave their heads are men who desire to undergo ordination as a novice monk, take the 10 precepts and wear the orange robes. Then the head must be shaved as well as the beard and eyebrows! Everyone at the temple is obliged to respect the 5 precepts (see below). Taking the eight precepts is optional and becoming a novice is optional as well.

6. What are the living arrangements?