What do you need to prepare to become a monk?

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Hello

I want to become an ordained monk in an orthodox Theravada monastery so that I can live the holy life recommended by the Buddha to those who want to achieve nibbana.

I’d like to know what preparations a lay person needs to make before becoming a monk.
For example, is it necessary to learn the language of the monastery’s country (e.g. Thai, Burmese, etc.)?
Is it necessary to have already practiced meditation in prolonged retreats?
Is it necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the mentality and culture of the country in question (if so, how?)?
Etc.

What’s more, even though I really want to become a monk, I have strong social anxiety which is holding me back from ordination. What should I do about this?

This is a vast subject, but I’m sure your answers will help many beings. Thanks in advance.

May all beings realize the unconditioned.

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Just one thing…

Can you remain … celibate for the rest of your life?

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Thank you for your message.

I don’t have a wife, I’ve never had a wife (mostly because of my social anxiety), and I don’t wish to have a wife. It’s quite the opposite: I wish I didn’t have a wife in order to live the holy life to the full.

So a priori, being single doesn’t and won’t cause me any problems. But of course, I can’t be 100% sure of what the future holds for me.

Two major obstacles to my ordination are my social anxiety (monastic life is very social), and the fear that my hygiene level will drop (because of the communal toilets).
Of course, there’s nothing rational about these fears. I know they’re just illusory mental constructs. But I find it hard to get rid of them.

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Bhante Subhuti has written an extremely useful article on this subject: “where to ordain” (americanmonkDOTorg). I thank Bhante again from the bottom of my heart for his immense work in helping beings.

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I have been ordained for the second time friend.

If you have faith, Saddhā, you like to practice Meditation and other Kusala, you have no wife and are ok with Brahmacariya :

For sure, you are suitable to ordain.
Please join the Pabbajjā Sāsana :

" Ārabatha nikkhamattha, Yuñjatha Buddha Sāsana, Dunātha maccuno senam Nalāgaram va kuñjaro,
Yo imasmim Dhamma Vinaye appamato Vihessati, Pahāya Jāti Samsāram Dukkhasantam karissati!"

Put effort, exert yourself, join the Buddha’ s Dispensation, Crush the army of death like an elephant would crush a bamboos hut.
One who dwells heedful in this Dhamma Vinaya, will give up Rebirth Cycle and make the end of Suffering!"

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Thank you for this very encouraging message.

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