Going Forth

A collection of links on personal reflections on life as a Theravada Buddhist monk.

Experiences on ordination and the monk's life

The Happy Monk Interview with Ajahn Amaro, USA
Interview with Bhikkhu Bodhi Bhikkhu Bodhi relates his life and experiences
Climbing to the Top of the Mountain Another interview with Bhikkhu Bodhi on his return to his native USA
A Question of Skill Bhikkhu Thanissaro (Ajahn Geoff) talks about his life and work in an interview
Being a Monk Another conversation with Ajahn Thannnisaro, this one a bit more humourous.
Going Forth by Karunadhammo Bhikkhu, USA [pdf.file]
A Ripple in a Pond An interview with Ajahn Sucitto,USA
Alan's ordination at Wat Luanf Por Sodh
A radical enlargement of scope Ashin Ottama, a Czech monk and meditation teacher.
My history as a Buddhist Bhikkhu Bodhidhamma, a meditation teacher from England
Travel Note 13 by Bhikkhu Subhuti, aka as Jeremy Glick. The intrepid adventurer ordains in Myanmar (requires egroups subscription)
Ajahn Sumedho Interviewed,one of the most respected and influential Western monks.
From Drugs to Dharma Interview with Bhante Rahula, former hippy and drug pusher turned monk.
Walking the World Interview with Ajahn Sundara, a French nun trained at Amaravati, UK.
A Forest Monk. An interview with Ajahn Brahmavamso, the abbot of the Bodhiyana Forest Monastery, Perth, Australia
Ajahn Passano - 30 years as a monk, an interview with the Canadian born abbot of a US monastery.
Ajahn Amaro - 25 years as a monk, an interview with a British abbot of a US monastery.
FAQ's about a monk Malaysian monk, Ven Kumara answers common questions about ordination and gives a candid insight into his experiences prior to renouncing.
Student to Monk. An Australian Psychology graduate is interviewed about his decision to ordain and train under Ajahn Brahmavamso.
No Thai - no Farang. Three Thai monks tell why they ordained and talk about their experiences living with western monks at Wat Pah Nanachat. (pdf file)
Life of a foreign nun in Thailand - Mae Chee Brigitte leaves her family in Germany to ordain in Thailand.
From Conflict to Cure - Sister Bodhipala tells about her life from poverty through aristocracy, Khmer Rouge survivor and finally to the robes
Why I became a monk (bhikkhuni) - Bhikkhuni Sudhamma. This article is rare as it relates the experience of a female monk/nun or bhikkhuni
Saccavadi's story - A Burmese bhikkhuni's story of the opposition she faced when she ordained.
Ordination as a Bhikkhu - Bhikkhu Cintita of the USA. Ordained in 2009 in Burma
The Meditative Scholar - The German monk, Ven Analayo

Autobiographies

Autobiography of a Forest Monk, Venerable Ajahn Tate, a famous Thai forest monk

The Autobiography of Phra Ajahn Lee, a famous Thai forest monk

Getting off, A Portrait, on line book of a westerner's experiences as a monk

Biography of Bhikkhu Dr Anuruddha, a German monk in Vietnam during the war

Miscellanous

Call to Buddhist Monkhood by Sumana Samanera On line book on ordination and life as a monk

Dhammaduta A chronicle of the mission of monks in bringing Dhamma to new lands

The Monastic Community A detailed description of the monastic way of life

Procedure for Ordination as a monk

Ordination procedure in the Theravada tradition. A description from Buddhanet.

The Ordination Ceremony of a Monk by Ajahn Brahmavamso

Please check out other web-sites of mine.

"Dhammaduta", a chronicle of the establishment of the Theravada bhikkhu sangha in new countries.

"How To Become A Buddhist", A DIY Guide to taking the Three Refuges and becoming a Buddhist.

"Finding the Way", Buddhists of various nationalities describe their paths to the Buddha-Dhamma.

"Buddhist Answers", Answers Frequently Asked Questions on Buddhism

"Buddhist Welfare", A collection of links to Theravada Welfare organisations