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I'm a westerner, non-thai speaker, age 37. I want to ordain in Asia (not in the West) and then stay there for 5 years with a preceptor and then either continue to stay there or move back to Europe and live as monk but the problem is that not many placese in Europe have monks living. Also where should one ordain in Sri Lanka or Thailand? I read about Ven. Ajahn Chah who made monasteries for westerners to ordain but where should one stay afterwards?

Can one live alone after the 5 years or more and how would a lonely monk survive in Europe?

Thank you.

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First thing to look for is the observance of Descipline(sila) and View(ditthi), since they are the first factors in the Threefold-training and Noble-eghtfold-path respectively. They are the most important criteria while seeking a place to ordain.

One can look for other qualities next, such as austerity, meditation etc.

There are places that supports meditation, ordination and forest-practice with renowned masters, yet many of them either weak in Vinaya or View, as described in the texts.

Investigating beforehand about the View-alignment and Vinaya-alignment of the teacher and monastery is a wise way to make a decision.

There are some links that I could find addressing these issues but there can be more on the internet if one is willing to investigate.

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    Thank you very much Blake.
    – user24100
    Feb 7 at 17:52
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This is the best place whole over the world for you to take maximum out of your time as you wish. Go to this site and go to contact page. "Nissarna Wanaya - Rev. Uduiriyagama Dhammajiwa"

You may come with full of bags but after completing your period you may go like free bird with empty hand. You let go all carryings with you. Remove ego completely and be happy forever. This is in Sri Lanka. Also you can find western people practising Vipassana Meditation. May triple Gem Bless you.

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  • Dear Sanath, again dear friend, thank you so much for your reply. I will check out the link you sent. May you be well and happy and reach Nibbana soon. This place looks wonderful and incredibly wholesome and secluded.
    – user24100
    Sep 16, 2022 at 11:05
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    My Pleasure and you are most welcome. Yes this is very good place for the people searching freedom of life. Me too recently find this community and I felt I can share my knowledge of dhamma for the sake of other people those who seeking help to find the reality of this illusion. May you be able to find freedom of your life soon. May triple Gem Bless you!!!
    – Sanath
    Sep 16, 2022 at 11:47
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    Also, If you are coming to Sri lanka let me know I can guide you to the place until you meet Rev. Uduiriyagama Dhammajiwa Theru. Tehre is no problem about your food and logging they all are provided by the people to the temples in Sri Lanka.
    – Sanath
    Sep 16, 2022 at 11:56
  • Thank you so much for your kindness - I will definitely contact you if I come to SL. I just found this website with many books by Ven. Dhammajiva. I'm downloading them as we speak and have read in several of them. He speaks fluent English, Sinhala and Burmese and has translated for Ven. Pa-Auk Sayadaw and he's highly trained in both Samatha and Burmese Vipassana meditation techniques. What an amazingly accomplished being.
    – user24100
    Sep 16, 2022 at 12:36
  • Here it is: vipassana.org/meditation/dhammajiva/index.html.
    – user24100
    Sep 16, 2022 at 12:37
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"Can one live alone after the 5 years or more and how would a lonely monk survive in Europe?"

One worry about life and making a living isn't fit to leave dependency.

And leaving home requires to do so, not seeking another, or not willing to abound "western". And certain strange if thinking on returning, or?

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  • Thank you Bhante.
    – user24100
    Feb 7 at 17:52

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