Explore Monastic Life

Teachings from the annual Exploring Monastic Life program at Sravasti Abbey.

All Posts in Explore Monastic Life

Silhouette of a monastic meditating.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The Greater Discourse on the “Simile of the He...

One can easily become satisfied with lesser spiritual goals and miss out on seeking the…

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Monk meditating.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The “Brahmajala Sutta” and monastic prec...

Right behavior is a foundation to develop wisdom and great compassion. A description of three…

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Monastic walking down path toward bright sun.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The purpose of developing concentration

The importance of remembering the Buddha's qualities, observing ethical conduct, and not taking the teachings…

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Woman getting a massage.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

Samsaric pleasures and developing concentration

Seeking pleasant feelings and avoiding pain are due to ignorance of the nature of self…

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Placeholder Image
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The Greater Discourse on the “Lion’s Roar Sutt...

Don't waste your time practicing ascetiscism, but do develop the fortitude to practice. Making the…

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Thangka image of the Buddha.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The Buddha’s enlightenment

Learning from Buddha's example to seek the truth with no compromise and practice diligently, as…

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Group of smiling Abbey monastics.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The benefits of community life

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the happiness of this life: it is attachment to…

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Silhouette of monastic standing on beach.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The noble search

A realistic view of monastic life; commentaries on sutras. How taking vows, engaging in ethical…

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Venerable Chodron and Abbey monastics smiling happily.
Exploring Monastic Life 2008

Monastic life in America

Advice for those considering ordination, putting the aspiration in the framework of Buddhism, monasticism, and…

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A small stone statute of Buddha
Exploring Monastic Life 2008

Perfection of concentration

On the basis of ethical conduct, training to abandon the hindrances and as a result…

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EML group discussions with Venerable Chodron
Exploring Monastic Life 2008

Deciding to become a monastic

What does being useful really mean? What are your spiritual aspirations? Coming to the decision…

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