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Monastic Life and Priest Traiing
The heart of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives is the life and practice of serene reflection meditation, keeping the
Precepts, and studying the Dharma. Shasta Abbey is a recognized seminary for the Buddhist priesthood. Sincere men and
women who wish to devote their lives to the Buddhist Dharma as priests are invited to apply for ordination in the Order.
At Shasta Abbey, an applicant to the priesthood must have already taken the Ten Precepts (Jukai) and become a lay
Buddhist, have spent one year in the monastery as a lay resident, be single and unmarried, and be familiar with the Order of
Buddhist Contemplatives and the practice of serene reflection meditation. When the applicant demonstrates the sincerity,
willingness, and maturity necessary to pursue a monastic vocation, he or she may apply to enter the postulancy. A postulant
wears monk's robes without taking formal monastic vows and participates fully in the life of the monastic community.
Postulancy usually lasts one to two years. At the end of this time, if the postulant wishes to become a priest and has
demonstrated that he or she is a suitable candidate for the priesthood, the postulant will be offered the opportunity to receive
ordination at the Abbot's discretion.
Ordination is the beginning of the formal training of a Buddhist priest. A novice priest (priest-trainee) spends at least five
years training with senior priests in the monastery, practicing meditation, learning ceremonial, studying the Dharma, doing
manual work, and learning to embody the commitment to a life of selfless service. When the priest-trainee has demonstrated
an understanding of training which expresses itself through sincerity of purpose and constant, steady commitment, he or she
is offered the opportunity to receive Dharma Transmission and continue training as a full priest. Several more years are
required to receive certification as a teacher of Buddhism. After teacher certification, most senior priests remain in a
monastery and continue to deepen their understanding and meditation practice. Their responsibilities include teaching the
laity, assisting with the teaching of novice monks, performing ceremonial, and selflessly serving the Sangha. Some priests
choose to serve as parish priests in priories of the O.B.C. and minister to local congregations.
Prospective applicants are encouraged but not required to have sufficient funds to meet incidental expenses prior to entering
the priesthood. The vocation to be a priest is a lifetime commitment. All postulants and priests of the Order are celibate. For
further information, please write the Guest Master, 3724 Summit Drive, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067-9102 USA.
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