CANCELLED
FOR 2009
Leaving
Home and Becoming Homeless: A Monastic Youth Dathün
for
young adults 17-25 years of age
Photographs of the Ordination Ceremony for the 2006 Youth Dathun
It
is a tradition in many Buddhist countries for young people
to become a monk or nun for a short period of time. This
is considered an auspicious event in their lives and symbolizes
leaving home and beginning the spiritual journey in earnest.
The
Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, felt that one day
young men and women in the west would benefit from experiencing
this kind of temporary monastic ordination as a rite of
passage marking the transition that occurs at the end
of childhood, but before one takes on the responsibility
of a career and family.
At
the request of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche temporary ordination
is now given to the participants of a special one-month
period of practice and study (dathun) at Gampo Abbey.
The schedule for the Youth Dathun includes intensive meditation
practice, teachings by senior monastics, private interviews
and discussion groups.
PLEASE NOTE: You must have taken refuge in order to participate in the Youth Dathun since taking refuge is a prerequisite for taking ordination.
Taking refuge means that you will become a Buddhist. It
is not temporary like the ordination vow, which lasts
only for the duration of the Youth Dathun. At the ordination,
participants will take the five precepts, adopt monastic
robes and shave their heads.
In
order to attend this program, some previous meditation
experience is required. If you are an absolute beginner,
you should attend a Shambhala training program or receive
shamatha meditation instruction-whatever is available
in your area- before the start of the dathun.
We
also recommend that you read 'The Heart of the Buddha'
by Chögyam Trungpa and 'The Wisdom of No Escape'
by Pema Chodron. Each have chapters on taking refuge.
Please
call (902) 224-2752 or e-mail us for information, download the Application Form.
When sending your application, please enclose $25.00 to cover administrative costs. This fee is
non-refundable.
Arrival date: To be announced
Departure Date: To be announced
Cost: $1,000 includes meals and accommodation
To learn more about living within the monastic environment at Gampo Abbey.
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