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Suddenly, I've been a monk for three years. Compared with my teachers and fathers who have lived in the mountains for decades, my age is not enough to mention, but three years, for me, for my age, its preciousness cannot be measured by matter. I've always wanted to write an article telling people who want to become monks what the conditions are for entering the temple, what to do in the temple, and such practical problems. In this article, I won't talk nonsense and make some explanations.
1. What are the conditions for entering the monastery?
First of all, I want to explain that the method I have learned is Quanzhen Dragon Sect and Taitai Bidong Sect. I won't say much about the specific sectarian origin, but only the necessary requirements of Quanzhen religion. 1, no family. 2. On-site inspection. I declare that these conditions are formulated according to the situation in our mountainous area. There are many Taoist temples all over the country, and each place is different, but they are all similar. In fact, the concept of becoming a monk and living is a bit the same as working in a company. For example, many people ask me how to become a monk, so you have to go to the Taoist temple first, just like you are going to apply for a job in a company, and then you and the company have to consider each other's strength before they can have a result. Some people may ask why there is no requirement for vegetarianism. I am telling the truth. What is written in the book and reality are always two different things. In recent years, every brick and tile built in the mountain field has been carried by the masters. How many people can stand those hardships? If they are really vegetarians, they will fall down because of malnutrition. Just have a meal in difficult times. So whether you are a vegetarian or not depends on your physical condition and environment, not everywhere. The same is true at home. Don't be superstitious about eating meat You should eat it when your body needs it. If you don't mean to hurt others, then you are merciful. Only when you are full and healthy can you have the strength to do good deeds. (Speaking of which, it's actually a bit speechless.)
The above two points are hard requirements, and some of them can be adjusted according to the actual situation in various places. 1, education. Without the requirement of undergraduate course, those pictures circulating on the Internet are very funny. Generally speaking, it is more important to live in a small temple. However, for a larger temple, there are more receptions, constructions, meetings and so on. On weekdays, the overall quality of Taoist disciples is higher. It depends on how the host chooses the person. 2. age. Generally speaking, it is required to be between eighteen and thirty-five. First of all, you should be an adult and be responsible for your own decisions. Secondly, you should not be too old to contribute to the temple. Temples are not nursing homes. Those who want to retire can give up their illusions. 3. Single certificate, certificate of no criminal record, application for admission, copy of ID card, education certificate, and parents' consent. These are all archived documents, but the final parental consent form is difficult for some people, and the palace view will be extended.
These are the basic requirements for becoming a monk. If you are admitted to the temple, it doesn't mean becoming a monk, just entering the examination period and becoming a Taoist. There will be an assessment period of three months, six months, one year or even three years, during which you have the freedom to leave your job (most people leave their jobs at this stage). In fact, this stage is the running-in period between you and the temple, so that you can really understand what life in the temple is like, break all your beautiful fantasies about becoming a monk, and then see if you can find a balance and find another determination to stick to it. During this period, Taoists are usually required to learn to recite such classics as Xuanmen Morning and Evening Homework, Tao Te Ching and Tai Shang Gui Jing. In addition to learning basic percussion instruments, some temples also require learning health preserving skills. But all these studies need you to use your spare time. Speaking of which, some people may ask, do you still need to work when you become a monk? New disciples usually do rough work such as cleaning and cooking during the exam. In short, you must give up all your previous identities. Here, maybe what you learned before is useless at all, and everything has to start from scratch. After the assessment period, you will arrange the position according to your specialty. For example, if you used to study secretarial work, you would probably go to the leadership office to help write documents for reception. If you used to be a university teacher, you may be asked to give lectures to Shan Xin. If you study accounting, you can help Guan Gong's accounts. If it is difficult for you to keep up with what you have learned and Guan Gong's affairs, there is no way. You can only learn some skills again, which will make you stand firm in Guan Gong.
Second, what should the concept of residence do?
In fact, some things to be done during the assessment period have been mentioned above, and what may be done after the assessment period. After the examination period, you will change clothes from the teacher and you will have a name. But he is not a real Taoist, but a Taoist boy. After a while, your master thinks you can do it, and then he will give you a crown scarf and a sparse essay. You have to report to the three officials and emperors, and the immortals in the sky will know. Oh, there are such monks on earth. What I want to emphasize here is what you need to learn. Taoist culture covers a wide range, such as astrology, chess, calligraphy and painting, beating, chanting and so on. Usually, every Taoist has his own specialty. One thing to declare is that even people who have lived in the prison for decades may not necessarily have high skills. If you want to learn something, you have to have luck and sincerity, and you have to meet people who are willing to teach you. Anyway, it's up to you. Except for chanting in the morning and evening classes, there is not much difference between daily affairs and work, and there are many rules and regulations.
Third, others.
1、 ? Vacation. I don't have holidays there, almost all year round, and I have family leave during the New Year. Speaking of which, my biggest wish for a year or two after becoming a monk is to have a good sleep. I'm really nervous to get up early every day. 2. salary. We call it a single fee. If the temple has money, we will give more living allowance. If we are poor, we may get nothing, depending on the situation. 3. interpersonal relationships. "When I was a child, the gorgeous court turned out to be just an illusion. Although people come and go in the palace, the court is lonely. Maybe everyone is jealous and suspicious because of loneliness. You should be considerate and sympathetic to them. Be considerate of these people just as you stick to principles. " Recently, I reread Dae Jang Geum and saw this line. Let's stop here, this is the best summary. In fact, I've always wanted to read a book about the real life of temples, but unfortunately I didn't find it suitable. Everyone is either transmitting values, talking about scriptures and jurisprudence, or simply describing the environment without digging deep into the real stories and experiences of these living people. But I understand, after all, many words are hard to say.
Finally, it was smuggled goods. Let me talk about my feelings. Don't spray me if you want to feel uncomfortable. At least I'm telling the truth. For me, the biggest obstacle to becoming a monk is not loneliness or secular vision. Seriously, what most people think is not a problem here. The real problems I face are my own development, my future path, my achievements in this life, and so on. This era is different from when my master and grandfathers became monks. Due to the cultural gap, there are no longer so many experts in the temple. On the contrary, many temples rely on the input of external talents. I chatted with a brother the other day. She said that she has been doing construction, accounting and reception in recent years. Every day, she has no time to practice. At home, her job is stable and she can do what she likes after work, while at the temple, all her body and mind have to be dealt with. What she said is the most practical problem that young people of our generation face. Usually, there is no security system in temples. After you become a monk, you can walk a few roads, or you can go into politics, be a president and be a master. In this way, your life will be better, and there is nothing to worry about when you are old. You have everything in your hand. Learn some real skills, and don't let others look down on you, so that you can gain a foothold in Guan Gong. The most unfortunate thing is that there is nothing, which is consumed in the temple and can only be eaten to death.
I wrote this article directly, without any disguise. Of course, some places are still obscure, but I believe everyone will get a score after reading it. I like what Yu Xiulian said to Yu Jiaolong in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. No matter what your decision on this life is, you should treat yourself sincerely. No matter which way you take, others' eyes will always be just a quick glance, and gossiping is empty talk. The only person who can judge whether it is worth it is yourself. I have always felt that monasticism is nothing, no different from growing vegetables and flowers, sweeping the floor and washing dishes. It's just doing one thing, just putting it in an environment that looks a little different, but it's actually no different. I want to cry several times after reading my friend Yi Nan's words. He said: "It is cruel to distinguish and solidify you with worldly life and cultivation of immortals." In fact, you and I are both mortal.