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Speaking with Young Novice Monastics
Nourishing the Bodhi mind is an essential practice for monastic life, because the Bodhi mind—a deep source of energy and great aspiration—helps us to be diligent, to overcome difficulties, and to seek happiness. If the Bodhi mind is worn down amidst daily suffering, then the meaning of monastic life is completely lost. A supportive environment with the Sangha, a good teacher, and effective Dharma doors is the foundation so that the Bodhi mind is not damaged; lacking the Sangha or living far from the Sangha easily causes young people to fall away.
Before officially ordaining, it is necessary to live as a novice for three months to observe whether the Bodhi mind is being nourished and whether there is joy and peace. If not, do not nurture illusory hopes. Ordination is not to escape suffering or to pursue fame and profit—degrees, positions, or status in the religious community—but to transform suffering, to attain great awakening, great compassion, and great freedom. Hidden fame and profit weaken the Bodhi mind; the noble purpose is to bring solidity, freedom, and happiness to body and mind, and to share happiness with family and society.
Practicing mindfulness and keeping the precepts are the substance of monastic life, helping us to attain happiness in the present moment—happiness right in this very moment. The essence of practice comes from a life of inner contemplation, shining the light of mindfulness on every action: walking, standing, sitting, lying down, eating, drinking, cleaning. The four revolutionary actions of a monastic, connected with the Bodhi mind, are praised in the ancient gatha:
- Renouncing worldly appearance
- Wearing the Dharma robe
- Cutting off worldly affection
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Leaving one’s own home
These first steps, with the Sangha and mindfulness, begin the path of the Buddha, full of peace and joy.