Seminary: Monk

UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR TAEGO CLERGY 2016

PRIVILEGES & EXPECTATIONS of clergy in the Taego North American / European Parish: 

Monk / Priest: Bhikkhu / Bhikkhuni (title: Venerable / Sunim)

Able to bestow precepts for lay followers.

  • Able to have disciples after five years as Bhikkhu / Bhikkhuni (must be over 40 years of age and with permission of the Bishop).
  • Provides dharma missionary work in local community.
  • Provides spiritual leadership to Sangha.
  • May open a temple or center.
  • May perform ceremonies including blessings, weddings, memorials, may lead retreats and special services.

Monk / Priest: Samenera / Sameneri (title: Venerable / Sunim)

  • After five years of probation, the Samanera / Samaneri must either become Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni (with recommendation of the ordination committee), or become a Dharma Teacher.
  • Provides Dharma missionary work in local community.
  • Provides spiritual leadership to Sangha.
  • May open a temple or center (with permission of the Bishop).
  • May perform ceremonies including blessings, weddings, memorials, may lead retreats and special services when no Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni is available.

Dharma Student: (Hengja)

  • Support the temple center through weekly attendance, financial support, upkeep and working with the guiding teacher.

Requirements for each level of ordination:

Monk /Priest: Sami / Samini / Bhikkhu / Bhikkhini

  • Must complete 4 years as a Hengja (acolyte), at an established center or temple, under the guidance of a Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni or Dharma Teacher.
  • If a local temple is not available, you must enter a long distance student / teacher program (monthly donations to teacher required).
  • Must complete (and pass) 2 year IBS seminary program (during the Hengja period).
  • Must attend three protocol retreats over the course of training.
  • Must travel to Korea for completion of Hengja (acolyte) training for one month (subject to change) when opportunity is available.
  • After a period of five years, and after recommendation, a Samanera / Samaneri can travel to Korea for ordination as Bhikkhu / Bhikkhini after approval by Taego Overseas parish ordination committee.
  • Must be at least 25 years of age before starting program.
  • Must be in good standing with parish (dues up to date).
  • Must complete introduction questionnaire and submit to a background check (at the applicants expense).

Additional:

In some cases special provisions may be given to Samanera / Samaneri due to age, or previous experience. This is at the discretion of the Bishop.

Taego clergy members that do not actively propagate the Dharma in their community, support an established temple or center, may have their ordination revoked.

All members must be in good standing (dues up to date, in contact with leadership) with the parish to receive further ordination, educational support materials, vote for leadership roles, be part of any leadership committees or have invitations to retreats.

All Taego clergy may not be part of multiple orders or denominations.

Note:

In some cases special provisions may be granted at the discretion of the AE Parish Bishop.

For further information, please contact Bishop Hae Doh Sunim by clicking the link below:

Ordination Information Request 

ORDINATION TRACK APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION