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30 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE
Korea. Though the Sri Lankan your mission is that Buddhism completed anāgārika training, along
expatriate communities living must be taught in a systematic with approval from myself and the
abroad are the benefactors of these and concise manner from a senior monks, he will be chosen
monasteries, the Dhamma Service modern perspective? for the Novice Ordination. Novice
conducted by the monasteries is monks are expected to learn the
not limited to these communities. Yes, they do. Mahamevnawa has Ten Precepts and protect them all.
Apart from programs conducted a structured training plan by During their time as novices they
in Sinhalese, there are many which lay postulants are gradually develop their skills in practicing
Dhamma programs, meditation moulded, first into virtuous different types of meditation
programs, chanting sessions, and laymen and laywomen with good techniques taught in Theravāda
other religious activities conducted qualities like respect, gratitude, Buddhism, chanting discourses
in English for the benefit of the obedience, and loving-kindness, in Pāli, giving Dhamma talks, and
local communities living in those and then into monks and nuns. conducting meditation sessions for
countries. On invitation, monks The training plan is mandatory for the laity.
and nuns residing abroad travel a lay person to be ordained as a
to various venues to give talks on Theravāda Buddhist Monk (or Nun) Once the novice monks have
Buddhism and teach meditation. at Mahamevnawa Monastery. This successfully completed their
systematic training continues until training as novices, along with my
Our vision is to advance the a novice monk qualifies to receive and the senior monks’ approval,
Buddha’s Teachings on generosity, the Higher Ordination and extends they qualify to take the Higher
morality, and meditation, to further for a minimum period of 5 Ordination. Upon receiving the
enhance the spiritual life of the years thereafter. A well-structured, Higher Ordination, the training
local Buddhist community and thorough training is required before continues for a minimum of five
the general public by cultivating one is competent enough to act years thereafter. These monks
amity, compassion, and wisdom. independently as a fully trained are guided by experienced Senior
The services of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monk. Monks according to a strict
Buddhist Monasteries overseas training plan: practising the
are open to any member of the During the probationary period, the basic code of monastic discipline
public interested in learning and postulant who aspires to become a which consists of 227 precepts,
practicing Theravāda Buddhism. competent monk in Mahamevnawa learning the discourses in the
Our mission is to spread the Buddhist Monastery will go through Pāli Canon, practising meditation
Buddha’s Teachings to as many organisational induction. This under the guidance of Senior
people as possible, staying true to process introduces the techniques Monks, participating in Dhamma
the Buddha’s words: “The Dhamma employed in adapting the postulant discussions with Senior Monks,
and Vinaya proclaimed by a to monastic life: learning the undertaking responsibilities in
Tathāgata shine when exposed, not fundamentals of Theravāda organising programs, events,
when concealed.” Buddhist doctrine, acquiring basics and activities conducted at the
skills in meditation, organising Monasteries, and giving Dhamma
I understand the Mahanevnawa and conducting events by way of talks to the laity. All the while,
Monastery has over 650 monks effective teamwork, and applying monks continue to develop their
and more than 100 anāgārika basic principles of Buddhist spiritual life in the Buddha’s
nuns. Do they all undergo a Teachings to develop wholesome Dispensation by building on the
standard training program where qualities and enjoy the peace of knowledge and competencies
they are certified as teachers monastic life. they have already achieved by
before they can be allowed to associating with senior monks.
teach the Buddha Dharma, since Once the postulant has successfully
