Can a woman become a monk?

Can a woman become a monk?

Women aren’t allowed to be ordained as monks in Thailand – but some women have instead been ordained abroad, and have returned to the country to live as female monks. It began with the Venerable Dhammananda, the woman who founded this temple, who was the first woman in Thai history to be ordained as a female monk.

What is the female version of a monk?

nun
The word “nun” is usually used for a female, who is a part of a religious group of this particular gender. Nun is often referred to as female monks. Although, in many English communities, a monk is used for both male and female ascetics from any religious background.

Do female monks shave their heads?

The guidelines set in the Khandhaka are used to discourage vanity. Most Buddhist monks and nuns follow these rules today. There is variation between schools, but the monastic ordination of Buddhism always includes a head shave.

What happens if you touch a monk in Thailand?

In Thailand, the head is considered sacred and the cleanest part of the body, so it’s deemed offensive to touch people’s heads or hair. If you slip up and do this accidently, apologise as soon as you can and you’ll find most Thais will quickly forgive you for it.

Do monks hug?

“In this culture, people like to give a hug in friendship, but monks don’t do that. We don’t even shake hands,” said Bhante Kusala (photo 1), who is studying at the Divinity School.

Can monks kiss?

Some monks are forbidden even from singing or dancing. And you can kiss any hope of ever getting another kiss goodbye. Nuns and monks are celibate pretty much across the board.

How often do monks shave their heads?

The rules made by the Buddha for his ordained followers are recorded in a text called the Vinaya-pitaka. In the Pali Vinaya-pitaka, in a section called the Khandhaka, the rules say that hair should be shaved at least every two months, or when the hair has grown to the length of two finger-widths.