“MONK 4 LIFE” Training the Trainer (3-Year Program)

“MONK 4 LIFE” Training the Trainer (3-Year Program)

@ iMONASTERY, Pak Thong Chai,
Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Thailand)

Purpose

In today’s digital age, mental health issues and stress have become significant concerns in society. Achieving mindfulness and connecting with inner peace is increasingly challenging in this fast-paced world.

The “MONK 4 LIFE” Training the Trainer 3-Year Program is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to continuously practice the way of life of monks for three years. This program focuses on studying and practicing Dhamma according to the teachings of the Buddha. Upon completion, participants will be able to apply Dhamma principles in their daily lives, including practicing meditation through a widely accepted technique called “Sati Sabai Meditation” based on the teachings of Luang Pu Sod of Wat Paknam. Graduates will receive a meditation teacher certification. This program offers a valuable opportunity for personal development and allows participants to apply their knowledge of Buddhism and meditation to foster peace and sustainability within themselves and society.

Participants Will Receive Four Key Benefits

1. Correct Meditation and “Sati Sabai Meditation Techniques”

During the 3-year training, participants will practice meditation daily for 6 hours a day (180 hours/month) under the guidance of experienced meditation monks. They will also learn “Sati Sabai Meditation Techniques,” a method based on the teachings of Luang Pu Sod of Wat Paknam.

2. Learning Thai Language and Thai Buddhist Culture

Living in Thailand for three years will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the Thai language and Thai Buddhist culture. Weekly one-on-one Thai language classes are conducted via Zoom for 3 hours each week, ensuring participants will gain basic Thai language skills over the course of the program.

3. Nakdhamma Study Program in English: Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels.Chiang Mai Sangha Council

Participants will deepen their Dhamma practice by studying Nakdhamma courses, which offer a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist principles. These courses, provided in English by the Chiang Mai Sangha Council, will foster true understanding and faith in the Triple Gem.

4. Studying the iMONASTERY DOU Program

Participants will also complete the iMONASTERY DOU Program, a 3-year bachelor’s degree program taught by qualified monks, covering 18 subjects in total. This program enhances academic knowledge and offers a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy. Upon completion, participants will receive both a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in meditation teaching.

Program Structure

Year 1:  Six  Core Studies and Training the Trainer 1

Subjects:

Basic Knowledge of Meditation [Click read more]

A Good Friend and His or Her Duty [Click read more]

The History of Buddhism [Click read more]

Fundamental Knowledge of Buddhism [Click read more]

Monastic Lifestyle [Click read more]

The Lord Buddha’s Approach to Good Health [Click read more]

Year 2: Six Core Studies and Training the Trainer 2

Subjects:

The Principles of Meditation Practice [Click read more]

Introduction to the First Teaching of the Buddha: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta [Click read more]

The Manual of Peace in Action [Click read more]

Buddhahood [Click read more]

Natural Science in the Tipitaka [Click read more]

The Law of Kamma [Click read more]

Year 3: Six Core Studies and Training the Trainer 3

Subjects:

Obstacles in Meditation Practice and How to Overcoming Them [Click read more]

Mahaparinibbanasutta: The Buddha’s Final Teaching [Click read more]

Recipe for Success for Personal-Social Development [Click read more]

Buddhist Cosmology [Click read more]

The Worlds of the Hereafter [Click read more]

Exemplary Conduct of the Principal Teachers of Vijja Dhammakaya [Click read more]

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Meditation Tutoring for International Monks

Participants will receive one-on-one meditation tutoring from a Buddhist meditation teacher. This ensures their practice is in line with Buddhist principles and progresses to higher levels of meditation. The teacher will address any challenges or inner experiences that arise during meditation.

Field Trips

To enhance participants’ Buddhist experience, the General Arthit-Phornsan Kamlang-Ek Foundation and iMONASTERY organize annual field trips to significant temples from different eras in Thailand, such as:

Sukhothai Period

This is a valuable opportunity to learn about and understand the history and culture of Buddhism in Thailand. The Sukhothai period is often regarded as the golden age of Buddhism in the country. It is marked by beautiful and unique Buddhist temples and art. Traveling to visit temples from this era will give international monks a deeper understanding of the development and flourishing of Buddhism during that time. It also provides insight into Thai artistic designs, which have had a significant influence on the Southeast Asian region, such as:

Wat Mahathat (Ayutthaya) : The largest temple in Sukhothai’s old city, featuring a unique rice bundle-shaped pagoda.

Wat Si Chum (Sukhothai Historical Park and outside the city wall) : Home to the giant Buddha image “Phra Atchana,” housed in a large pavilion.

Sukhothai Historical Park (Old Sukhothai City): A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient architecture and artifacts. Visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of the Sukhothai period up close.

Ayutthaya Period

Ayutthaya Historical Park is one of Thailand’s most significant historical parks, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 13, 1991. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the flourishing of Buddhism and the architectural achievements of the Ayutthaya period, which served as a major center of trade and culture in Southeast Asia. The temples from this era are grand and beautiful, reflecting a fusion of artistic influences from Thai, Chinese, and Persian cultures. International monks can also explore the role of Buddhism in Thai society during that time, including:

Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The most important royal temple of the Ayutthaya era, enshrining the royal ashes of kings.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Known for its Khmer-influenced architecture and castle-shaped pagoda.

Wat Mahathat: Famous for its Buddha statue entwined in tree roots, showcasing Ayutthaya’s artistic style.

Thonburi and Rattanakosin Periods

 Field trips to temples from the Thonburi and Rattanakosin periods provide international monks with a valuable opportunity to learn about the resurgence of Buddhism and the cultural revival following the fall of Ayutthaya. These periods were marked by the creation of magnificent temples and significant works of art, blending Thai identity with foreign influences. Exploring temples from these eras will help international monks gain insight into the role of Buddhism in the revival and nation-building of Thailand, as well as the relationship between religion and architecture in the modern era, including examples such as:

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Temple of Dawn): A symbol of the Thonburi period, renowned for its glazed tile decorations.

Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan Or Wat Pho: Home to the famous reclining Buddha and a center for ancient Thai medicine studies.

Wat Phra Sri Ratana Satsadaram or Wat Phra Kaeo: The most important temple in the Rattanakosin period, housing the Emerald Buddha and central to royal ceremonies.

Application and Selection Process

1. Through the 30-day Monk Life Project Training

Applicants must participate in and complete the 30-day Monk Life Project training, which serves as basic preparation for the program. Applications can be submitted at www.monklifeproject.com, or for more information, you can inquire through the following channels:

Email: [email protected]
Phone/WhatsApp: (+66) 8-2411-6633
Line ID: @imonastery

2. Interview

Applicants must pass an interview with a monk from iMONASTERY Chiang Mai to assess their intention and suitability for joining the long-term program.

3. 3-Year Training at iMONASTERY Pak Thong Chai

Upon selection, applicants will receive 3 years of training at iMONASTERY in Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. To demonstrate commitment, applicants are required to pay a deposit of 6,000 baht per month for the first 6 months. After 6 months, the abbot will evaluate their progress. If participants meet the specified criteria, they will receive a full scholarship, covering the remaining costs of the program. At the end of the 3-year training, the full deposit will be refunded to the participants.

The program is supported by the General Arthit-Phornsan Kamlang-Ek Foundation.

Note: Participants are responsible for visa extension fees, travel expenses, health insurance, and medical expenses (e.g., chronic diseases or dental work) during the training.

Scholarships and Privileges

The “MONK 4 LIFE” Training the Trainer 3-Year Program is designed to develop international monks who have undergone long-term ordination training, with support from the General Athit-Phonsan Kamlang-ek Foundation. Interested individuals must pass the selection process and meet the criteria set by the project.

Upon successful completion, they may opt to join the International Monk Ordination Program for Life. Those who choose this path, through the “MONK 4 EVER” Project, will have all expenses, including medical and visa fees, covered by the Foundation.

This program provides numerous benefits, especially in terms of personal development, both mentally and intellectually. More importantly, it helps participants gain a correct understanding of Buddhism and meditation. If you’re seeking a way to develop yourself, the “MONK 4 LIFE” Training the Trainer 3-Year Program offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to live and practice as a monk.

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