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Interview Questions from Lay-friends

 

“Why did you need to go to Vietnam to be ordained as a full Buddhist nun? Why couldn’t you get your ordination in the US?”

 

In 2019, I had my renunciation and novice ordination with the Highest Rank Thich Giac Luong in California. In 2022, I went to Vietnam to receive the precepts of a probationary nun and take the full Bhikshuni ordination in Vietnam.

 

There are four stages in the process of becoming a fully ordained Buddhist monk/nun. At each stage of this process, a candidate receives precepts. They must be tested on the precepts, Buddhist scriptures, and other topics in accordance with Buddhist teachings. 

 

I. First, a candidate receives the novice’s renunciation and the first ten precepts of a novice. 

I completed this ceremony at Thong Tri Temple in Santa Clara, CA. Here is more information about that ceremony and the history of Thong Tri Temple

 

Most Highest Rank Thich Giac Luong was present for the Grand Opening of Thong Tri II Temple (Tịnh Xá Thông Trí II) at Santa Clara, California on August 15, 2019 and also led the renunciation ceremony for Bhikshuni Tinh Hanh and Bhikshuni Tinh Ngoc, where they were blessed by the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Patriarchs, the most venerable monks and nuns, and the support of the Sangha’s venerable monks and nuns, in a right moment of predestined conditions.

 

II. Second, a candidate receives the first ten precepts of a novice once again. Furthermore, the candidate receives the robe during this novice ordination ceremony.  

I completed this ceremony at the World Itinerant Monk Congregation (Đoàn Du Tăng Thế Giới), Phap Duyen Temple in Fresno, CA 

 

III. Third, a candidate receives the precepts of a probationary nun. 

I completed the third and fourth ceremonies at Chùa Quốc Thanh Temple and Chùa Vĩnh Hiệp Temple in Vietnam. You can find details about this process here: Trip to Vietnam.

 

IV. During the fourth and the final stage in the process of becoming a fully ordained nun, a candidate receives Bhikshuni precepts for a second time from the Bhikshu Sangha. 

In order to proceed with the final two ceremonies, there needs to be a certain number of Mahasangha members in attendance to bestow the Bhikshuni ordination for women. (Mahasangha are the members of the Dharma Association who support Buddhist Teachings, practice, and community by providing opportunities for Buddhists from various lineages and traditions to come together.)

At least ten Bhikshu Sanghas (fully ordained monks) and ten Bhikshuni Sanghas (fully ordained nuns), which equals 20 Mahasangha must be present at the final two ceremonies. More Sangha members may participate in the ordination ceremony in addition to these 20 Mahasangha. 

The temples in Vietnam, where I completed my final 2 ceremonies, coordinated the process of inviting the necessary number of qualified Bhikshus Sanghas and Bhikshunis Sanghas for the ordination ceremony. There may be temples in the United States that can hold a full Bhikshuni ordination ceremony; however, I have not seen or known one in the United States.

After completing the appropriate agreed-upon period of training, both of my Masters recommended me to be tested for the third and fourth ordinate ceremonies. My Master in Vietnam researched temples from both Bhikshuni Sangha and Bhikshu Sangha to request participation in the fully ordained Buddhist nun ceremonies. He submitted an application on my behalf which took about two months for final approval.

As a Buddhist Nun (Bhikshuni), I am required to study under Bhikshuni Masters in addition to my two Bhikshu Masters. My Masters arranged to request two Bhikshunis as mentors/teachers for me to ask questions, and clarify any confusion during my training to prepare me for the examinations.

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