CANCELLED FOR 2009

Leaving Home and Becoming Homeless: A Monastic Youth Dathün

for young adults 17-25 years of age

Photographs of the Ordination Ceremony for the 2006 Youth Dathun

It is a tradition in many Buddhist countries for young people to become a monk or nun for a short period of time. This is considered an auspicious event in their lives and symbolizes leaving home and beginning the spiritual journey in earnest.

The Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, felt that one day young men and women in the west would benefit from experiencing this kind of temporary monastic ordination as a rite of passage marking the transition that occurs at the end of childhood, but before one takes on the responsibility of a career and family.

At the request of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche temporary ordination is now given to the participants of a special one-month period of practice and study (dathun) at Gampo Abbey. The schedule for the Youth Dathun includes intensive meditation practice, teachings by senior monastics, private interviews and discussion groups.

PLEASE NOTE: You must have taken refuge in order to participate in the Youth Dathun since taking refuge is a prerequisite for taking ordination. Taking refuge means that you will become a Buddhist. It is not temporary like the ordination vow, which lasts only for the duration of the Youth Dathun. At the ordination, participants will take the five precepts, adopt monastic robes and shave their heads.

In order to attend this program, some previous meditation experience is required. If you are an absolute beginner, you should attend a Shambhala training program or receive shamatha meditation instruction-whatever is available in your area- before the start of the dathun.

We also recommend that you read 'The Heart of the Buddha' by Chögyam Trungpa and 'The Wisdom of No Escape' by Pema Chodron. Each have chapters on taking refuge.

Please call (902) 224-2752 or e-mail us for information, download the Application Form. When sending your application, please enclose $25.00 to cover administrative costs. This fee is non-refundable.

Arrival date: To be announced

Departure Date: To be announced

Cost: $1,000 includes meals and accommodation


To learn more about living within the monastic environment at Gampo Abbey.