First one must study a two-year course at the Institute for Buddhist Studies USA (http://www.ibs-usa.org). I.B.S. USA is the official seminary (for those in the west) of the Taego Order where students can learn through an English based site. After completing the curriculum required by I.B.S. USA, if the student meets the requirments for ordination (below) they will have the opportunity to travel to Korea for training and ordination as Samanera (for male) or Samaneri (for female) under the Taego Order’s Ordination Counci in Korea. After completion of the I.B.S. courses, it is also possible to be ordained as a Dharma Teacher through the Ordination Council in California.
Ordination Requirements:
The Overseas Parish is governed by the Korean Buddhist Taego Order, headquartered in South Korea. Although the Overseas Parish follows the same teaching and direction as the Taego Order in South Korea, many considerations have been made to better adapt to cultural differences, where possible.
The following standards are currently (Dec 2011) in effect if one is considering ordination as either Dharma instructor or monk in the Korean Buddhist Taego Order, Overseas Parish:
The candidate must be no older than 55 years at the time of samanera/samaneri (novice monk) ordination; there is no upper age limit on Dharma instructor ordination.
Homosexuals may be ordained into either clergy status including samanera/samaneri, however, bhikkhu/bhikhuni (full monk) ordination is currently not permissible.
Ordination into either clergy status is currently not permissible for those already in, or considering, legally recognized homosexual relationships (in those states where it is permitted).
Ordination into either clergy status is permissible for men and women, however, bhikkhuni (full monk) status is currently not permissible for married women.
Since samanera/samaneri ordination occurs in Korea, the candidate must be physically capable of handling the four weeks of intensive training in Korea just prior to ordination.
All requirements above are currently in effect for the overseas parish of Taego order. The Taego order parishes in South Korea use the original constitution.
Additionally if any one wishes to be qualified to become a Taego monk or Dharma instructor, then they must attend a protocol retreat at least once per year (conducted by Bishop Park and other faculty members).
The Institute for Buddhist Studies USA is affiliated with the World Buddhist University, which is located in Bangkok, Thailand. The WBU is an authentic, academic institution under the World Fellowship of Buddhists. Therefore, when students have completed the courses via I.B.S. USA, they will recieve a diploma that has been signed by the World Buddhist University.
If you are interested in becoming either a Monk or a Dharma Teacher in the Korean Buddhist Taego Order, then please refer to the official site of I.B.S. USA: Click here for I.B.S. USA Information
IBS Allows you to gain a formal, non-sectarian Buddhist education through our online seminary program. Authentic monastic and lay ordinations recogized in Korea and around the world.
The I.B.S. Online Seminary was created to allow those interested to study while keeping their job and family life. Retreats offered regularly in North America, with opportunities to study abroad. Celibacy is optional.
