I want to be a Buddhist Monk in China!

[lilongyue]

I haven't heard of that temple, but is that 尼 as in 比丘尼? If so, it's a female Buddhist College. Are you a woman? If not, you might not be allowed to attened a 禅七, even if they hold them. I happen to be in Bailin Temple right now, but am leaving for Taiwan in a few days. If you are in Guangdong, you can try 云门寺, if it isn't too far. 佛源法师 is the abbot, and was a disciple of 虚云老和尚, just like 净慧老和尚, who you might already know if you used to go to Bailin. 佛源法师 is highly regarded in China, and if you are in the area, attending one of his 禅七 is a must!

[Sinealba]

Thank you for your answer! Yes, it is 尼 as in 比丘尼, and yes I'm a woman Would that be a problem if I were to attend a retreat in 云门寺?

I only spent a week or so in Bailin Si, and had the honour of meeting 净慧老和尚 very briefly. It was a younger monk who led the retreat for female lay practioners.

Thank you again for your helpful answers!

[lilongyue]

I'm sure women can attend retreats at Yunmen Si, since I see laywomen attending retreats at other monasteries. I've never been to a nunnery in China, so I actually don't know what the rules are. Just wanted to warn you, if you had been a man, that the possibility existed of you not being allowed to attend.

Buddhists are rare on this forum. Welcome! You might want to check out www.e-sangha.com. It's a Buddhist forum for all forms of Buddhism, and there are some foreign monks and nuns who also frequent it. A lot of helpful and knowledgeable people on that forum.