Options for EBT-focused ordination in the West

[Soren]

@AnapanaMichael

Hi Soren. There could be many different reasons why someone might choose to stay in their home country which they could classify as “financially undoable,” especially (from my experience) those who are pretty well off (e.g., home ownership, asset proximity, etc) and I like to be respectful and empathetic towards each situation before jumping to conclusions, by asking questions. It’s just my way. Or at least it is when I remember to try!

That’s why I thought it would be best to ask and make sure that I understand his concerns before making any possibly incorrect assumptions but then again, sometimes they are quite simple and straightforward, as is the case here

Ah okay, I see. How many householders in your social circle are unable to afford a plane ticket? I think that the way you phrased your original question comes across as ableist(?), for those in that group.

I emphatically do not believe you had any bad intentions, but when somebody says they cannot afford a plane ticket, and the follow up question is, “what hindrance is stopping you?”, the term hindrance in the context of a Buddhist forum implies they have some mental defect - when in reality they might just be from a different social class!

[DaveSurfzombo]

Soren, it’s cool. Michael explained his motivations and no harm, no foul.

[Soren]

Yes okay , my apologies.

[Khemarato.bhikkhu]

@DaveSurfzombo

Are there any EBT-focused monasteries in the West that will ordain men 60 or over?

a) By “the West” I assume you mean “North America”?
b) Almost certainly not. You’ll probably have to relax at least one of your constraints i.e. be willing to stay at the monastery long-term without being ordained.

[Dhammanando]

@DaveSurfzombo

I live the Southwest US around the Mojave Desert environs.

Have you tried searching Buddhanet’s World Buddhist Directory and then contacting any monasteries in your vicinity that sound promising?

If not, here are the relevant links:

California

Arizona

Nevada

Utah

[Snowbird]

@Dhammanando

California

I’m not exactly sure what the Bell Spring Foundation is, but the resident sure looks happy.