How To Become A Taoist Monk Today?

This documentary on Taoist hermits has always had a certain allure to me. In reality, life in a Taoist monastery is not as idyllic as it seems. In order to practice Taoism in a monastery, you must first find a master to take on an apprentice and that is not something you can just do on your own. Most temples have potential applicants do menial tasks such as carrying water and cleaning leaves in order to determine if the applicant is serious about studying Taoism. And, as expected, most temples are vegetarian. It is a very unique study of the ancient arts of alchemy, acupuncture and the forms of the sword, but the pay is zero and no internet. However, waking up to the birds instead of an alarm clock is very seductive.

To become a Taoist monk or nun you have to commit yourself to a life of harmony, simplicity and spiritual training for the rest of your life. First of all you have to find a proper temple with a proper master. There are lots of temples in China, like the ones on Wudang Mountain, that take in disciples. However, first you have to prove your commitment to the Taoist way of life. This can take years and you will have to live in austere circumstances and study qigong, tai chi and other forms of meditation as well as the classical Taoist texts like the Tao Te Ching. Many temples now have their own websites but joining a Taoist community is not something that can be done quickly and easily. It’s more like joining a family than enrolling in a school.

What I find most interesting is how philosophy is lived in Taoism. I would expect to spend my days meditating in the morning, tending to the temple’s garden in the afternoon and reading in the evening. Of course, there are many more activities, but in general Taoism tries to live in harmony with nature. That means there is not a lot of hierarchy, there’s a lot of freedom. Of course, this way of life is not for everyone. Many people would have to give up their smartphone or their tablet, for example. I once met a former businessman who had swapped his suit for a hemp robe. He said the hardest thing for him was not the physical work but rather silencing his mind. Is it worth watching no more ‘Attack on Titan’ to reach enlightenment?

First, let’s clarify the Taoist practitioner and formally ordained Taoist monk. To become a formally ordained Taoist monk, generally one must be a Chinese citizen, be over 18, have a middle school education or higher, be single (for monastic Taoist orders), and of generally good health. If there is a local Taoist organization or a Taoist temple near you, typically they would sponsor someone for higher Taoist studies through a Taoist college offering multi-year studies in scripture, ritual, history of Taoism, Chinese medical practices, and Chinese martial arts. Following graduation, there are typically additional moral and/or doctrinal requirements that must be fulfilled. The requirements to become formally ordained outside of China are variable, often involving a long period of study and then formal endorsement by an authorized Taoist master. It involves a formal religious vocation as well as formal higher education. The great emphasis is on the Taoist lineage and correct transmission of all teachings.