While many are searching for peace outside, we believe that world peace MUST begin from each and everyone of us. That is why we promote the use of meditation in order to help individuals cultivate peace from within.

Open to men of all ethnicities and backgrounds, the European Ordination Program provides the opportunity to learn about Buddhism and a monk's way of life. Taking part in the experience will aid in the cultivation of one's inner peace.

The Dhammakaya Foundation is a non-profit organisation, based on personal development, aiming to promote activities for the restoration of morality in individuals, families, societies, and the world.

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The ordination program for 2026 will be held in in Wat Phra Dhammakaya Belgium, between 8^th-28^th June 2026.

Information Evenings for the 11th European Ordination Program

Click this link to register for the information evenings. Please note that the link is on the top of the form!

We warmly invite you to join one (or both) of our upcoming information evenings to learn more about the ordination program and have all your questions answered.

Dates: Saturday 21 March 2026 and/or Saturday 11 April 2026
Time: 7:00 to 8:00PM CET

During the sessions we will provide you with more information about the program schedule and structure, participation requirements and preparation, and there is also an opportunity to rehearse ordination chanting.

The information evenings will be hosted by experienced teachers, Lp Pisit, Lp Sander, and former program participant, Heiko. Attending one information evening is usually sufficient, but you are very welcome to join both if you would like. These sessions provide a relaxed and open space to explore the program and connect with the teaching team. We look forward to meeting you there!

You can register for the evenings here. Please note that the Zoom link is at the top of the application form.

What is the European Ordination Program?

The European Ordination Program (EOP) has been established by the vision of Luang Por Dhammajayo, the Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, to introduce Buddhism to the people in Europe, and others around the world. The program was organized for the first time in 2013 at Wat Phra Dhammakaya Belgium. Many participants in Europe from different countries such as England, Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Malta, Austria, and Switzerland joined the program. When it concluded, all were very satisfied with the program, and many had the intention to join the same program again the following year.

The European committee, consisting of 29 branches of Wat Phra Dhammakaya decided to organise the program every year. Subsequently, more and more participants in Europe have joined and participated in the EOP.

The EOP provides the opportunity for all qualified persons in Europe who have interest in studying the Dhamma of the Buddha, to use the knowledge they learn and practice from the program to benefit their lives with more happiness and prosperity.

In the program, all participants have the opportunity to learn about the Theravada Buddhist monk's life, to train themselves with the Buddhist disciplines and Buddhist cultures, to practice meditation, to study a variety of Buddhist Dhamma topics, and to understand more about the Theravada Buddhist monk's life. The course of study in the program has been continuously well-developed from the beginning up until the present, by becoming more efficient in training those who are not raised as Buddhists, enabling them to learn and apply the teachings in this short period of time after the program is concluded.

We therefore would like to invite all qualified persons for The Theravada-Monk Ordination to join the EOP again this year.

Registration

Qualifications for those who would like to join the program are:

1. Male between 18-70 years old
2. A person with acceptable good behaviour as observed and can be attested to by their peers
3. A person who lives a simple life, has good health, has no contagious diseases, mental illnesses, or physical impairments.
4. A person who has no drug addictions or criminal records
5. A written consent from a parent, guardian, spouse, or closest living relative is required for those who wish to join The EOP.
6. Applicants requiring a guarantee letter for Europe must be vouched for by Dhammakaya Temple or one of its international branch temples i.e. by a monk or temple employee.

Items Required to Join the Program

• 2 sets of white shirts and trousers
• 1 standard white shirt used by The EU Dhammakaya branches ceremonies
• Sweaters
• 1 towel
• Personal necessities such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush
• 1 pair of sandals
• Any required medicine

Items that are not allowed during the Training Program

• No dangerous sharp items that could be considered as weapons
• No cigarettes
• No valuable items
• No mobile phones
• No illegal drugs
• No food
• No music players, CD's, or radios

Thank you for your interest in The EOP and we look forward to your participation.

Location

The ordination program for 2026 will be held in in Wat Phra Dhammakaya Belgium, between 8^th-28^th June 2026.

Things to do before your arrival

You will need to memorise chanting text for the ordination ceremony:

• Download chanting texts

How do I join?

Click on the button below and fill out the form to apply for the ordination program.

Temples in Europe