Summer 2027 · European Ordination Program
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.
Latest news and announcements
In summer 2027 the program runs at four temples across Europe, in English, German or both. Pick the dates and language that fit your life. Each program builds to its ordination day, when you receive the saffron robes in front of family and friends.
Wat Phra Dhammakaya Belgium
Lede, Belgium
12 to 30 June19 days
Wat Phra Dhammakaya Sjælland
Denmark
5 to 18 July14 days
Wat Phra Dhammakaya Bavaria
Königsbrunn, Germany
1 to 15 August15 days
Wat Phra Dhammakaya London
Woking, United Kingdom
15 to 29 August15 days
From registration to ordination day, and the weeks of training either side of it.
About the program
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 European Ordination Program 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 European Ordination Program.
The European Ordination Program 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.
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.
We therefore would like to invite all qualified persons for The Theravada-Monk Ordination to join the European Ordination Program again this year.
What you will experience
For a few weeks you live exactly as a monk does, with the same robes, the same rules and the same daily rhythm that has been handed down for over 2,500 years.
Shave your head, dress in white and be given the saffron robes in a ceremony your family can be part of.
Sit every day alongside experienced monks and take home a practice that keeps working long after the robes come off.
Set out in the early morning with your alms bowl, eat in mindful silence and discover how little you really need.
Learn what the Buddha taught from monks who make it clear, practical and relevant to modern life.
Registration
You do not need to be a Buddhist. The training is built for people who were not raised in the tradition, and men from any country, culture or faith are welcome. Curiosity and an open mind are enough to begin.
Qualifications for those who would like to join the program are:
Packing
Monastic life is simple, so the list is short.
Before you apply
You will need to memorise chanting text for the ordination ceremony.
Download chanting textsIf you require a letter from us to submit as part of your visa request, we ask you to find someone in our network of Dhammakaya temples who can vouch for you. This is our policy, because we want to prevent our program from being used as an excuse to stay in Europe illegally. If you don't know anyone in our network, you can find a Dhammakaya branch temple near you and an interview can be arranged.
If you want to join the program, but you have already received the full ordination (upasampadā), and are currently still a monk, we cannot accept you in the program. We only accept lay people at the current moment.
Our network
Visit a Dhammakaya temple near you to meet the monks before you apply, or to arrange an interview for a letter of guarantee.
Fill out the form to apply for the ordination program. Note that this program is open to male participants only. We look forward to your participation.