Training May Not Be Best for Someone

In the 8th year of training in the Monastic Academy network, a guest named Hannah stayed at the California center for a few weeks. She didn’t follow the training schedule she had agreed to. She frequently expressed her desires to change how things were done according to her preferences. She told others of her intention to ‘seduce a monk’ (no one at the center at the time was ordained as a monk, but in her imagination it was exciting nonetheless) and subsequently pursued sexual relationships with three of the center’s residents. She took drugs despite knowing that was prohibited while she was in the training.

Although she didn’t succeed at the training, she treasured the deep care and connection we offer. She asked if she could stay at the center longer than planned. The leadership team asked the Head Teacher Soryu Forall about this decision. He said, “We need to assess if the training is best for someone. She has maintained conflict with others, even though they have cared for her each day. She has acted contrary to the ethical code of training. She hasn’t shown the maturity to continue with this training. To care for her, we should not extend her stay.” She left on the original planned date.