You have pursued success. Now discover stillness. A traditional Theravāda ordination for men ready to step fully away from a hyper-connected life, guided by senior monks, taught entirely in English.
This page exists so you know exactly what you're signing up for. If any of this gives you pause, it's better to find out now than on day three.
Phones, laptops, and tablets are deposited on arrival. In an emergency, staff will help you reach family. Otherwise, you are offline for the full month.
Head shaving is part of ordination — a traditional practice symbolizing humility and letting go of identity, not a personal styling choice.
It is structured inner training. You live under monastic rules and a fixed daily routine, supervised by senior monks — closer to a rite of passage than a retreat.
Good physical health, and emotionally stable enough for extended silence and introspection. iMonastery is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.
Modern science and Buddhist wisdom converge: 28–30 days is the minimum needed to build new neural pathways and break patterns of reactivity.
Step fully away from screens, notifications, and noise. Restore attention and the capacity to sit with a single thing at a time.
Daily meditation gives grief, burnout, and confusion the space to resolve when the mind finally stills.
A structured routine builds habits that outlast the program — tools, not just insights, for a different quality of life.
Accommodation is simple: an individual tent set in the forest, a shared Meditation Hall, and a shared Dining Hall — an international forest monastery in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, not a hotel.
"Monk Life helped me see the reality of my existence and reconnect with the most fundamental parts of life: the breath, the present moment, and the simple fact that I am alive on this planet."Kevin Lidin — Sweden, Monk Life Project #8 Watch his story →
"What surprised me most was that monk life wasn't about escaping life. It was about learning how to live with greater awareness, gratitude, patience, and presence."Sam Marks — USA, host of Invest Like a Boss, Monk Life Project #13 Watch his story →
"I went out there to disconnect from the world… and ended up meeting myself."Beau Drury — Australia, Monk Life Project #19 Watch his story →
iMonastery is not a rehab center, detox facility, or mental health treatment provider. If you're currently managing a serious condition in either category, please consult your own provider before applying.
Covers accommodation, daily meals, ordination, teaching, robes, basic necessities, and local program transport. Flights, personal expenses, and visa fees are not included. The registration fee is non-refundable.
No. Beginners are welcome. All training is progressive and guided by experienced monks — no prior meditation or Buddhist knowledge is required.
Chiang Mai is one of the safest regions in Thailand. The monastery environment is structured, supervised, and supportive, with senior monks and staff present throughout.
You can, but it's strongly discouraged. Full benefit comes from completing the program, and early departure may affect eligibility for future programs or extensions.
Yes — Day by Day extension is available at THB 12,000/month for the first 3 months, after which suitable participants may apply for the Monk Life Scholarship Program.
Places are limited to preserve the depth and authenticity of each cohort. Five minutes to complete — our admissions team follows up by WhatsApp or email within 24 hours to schedule a short interview.