The Retreat is open to male and female participants aged 16 to 60. For those under 16, you may complete the application form and receive written consent from your parents before submitting it to us for consideration.

我们欢迎16至60岁之间的男女学员参与短期出家。如果您未满16岁，可以填写申请表，并在提交之前获得父母的书面同意。

You are required to complete the application form and submit via email to novitiate_retreat@kmspks.org. Due to limited spaces, early application is highly encouraged. Applicants are required to undergo a pre-interview to assess their readiness and commitment to the Short-Term Novitiate Retreat. Upon successful completion of the interview, shortlisted applicants will be required to pay a registration fee of $150 and attend a mandatory preparatory class on 1 March 2025 (9am to 3pm).

您需填写申请表，并通过电子邮件提交至novitiate_retreat@kmspks.org。由于名额有限，我们鼓励您尽早完成报名。报名者需接受面试，以评估参与的准备情况和承诺。成功完成面试后，入围的申请者需支付150元的注册费，并参加2025年3月1日（上午9点至下午3点）的强制准备课程。

There is a non-refundable registration fee of $150, payable upon admission to the Short-Term Novitiate Retreat 2025. 

报名费为150元，缴交后恕不退还。

The $150 registration fee covers the essential costs of the Retreat, including accommodation, utilities, food, and the various activities during the retreat.

The fee ensures that the monastery provides a conducive environment where all participants receive the necessary support and resources to fully immerse themselves in the monastic lifestyle for the duration of the Retreat.

150元的报名费涵盖短期出家的基本开销，包括住宿、水电、膳食以及修行期间的各项活动费用。此费用确保寺院能够为所有学员提供良好的修行环境，提供必要的资源，让大家能够安心修持。

The Retreat registration fee is non-refundable to ensure that only applicants who are fully committed to participating in the retreat proceed after the interview. The monastery also prepares resources and logistics in advance for each participant, which incurs costs regardless of whether the participant completes the Retreat. Therefore, to cover these preparations, the registration fee is non-refundable once paid.

报名费不可退还是为了确保在面试通过后，只有真正有意愿参与的学员才继续报名。同时，寺院会为每位学员提前准备资源和安排后勤工作，这些费用在短期出家开始前就已经产生。因此，报名费一旦缴交便不可退还，以覆盖这些前期成本。

The Retreat will take place from 6 to 12 March 2025, providing a seven-day immersive experience in monastic life.

短期出家将于2025年3月6日至12日举行，为期七天，让学员深入体验出家生活。

The Short-Term Novitiate Retreat will be held at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117). It will be held from 6 to 12 March 2025.

2025年短期出家将于3月6日至12日在光明山普觉禅寺（88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117）举办。

Participants will be staying overnight in the monastery in shared dormitory-style accommodations with basic amenities, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the monastic way of living.

学员需在寺院留宿并与他人共住。寺院将提供住宿的基本设施，以让大家能够体验出家生活。

The Short-term Novitiate Program will primarily be conducted in Mandarin, with some activities possibly conducted in English.

短期出家活动主要以华语为主，部份活动可能以英语进行。

Yes, breakfast and lunch are provided and will follow vegetarian principles, in line with monastic traditions. Meals are simple, nourishing, and mindful, offering a chance to practice mindful eating.

是的，寺院将提供符合出家传统的素食早、午餐，餐食简单且营养，以让大家能专注于正念饮食。

Yes, please inform the administration of any dietary restrictions or allergies during registration, and the monastery will do its best to accommodate your needs, whenever possible, within the vegetarian framework.

可以，请在报名时备注以告知您的饮食限制或过敏情况，寺院会尽量在素食的范围内满足您的需求。

During the Retreat, you will follow the daily routine of a monk, which includes early morning chanting, meditation, alms rounds, and studying Buddhist teachings. You will also practice mindfulness in daily activities, such as cleaning and meal preparation, and observe the monastic precepts. The experience is designed to help you cultivate inner peace, wisdom and compassion through disciplined living and spiritual practice.

短期出家期间，您将体验僧人的日常生活，包括清晨诵经、禅修、托钵和学习佛法等活动。您也会在出坡作务中，比如打扫环境和准备餐食的过程中修习正念，并持守出家的戒律。这个修行体验是透过规律的生活与深入的内心修持，帮助您培育内心的宁静、智慧与慈悲，进而深入领悟佛法的精髓。

Before attending this Retreat, participants can prepare themselves by:

• Minimising the use of electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers.
• Practicing meditation by sitting for at least 15 minutes during each session.
• Cultivating mindfulness in daily activities.
• Adopting a vegetarian diet.
• Establishing an earlier sleep schedule, waking up before 6am.
• Engaging in the monastic morning and evening chanting practices.
• Familiarising themselves with key Buddhist teachings.

Additional preparation tips will be provided during the preparatory class for the Retreat scheduled on 1 March 2025 (9am to 3pm).

在参加此次短期出家之前，学员可通过以下方式为自己的修行体验做好准备：

• 尽量减少使用电子设备，包括手机和电脑，以培养内心的宁静。
• 每日静坐至少 15 分钟，以培养专注和觉知。
• 在日常生活中修习正念，觉察当下的一切。
• 维持素食饮食，以滋养身心。
• 养成早睡的作息，并于早上 6 时起床，以适应寺院的生活作息。
• 参与早晚诵经活动，以感受佛法的氛围。
• 熟悉一些重要的佛教教义，为修行奠定基础。

在 2025 年 3 月 1 日的准备课程（上午 9 时至下午 3 时）中，将提供更多的准备建议，以助您更好地迎接这段殊胜的修行之旅。

Yes, participants are expected to follow the monastery’s code of conduct, which includes maintaining silence throughout the Retreat, being respectful of communal spaces, and adhering to the daily schedule. Participants are expected to refrain from using electronic devices, smoking, consuming alcohol, or engaging in activities that disrupt the tranquil and respectful atmosphere of the monastery.

是的，学员需遵守寺院的规则，以维持身心的宁静。这包括在整个短期出家期间保持禁语、尊重共用空间，以及遵循每日的修行时间表。此外，学员应避免使用电子设备、吸烟、饮酒，或参与任何可能打扰寺院安宁与庄严氛围的活动。遵循这些规则将有助于共同营造一个和谐、宁静的修行环境。

Male participants will be provided with monastic robes, which must be returned after the Retreat. Female participants are required to wear a plain white t-shirt and dark-coloured long pants. Both male and female participants are advised to wear comfortable covered walking shoes, as slippers and sandals are not allowed. These simple clothing requirements help cultivate an atmosphere of mindfulness and modesty during the retreat.

寺院将发放僧服给男性学员，活动结束后需归还寺院。女性学员仅需穿着简单的白色T恤和深色长裤，以体现出家的简朴。所有学员建议穿着舒适的包鞋，寺院内不允许穿拖鞋或凉鞋。简朴的服装要求是为了营造出一个庄重、宁静的修行环境，帮助学员更专注于修行与内心的反思。

We recommend bringing essential personal hygiene items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shaver, towel, a change of clothes, and any other toiletries you may need, along with any necessary medications or supplements.

Please observe our dress code by ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered; kindly avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. You may also wish to bring a water bottle, sweater, or shawl for added comfort. For a more enriching experience during teachings and discussions, consider bringing writing materials to take notes and capture insights.

我们建议您准备一些基本的个人卫生用品，如牙刷、牙膏、香皂、剃须刀、毛巾、替换衣物及其他可能需要的洗漱用品，同时请自备药物或保健品。

请遵循我们的着装规范，确保肩膀和膝盖得到遮盖，避免穿着短裤或无袖上衣，以保持修行的庄重氛围。您也可以带上水瓶、毛衣或披肩以增加舒适度。在聆听佛法或参与小组讨论时，建议您携带笔记本和笔，以便记录您的感悟，进一步加深对佛法的理解。

We strongly recommend completing the full seven days to gain the most comprehensive experience of our Short-Term Monastic Retreat, we understand that individual commitments may arise. If you are unable to commit to the entire retreat, we encourage you to explore our three-day Temple Stay programme as an alternative.

我们强烈建议您完整的参与为期七天的短期出家，以获得最全面的体验。但我们理解每个人的情况或许不同。如果您无法全程参与，我们建议您考虑参与三天的寺院生活体验以作为替代方案。

Yes, the number of participants is limited to ensure an intimate and supportive environment. Early application is highly recommended.

短期出家名额有限，以确保营造良好的氛围，建议尽早报名，以免向隅。

Absolutely. Observing the Eight Precepts is a significant spiritual practice that fosters mindfulness, discipline, and self-reflection. By renouncing worldly pleasures and focusing on ethical conduct and meditation, female participants can cultivate inner calm, develop wisdom, purify their minds and dedicate their merits from the retreat to their parents and all beings. The practice of the Eight Precepts is a time-honoured path to spiritual growth and insight, offering profound benefits similar to the experience of short-term monasticism.

当然可以。持守八关斋戒是一项重要的修行，有助于培养正念、持守戒律与自我反思。透过放下世俗的享乐，专注于戒律与禅修，从而培养内心的平静、增长智慧、净化心灵，并将修行所积累的功德回向给父母和所有众生。八关斋戒的修持是一条久远而深邃的修行之路，其所带来的功德利益与短期出家的体验可谓相辅相成。

Male participants are required to shave their heads to experience the “shaving ceremony” (剃度仪式). They are encouraged to shave their heads 99%, leaving 1% on the front of their head for the “shaving ceremony”. This can be done before coming for the retreat.  (Female participants are not required to shave their heads.)

男性学员需剃头，以体验 “剃度仪式”。我们鼓励男性学员在参加短期出家前先将头发剃至99%，前额留1%以进行“剃度仪式”。（女性学员无需剃头。）

The pre-interview process is in place to assess your readiness for the Retreat. Additionally, you will receive guidance and support during the retreat to help you adjust to the monastic lifestyle. The monastery understands that this experience is a significant commitment, so participants are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification during the interview and throughout the Retreat.

面试过程是为了审查您是否已准备好参与短期出家。期间，寺院将提供指导与支援，帮助您更顺利地融入寺院生活。本寺深知参加短期出家是一项重要的自我承诺，因此鼓励学员在面试和活动过程中随时提出问题，以确保您能获得所需的理解与帮助。

The pre-interview is conducted to assess the applicant’s readiness and commitment to the Short-term Novitiate Retreat. It involves a discussion of the applicant’s motivations, understanding of Buddhist teachings, and ability to follow the rules and lifestyle of a monk. The interview also gives applicants the opportunity to ask questions and ensure that the Retreat aligns with their personal goals. Only those who pass the interview will be invited to join the Retreat.

面试的目的是审查学员对短期出家的准备程度，了解其修行动机、对佛教教义的理解，以及能否持守僧人戒律与生活方式。面试过程中，申请者将有机会提出问题，以确认此次短期出家与其个人修行目标的契合。唯有通过面试者，方可参与此次的短期出家法会。

Applicants will be assessed on their sincerity, commitment to observing the monastic rules, and readiness to embrace a simple, disciplined lifestyle. The interview also explores whether the applicant has any prior experience with meditation or Buddhist practice, although such experience is not a strict requirement. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they understand the responsibilities and challenges of short-term monkhood and are prepared to engage fully in the experience.

在面试中，申请者将依据其诚意、对持守戒律的决心，以及对简朴规律生活的准备程度进行评估。同时，面试也会考量申请者是否具备禅修或佛教修行的经验，尽管这并非必要条件。此外，申请者需要展现对短期出家的责任与承担，愿意全心投入此次修行体验，借此殊胜因缘获得利益与成长。

If an applicant does not pass the pre-interview, they will not be accepted into the Retreat. However, they are encouraged to continue their spiritual practice and reapply again for future Retreats. Additionally, we invite you to register for our Temple Stay programme at our monastery.

若申请者未能通过面试，将无法参与此次短期出家。然而，本寺鼓励您持续修行，并在未来重新申请参与其他的短期出家活动。同时，欢迎您报名参与本寺的寺院生活体验，以增进对佛法的领悟。

Please clearly specify them in your application form and inform the administration of any health concerns or medical needs during the registration process. Participants should bring their necessary medications and communicate any special requirements to the Retreat staff.

若您有健康问题或需服用药物，请在申请表中如实告知，并在报名时向工作人员说明您的健康状况和医疗需求。学员应自备必要的药物，并将特殊需求告知活动的法师和工作人员。

To fully immerse yourself in the experience, participants are encouraged to stay within the monastery grounds for the duration of the Retreat. This helps cultivate a focused and mindful environment.

为了让您能更深入地体验这次的短期出家，寺院鼓励学员在整个活动期间留在寺院内，以培养专注与正念的氛围。这段时间是让心灵沉淀与反思的珍贵时刻，有助于加深您对佛法的领悟与实践。

No, the Retreat is intended to be a fully immersive experience for participants, so visits from friends or family are not permitted in order to maintain the sanctity of the monastic environment. However, family and friends will be invited to participate in the alms giving activity and ceremony observance of the Retreat.

不可以，此次短期出家为学员提供一个深入的修行体验，因此在活动期间不允许朋友或家人探访，以维护寺院的宁静与庄严。然而，我们欢迎您邀约家人和朋友一起参与布施和见证剃头仪式，共同分享这段殊胜的修行因缘。

The Retreat is designed to be challenging, as it involves adopting a new way of life. However, the monastic community and facilitators will offer support throughout. If you experience difficulties, whether physical, emotional or spiritual, you are encouraged to seek guidance from the Venerables. The monastery also provides a safe, peaceful environment for participants to reflect and work through challenges.

短期出家是一段修行之旅，难免会面临各种挑战，以帮助您体验新的生活方式。此时，寺院的法师和师兄弟将提供全方位的支援与引导。如果您在身体、或精神层面上感到困扰，欢迎您向法师倾诉以寻求协助。寺院提供一个安全、宁静的环境，助您静心反思，逐步面对与克服修行中的困难。

If you experience any discomfort, whether physical, mental, or emotional, you are encouraged to reach out to the Venerable-in-charge or Retreat staff, who will be available to offer you support and guidance.

若您在修行期间感到身心不适，欢迎随时向负责的法师或短期出家工作人员寻求支援，他们将乐于为您提供协助。

If you decide to drop out halfway through the Retreat, please inform us as soon as possible. We understand that circumstances may arise, and we appreciate open communication. While we encourage participants to complete the entire Retreat for a comprehensive experience, we acknowledge that unforeseen situations may occur.

如果您决定在中途退出短期出家，请尽快告知。我们理解可能会遇到各种情况，也感谢您能坦诚沟通。虽然我们鼓励学员完成整个过程，以获得更好的体验，但我们也理解有时候会发生无法预知的事情。

Throughout the Retreat, you will receive guidance from Venerables who will assist you in navigating the monastic lifestyle and offer advice to help you overcome your cultivation challenges. They will provide instruction in meditation, guidance on observing the precepts, and facilitate group discussions on Buddhist teachings. Additionally, fellow participants will create a supportive community, encouraging one another in their practice.

短期出家期间，法师将悉心指导，以帮助您顺利适应寺院的生活，克服修行中的各种挑战。法师将传授禅修技巧，并指导如何持守戒律，同时引导您参与有关佛法的深入讨论。在此过程中，您将与其他学员共同营造一个互助互勉的团体，在修行中相互鼓励，共同成长。

After the Retreat concludes, male participants will disrobe and return to lay life. Both male and female participants are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and continue incorporating mindfulness, compassion, and ethical conduct into their daily routines.

The monastery offers opportunities for participants to stay connected and continue their spiritual practice through future retreats, community events, and Dharma teachings. Male and female monastic aspirants are encouraged to approach our Venerable-in-charge, Venerable Chuan Jia, to discuss the possibility of joining the monastic order. 

Seasoned practitioners may consider registering for our Short-Term Retreat at the monastery, where they can cultivate their practice with minimal supervision. If needed, they can schedule a “Meet the Venerable” session to discuss any challenges encountered during their cultivation. All participants of the Retreat are welcome to join various activities at our monastery, including Dharma classes, meditation sessions, and arts and crafts such as calligraphy and zentangle.

If you are between 18 and 35 years old, we invite you to join our Bright Youth group. If you are 45 years and above, we invite you to join our Joyous Heart Seniors group. We also welcome you to volunteer your services in various departments within the monastery. Lastly, if you are considering a career change, you can apply for our full-time positions across different departments.

短期出家结束后，男性学员将换回居士服，回归俗世生活。寺院鼓励所有学员反思自己的修行体验，并在日常生活中继续融入正念、慈悲和戒律。

寺院为学员提供继续修行的机会，包括未来的短期出家、社区活动和佛学课程等。男女学员可向负责的法师——传嘉法师询问加入僧团的可能性。对于有经验的修行者，可以考虑报名参加我们在寺院举办的短期静修，以更独立的方式深入修行。如有需要，您可以安排与法师的会面时段，讨论修行中的挑战。

所有参与短期出家的学员都欢迎参加寺院的各类活动，包括佛学课、禅修、书法和禅绕画等艺术课程。如果您的年龄介于18至35岁之间，欢迎加入我们的光明青年团。如果您年满45岁，欢迎加入我们的心悦康龄。我们也欢迎您在寺院的各个部门担任护法义工。最后，如果您考虑转换职业生涯，欢迎加入成为我们的一员。

Yes, male participants who complete the Retreat will receive a certificate recognising their participation and dedication.

是的，完成短期出家的男性学员将获得证书，以表彰他们的参与。