Applicants must be single, male, at least 18 years old, vegetarian, healthy, of good character, willing to work hard and endure discomfort, and free of bad habits (smoking, gambling, alcohol or substance abuse, etc.). They must have received the Five Precepts and have contributed at least six months of full-time service in a RBA Way-place. Please request an application form from CTTB and send it to CTTB Trainee Program along with a recent photograph, a brief autobiographical statement telling why you wish to join the Program, and a letter of recommendation from the manager of the Way-place. Married or separated applicants must provide written permission from spouse, or a legal divorce document. Those with special health conditions must present certified medical records. Those with criminal records must supply a written explanation.

The application deadline is Apr. 30. The opening ceremony will be held on Thurs., May 11 (lunar date: 4/8) at CTTB. Trainee rules: 1) Receive and uphold the Eightfold Precepts. 2) Wear monastic robes. 3) Eat only one meal a day of pure vegetarian food (no onions, garlic, or pungent plants). 4) Live in the monastery and follow the monastic regulations.

In order to propagate the Tathagata's Precept Dharma, to carry on the Buddha's wisdom life, and to perpetuate the Vinaya, a Great Dharma Assembly for Transmitting the Five Precepts and Lay Bodhisattva Precepts will be held at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (CTTB). All Buddhists of proper faith and sound physical and mental health, who have no habits of alcohol or substance abuse, smoking, gambling, etc., may apply.

Those who receive the Bodhisattva Precepts must become life-long vegetarians. There is a five-day Training Period for preceptees Aug. 30 to Sept. 3. On Friday, Sept. 1, the Three Refuges, the Five Precepts, and the Precepts for the Deceased will be transmitted. On Sunday, September 3, the Three Refuges, the Five Precepts, the Lay Bodhisattva Precepts, and the Precepts for the Deceased will be transmitted. Please request application forms and materials from CTTB. Completed applications must be mailed to CTTB Precept Committee by August 10. Apply early, as spaces are limited. If your application is approved, you will be sent a Notice of Registration. Those who receive this Notice should be present at CTTB's Dao Yuan Hall on August 30 at 3:00 pm.