Great Vow Zen Monastery offers full-time residential training towards ordination as a Soto Zen priest. The first step of this program begins with living at the monastery as a resident for 1 year. After that it is possible to ask to become a postulant (see glossary). After a minimum of one year of postulancy it is possible to become ordained as a Novice Priest. This novice period consists of a five year commitment to live and practice at the monastery. After fulfilling the five year commitment, it may be possible to become a Soto Zen Priest.