BUDDHIST ORDINATION

Those who are ordained are not merely individuals who shave their heads and wear monk’s robes; they must train, practise and embody the teaching of the lord Buddha. This is a path to purification. The 227 precepts which are the rules, regulations and traditions will guide the ordained ones to differentiate themselves from the mundane. They help to strengthen the individual’s determination in facing life’s challenges by instilling mindfulness, patience and purpose in life. These precepts are the guarantees for the future, whether the individual subsequently chooses the path way of lay world or that of the ordained monk. The knowledge learnt during ordination will not be wasted or served to harm others. The strict study of Dhamma, in both theory and practice, lifts the individual’s consciousness to a higher level, so he may know the truth and goodness, to attain spiritual goals and the true meaning of life.

The Lord Buddha blessed us with his knowledge to verify what is true happiness in life. He defined happiness in this world into two categories.

1. Samisa Sukha: the happiness that depends on material possessions such as humans (boyfriends, girlfriends, sons or daughters and beloved ones), animals and objects. This type of happiness is impermanent and will eventually bring suffering to life. The sufferings are in the form of attachment, worry, jealousy, pride, pain, disappointment, etc.

2. Niramisa Sukha: the happiness achieved through the Dhamma using insight meditation. This is the only form of true happiness. One will be free from attachment, which points to the path of eternal happiness, Nirvana.

Without the teaching of the Lord Buddha, the search for true happiness would be a challenging endeavour indeed. Even the Lord Buddha himself spent six arduous years to discover the niramisa sukha, the true happiness. Finally, he concluded that one who lives the worldly mundane walks on a narrow and uncomfortable path, containing daily sufferings clouded from the truth. By embracing Dhamma and Vinaya, true happiness and discipline, one is bathed in the light of truth and happiness. So, one must shave head, don saffron robes and ordain into a life free from worldly possessions.

The Lord Buddha gave permission to males who take the Triple Gem as a refuge to ordain. Those who wish to ordain as a Buddhist monk must be at least 20 years of age. Those who are under will be allowed to ordain as a novice. The persons forbidden from being a monk are:

1. Those who are homosexuals or hermaphrodites.

2. Those who have done wrong against Buddhism, such as killing an Arahant, caused schism in the monastic community and asked to leave monkhood before.

3. Those who suffer from the following diseases;

   • Leprosy, Measles or Pox, fungus of the skin.

   • Skeletal deformity including handicapped, blind or deft.

   • Debilitating weakness.

4. Those who have prior restrictions or commitments, such as not having parental or guardian consent or by reasons of royal decree

The main purpose of ordination is to free one’s life from worldly commitments and worries. So, they will have the opportunity to commit themselves to meditation and break away from the shackles of desire until they can find true happiness and a path to Nirvana. To be free from worldly desire, the monk must fulfil all required and recommended duties based on tenets clearly specified by the Lord Buddha. The Lord Buddha required monks to follow the Kiccavatta (Duties) which are clearly described in the Scriptures. The kiccavatta(s) are described as a MUST and SHOULD of daily or regularly performing activities. If those who are ordained as Buddhist monk perform these duties regularly, they will increase inner morality, and their mind will be strengthened. The duties will help them to be free from worldly desires. The duties and responsibilities have been concluded as follows;

1. Almsround

2. Temple Cleaning

3. Confession

4. Chanting and Meditation

5. Reflection

6. Caring for the Preceptor

7. Exercise and Self Maintenance

8. Dhamma and Monastic Studies

9. Caring for Temple Properties

10. Behavior Worthy of Respect