The Ordination Procedure & Some Vinaya Rules – 1. Samanera Ordination

THE ORDINATION PROCEDURE & SOME VINAYA RULES – 1. SAMANERA ORDINATION

PROCEDURE OF ORDINATION

In Burma, the Buddhist custom of ordination begins with the applicant’s request to a bhikkhu to permit him to receive a samanera-ordination. The applicant, having received the permission, requests the sangha to allow him to be shaved. Having been shaved, he goes to a senior bhikkhu and pays respect to him as a teacher by bowing down three times.

Then he makes supplication to the teacher and hands over a set of robes to him reciting a passage prescribed for the purpose. This done, he asks the teacher for the robes, which he puts on with the help of a bhikkhu.

After he has requested the teacher to ordain him a samanera (novice), he formally takes up the Three Refuges and the Ten Precepts. He has now become a samanera. As a samanera he has to request the teacher to be his preceptor. Then, the preceptor gives him a new name in Pali.

THE PROCEDURE

Handing over the Robes to the Preceptor

Applicant: Venerable sir, I would like to request you to take this set of robes in my hands and ordain me a samanera out of compassion in order that I may become free from the cycle of suffering existences.(3 times)

[The applicant hands the robes over the teacher and bows down three times. Then he asks for the robes.]

Asking the Preceptor for the Robes

Applicant: Venerable sir, I would like to request you to give me the set of robes in your hands and ordain me a samanera out of compassion in order that I may become free from the cycle of suffering existences. (3 times)

[The applicant bows down three times and the teacher gives him the robes. Then the applicant puts on the robes with the help of a bhikkhu or samanera. ]

Making a Request for Samanera Ordination

Applicant: Venerable sir, I would like to request you to ordain me a samanera in order that I may become free from the cycle of suffering existences and attain to Nibbana. (3 times)

[Then the applicant takes up the Three Refuges and the Ten Precepts as follows. ]

Homage to the Buddha

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassa. (3 times)

I pay homage to the Exalted One, free from all defilements and perfectly enlightened by Himself. (3 times)

THE THREE REFUGES

Buddham saranam gacchami. Dhamman saranam gacchami. Sangham saranam gacchami.	I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dhamma. I take refuge in the Sangha.
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami. Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami.	For the second time I take refuge in the Buddha. For the second time I take refuge in the Dhamma. For the second time I take refuge in the Sangha.
Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami. Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami. Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami.	For the third time I take refuge in the Buddha. For the third time I take refuge in the Dhamma. For the third time I take rerfuge in the Sangha.

THE TEN PRECEPTS FOR A SAMANERA

1. Panatipata veramani-sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from killing.
2. Adinnadana veramani-sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from taking what is not given.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani-sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from all kinds of sexual activity.
4. Musavada veramani-sikkhapadaa samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from tell ing lies.
5. Surameraya-majjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from any kind of intoxicants.
6. Vikalabhojana veramani-sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from taking substantial food after midday. (from noon to dawn)
7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visuka-dassana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music and any kind of entertainment show.
8. Mala-ganda-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhu-sanatthana veramani-sikkhapadam samaidiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from the use of flowers, garlands, perfumes, unguents and things that tend to beautify and adorn a person.
9. Uccaisayana-mahasayana veramani-sikkhapadam samadiyami.I undertake the training precept to abstain from using high and luxurious beds and seats.
10. Jatarupa-rajatap-patiggahana veramani sikkhat padam samadiyami. I undertake the training precept to abstain from accepting and holding any kind of money, gold or silver.

Asking for a Preceptor

Applicant: Upajjhayo me bhante hohi. (3 times): Venerable sir, would you please be kind enough to be my preceptor. (3 times)

Preceptor: Pasadikena Sampadehi: Behave well.

Applicant: Ama Bhante: Yes, Venerable Sir.