Homepage > Buddhism in Thailand > Ordination Procedure 03

<< Previous Page | Page 3 | Next Page >>

The new samanera prostrates himself three times. If he wants to be ordained as a bhikkhu, he then takes the alms-bowl (offered to him by lay-supporters) to the Upajjhaya. Putting it down on his left side, he gives the tray of offerings to the Upajjhaya and prostrates again three times. Kneeling before the Upajjhaya, with hands joined in the gesture of respect, he chants the following:

Requesting Dependence (Nissaya)
Pali
Translation in English
Aham Bhante Nissayam Yacami. Venerable Sir, I request dependence.
Dutiyampi Aham Bhante Nissayam Yacami. A second time, Venerable Sir, I request dependence.
Tatiyampi Aham Bhante Nissayam Yacami. A third time, Venerable Sir, I request dependence.
Upajjhayo Me Bhante Hohi. (three times) May you be my preceptor, Venerable Sir.

When the Upajjhaya says either "Sadhu" (it is well), or "Lahu" (it is convenient), or "Opayikam" (it is suitable), or "Patirupam" (it is proper), or "Pasadikena Sampadehi" (make an effort with friendliness), the samanera responds each time: "Sadhu Bhante" (Yes, Venerable Sir).

Then the samanera says three times:
"Ajjataggedani Thero Mayham Bharo, Ahampi Therassa Bharo."
From this day onward the Thera will be my responsibility; I shall be the responsibility of the Thera.
(prostrate three times)

The Upajjhaya then tells the samanera that the time has come for the sangha to ordain him as a bhikkhu in the Dhamma-Vinaya of the Buddha. In the Motion and Announcements, the samanera's and Upajjhaya's names will be mentioned. The Upajjhaya tells him his own name and the samanera's Pali name and instructs him to tell them to the Acariya when questioned about them. He also tells the samanera to remember the Pali names for the robes and bowl, which the Acariya is about to tell him.

Scrutiny of the Bowl and Robes

The Acariya who will make the formal announcement puts the sling of the bowl crosswise on the samanera's left shoulder in such a way that the bowl hangs behind the samanera. He then recites the Pali names of the three robes and of the alms-bowl. The samanera replies as follows:

Acariya: (touching the bowl) "Ayante Patto" (This is your alms-bowl)
Samanera: "Ama Bhante" (Yes Sir.)
Acariya: (touching the outer robe) "Ayam Sanghati" (This is the outer robe)
Samanera: "Ama Bhante" (Yes Sir.)
Acariya: (touching the upper robe) "Ayam Uttarasango" (This is the upper robe)
Samanera: "Ama Bhante" (Yes Sir.)
Acariya: (touching the under robe) "Ayam Antaravasako" (This is the under robe)
Samanera: "Ama Bhante" (Yes Sir.)

Then the Acariya orders the samanera, "Gaccha Amumhi Okase Titthahi" (Go to that place and stand there). At this point the samanera backs away on his knees for some distance before standing up and going to a prepared place at least twelve cubits (six yards) outside the assembly. This place is marked by a piece of cloth laid there, intended as the Acariya's standing place. The samanera should be careful not to step or stand on his cloth. Instead, he should walk to one side of it and then stand behind it, facing the assembled bhikkhus, hands joined in the gesture of respect.

<< Previous Page | Page 3 | Next Page >>

Information from: "Ordination Procedure" by Somdet Phra Kaha Samana Chao Krom Phraya Vajirananavarorasa.
Pictures copyright: Nattawud Daoruang