Difference between revisions of "Admission to Saṅgha"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:147ages.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:147ages.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | Admission to [[saṅgha]] in early times was not ceremonial. The [[Buddha]] used to say "ehi " (come, follow me). Later on, those who were thus admitted by him could admit others to the Order. A layman had to complete at least fifteen years of age to become a {{Wiki|novice}}. For the admission to the full [[monkhood]], the {{Wiki|novices}} had to be at least twenty years of age. Admission to [[saṅgha]] consisted of two stages marked by two [[rites]], namely, [[pravrajyā]] and [[upasaṃpadā]]. | + | Admission to [[saṅgha]] in early times was not {{Wiki|ceremonial}}. The [[Buddha]] used to say "ehi " (come, follow me). Later on, those who were thus admitted by him could admit others to the Order. A [[layman]] had to complete at least fifteen years of age to become a {{Wiki|novice}}. For the admission to the full [[monkhood]], the {{Wiki|novices}} had to be at least twenty years of age. Admission to [[saṅgha]] consisted of two stages marked by two [[rites]], namely, [[pravrajyā]] and [[upasaṃpadā]]. |
| − | [[Pravrajyā]] ([[pabbajjā]]) is going forth from home, that is renunciation. The term [[pravrajyā]] refers to the admission of a {{Wiki|novice}}. It was the first step towards [[monkhood]]. He who was admitted was known as {{Wiki|novice}} ([[śrāmaṇera]]) or [[navako bhikkhu]], a [[new monk]]. He could be admitted only after seeking consent from his parents. The senior [[monk]] could admit him without presenting before any formal conclave, and after admission he was associated with a [[religious teacher]] ([[upādhyāya]]). | + | [[Pravrajyā]] ([[pabbajjā]]) is going forth from home, that is [[renunciation]]. The term [[pravrajyā]] refers to the admission of a {{Wiki|novice}}. It was the first step towards [[monkhood]]. He who was admitted was known as {{Wiki|novice}} ([[śrāmaṇera]]) or [[navako bhikkhu]], a [[new monk]]. He could be admitted only after seeking consent from his [[parents]]. The senior [[monk]] could admit him without presenting before any formal conclave, and after admission he was associated with a [[religious teacher]] ([[upādhyāya]]). |
| − | The {{Wiki|novice}} had to shave his hair; he had to put on three yellow ragged garments ([[tri-cīvara]]) and repeat the following formula three times. | + | The {{Wiki|novice}} had to shave his [[hair]]; he had to put on three yellow ragged garments ([[tri-cīvara]]) and repeat the following [[formula]] three times. |
| − | '''I take refuge in the [[Buddha]]''' [buddhaṃ saraṇam gacchāmi]. | + | '''I [[take refuge]] in the [[Buddha]]''' [buddhaṃ saraṇam gacchāmi]. |
| − | '''I take refuge in the [[dhamma]]''' [dhammaṃ saraṇam gacchāmi]. | + | '''I [[take refuge]] in the [[dhamma]]''' [dhammaṃ saraṇam gacchāmi]. |
| − | '''I take refuge in the [[Sangha|Order]]''' [saṅgham saraṇam gacchāmi]. | + | '''I [[take refuge]] in the [[Sangha|Order]]''' [saṅgham saraṇam gacchāmi]. |
He, the {{Wiki|novice}}, was further given instruction in the [[ten precepts]] [[daśa-śīla]] or [[sikkhāpada]] which consisted of ten abstinences ([[veramaṇī]]). (For details see under [[śīla]].) | He, the {{Wiki|novice}}, was further given instruction in the [[ten precepts]] [[daśa-śīla]] or [[sikkhāpada]] which consisted of ten abstinences ([[veramaṇī]]). (For details see under [[śīla]].) | ||
Revision as of 17:22, 2 November 2013
Admission to saṅgha in early times was not ceremonial. The Buddha used to say "ehi " (come, follow me). Later on, those who were thus admitted by him could admit others to the Order. A layman had to complete at least fifteen years of age to become a novice. For the admission to the full monkhood, the novices had to be at least twenty years of age. Admission to saṅgha consisted of two stages marked by two rites, namely, pravrajyā and upasaṃpadā.
Pravrajyā (pabbajjā) is going forth from home, that is renunciation. The term pravrajyā refers to the admission of a novice. It was the first step towards monkhood. He who was admitted was known as novice (śrāmaṇera) or navako bhikkhu, a new monk. He could be admitted only after seeking consent from his parents. The senior monk could admit him without presenting before any formal conclave, and after admission he was associated with a religious teacher (upādhyāya).
The novice had to shave his hair; he had to put on three yellow ragged garments (tri-cīvara) and repeat the following formula three times.
I take refuge in the Buddha [buddhaṃ saraṇam gacchāmi].
I take refuge in the dhamma [dhammaṃ saraṇam gacchāmi].
I take refuge in the Order [saṅgham saraṇam gacchāmi].
He, the novice, was further given instruction in the ten precepts daśa-śīla or sikkhāpada which consisted of ten abstinences (veramaṇī). (For details see under śīla.)
