Ordination of Novice Monks
In the old days, in particular in the rural areas, many young boys would become novice monks as that was the only way for them to receive an education. As well as having a secular education, they were taught how to read and write. These days, many of the novices that you might see in temples are boys who have been abandoned by their relations. Sometimes their parents have died or they cannot afford to raise them. Then, there is another group who are only novices for a temporary period of time. For example, maybe their grandparent died and they ordained as part of the funeral ritual. Another group of novices are the ones that ordain during their school holidays.
In Thai, novices are known as a “samanen” or just “nen” for short. A monk is called a “bhikkhu”. The main difference between a novice and a monk is that novices only have 10 precepts while monks have 227. If you are a male and are less than twenty years of age, then you cannot become a fully fledged monk. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that only boys can ordain as novices. Everyone first ordains as a novice. And some adults may remain as novices. The first part of the ordination procedure is called the “Going Forth in Homelessness”. This is where the candidate requests to become a novice. He is instructed about the Triple Gem (the Buddha, the Teaching, and the Community of Monks) and the purpose and benefits of the ordination. He is then told the five basic objects of meditation which are: hair of the head, hair of the body, nails, teeth and skin. The shoulder cloth is then put over his head. After this, all of the candidates are taken outside to change from their white clothes to their robes.
1.Refrain from killing living things.
2. Refrain from stealing.
3. Refrain from un-chastity (sensuality, sexuality, lust).
4. Refrain from lying.
5. Refrain from taking intoxicants.
6. Refrain from taking food at inappropriate times (after noon).
7. Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending entertainment programs.
8. Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and garland (decorative accessories).
9. Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds.
10. Refrain from accepting money.
Mass Ordination of Monks
Virtually every Thai male is ordained as a monk once they have reached the age of 20. To do this it is making great merit not only for themselves but for the female members of the family. For example the mother and grandmother. Women are not allowed to become monks in Thailand and so they can only gain merit in this way when their sons ordain. Most ordination ceremonies are much the same. For this one, I received an invitation to attend the hair-cutting ceremony which took place on the afternoon before the main event. Usually only immediate family and close friends are invited for this event. Basically each of the elders take turns in cutting a few strands of hair and giving a blessing at the same time. I arrived a little late for the ceremony, but as soon as I was spotted the father called out to me “ajarn, ajarn” which means “teacher” in Thai. (For professional occupations, like doctor, teacher etc., you pay them more respect by referring to them by their occupation rather than their name. So, you would call a doctor, “Khun Mor”.) I was handed a pair of scissors so that I could cut one of the last strands of long hair. The monk then took over and used a razor to completely shave his hair and eyebrows. Next came the bathing ceremony and the elders all took turns again in pouring clean water over his head and shoulders. Later everyone went to the main hall for some chanting and then in the evening family and friends were invited to the temple for a feast.