Significance of Ordination
Ordination in Buddhism refers to the formal process by which individuals become monks or nuns, encompassing various ceremonial acts and commitments within different Buddhist traditions such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism. It involves significant rituals, the acceptance into monastic life, and adherence to specific vows and regulations. Notable figures like Anuruddha and U rgyan pa exemplify this journey, highlighting the importance of Ordination as a crucial step in one's spiritual development and dedication to the monastic community.
Synonyms: Consecration, Commission, Installation, Authorization, Inauguration, Induction, Initiation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ordination'
Ordination in Buddhism is the formal process of admitting individuals into the monastic community, involving vows and commitments, signifying a significant transition to monastic life as monks or nuns under specific guidance and regulations.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Ordination is the formal process through which an individual is consecrated or set apart for leadership within a religious organization.[1] (2) The formal acceptance into monastic life that the group of friends sought from the Lord after gaining understanding.[2] (3) Ordination is the formal process of accepting a monk or nun into the Buddhist community, marked by specific ceremonies and teachings.[3] (4) The formal process through which individuals are accepted into the monastic community and commit to the path of dhamma.[4] (5) The formal process of appointing someone as a monk, which requires the presence of a qualified preceptor.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The ritual act of becoming a monk, requested by Anuruddha amidst discussions of royal responsibilities and abandon of worldly life.[6] (2) The formal process of becoming a monk in Buddhism, which King Pukkusati sought from the Buddha after hearing the Dhamma.[7] (3) The process by which laypeople were welcomed into the monastic fold under the Buddha's guidance.[8] (4) The process by which Sona Kutikanna was admitted into the monkhood after fulfilling the required conditions set by his teacher.[9]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) The formal process by which a person is admitted into the monastic community as a fully ordained member.[10] (2) The process or state of being sanctioned as a monk, with implications related to the actions of hiding items.[11] (3) The formal process through which individuals become monks and take on the associated rules and responsibilities.[12]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Ordination is the formal process by which an individual is accepted and consecrated into the monastic community.[13]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The formal process by which the young man is permitted to become a monk, contingent upon receiving parental permission.[14]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The formal process through which the boy received monastic vows at the age of eighteen.[15] (2) The process undertaken by rog she rab rgya mtsho to formally dedicate himself to the monastic life.[16] (3) The formal process through which gling ras took monastic vows under the guidance of acarya gling.[17] (4) The formal acceptance into monastic life, which the Dharmasvamin underwent at the age of 33.[18] (5) The formal process of becoming a monk or a nun in the Buddhist tradition, as seen through the lives of various lineage holders.[19]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The formal ceremony through which an individual becomes a bhikshu or bhikshuni, contingent upon adhering to specific rules and precepts.[20] (2) The process by which the little boy received the status of a monk in the presence of Manjushri.[21] (3) The formal acceptance of Shariputra and Maudgalyayana into the Buddhist monastic community through a ceremonial process.[22] (4) The formal process of becoming a monk, which in this context was allowed for five monks in certain regions.[23]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) The process of being consecrated as a monk or nun, a significant act within the context of Mahayana practices.[24]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The ceremonial act of becoming a monk, which Anuruddha and others underwent in their spiritual journey.[25]