In Thailand, ordination is a revered rite of passage for young men, signifying their dedication to the Buddhist faith and their commitment to a monastic life. This thousand-year-old tradition carries profound religious significance and cultural value.
In this comprehensive article, I will explore the history, religious meaning and the process of ordination for young men in Thailand, including the customary practice of young men spending time as a monk for a short period before marriage.
Contents
Historical Roots & Meaning of Ordination
Ordination is a religious ceremony or ritual in which an individual is consecrated and formally initiated into a religious order, clergy, or monastic community.
Ordination in Thailand finds its origins in Theravada Buddhism, the predominant school of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. The tradition of ordination is closely tied to the Sangha, the monastic community established by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. The Sangha plays a central role in the spiritual and social life of Thailand, and ordination is an essential part of its continuation.
The practice of ordination was introduced to Thailand during the early periods of Buddhism's arrival in the region. The exact timeline is challenging to ascertain, but it is believed to have been established around the 3rd century BCE. The ordination tradition gradually evolved over the centuries, blending with Thai culture and customs.
Ordination holds profound religious significance in Thai Buddhism. It represents the voluntary renunciation of worldly attachments, mirroring the Buddha's own journey towards enlightenment. Through ordination, young men take their initial steps on the path to spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering.
Ordination is also seen as a powerful means of merit-making. Thai Buddhists believe that supporting someone's ordination accumulates spiritual merit, and the act of ordination cleanses the individual's past karmic deeds. As a result, the decision to ordain is often a source of great pride for both the individual and their family.
The Path to Ordination
Selection and Preparation
The journey to ordination typically begins during a young man's adolescence. Families often support their sons' desire to ordain and may make arrangements for their ordination, including financial preparations and arrangements with local monasteries. Young men undergo rigorous religious training and education to prepare for the monastic life.
Ordination Ceremony (Pabbajja)
The formal ordination ceremony, known as “Pabbajja,” marks the beginning of a young man's monastic life. During this ceremony, the candidate receives the initial monastic robe and is taught the fundamental Buddhist precepts. The Pabbajja ceremony is often a public event, with family and friends in attendance to witness and support the ordination.
Novice Ordination (Samanera)
After the Pabbajja, the novice, or “Samanera,” undergoes a more extensive period of training. Novice monks receive additional robes and participate in daily monastic life, observing strict rules and engaging in meditation and religious study.
Short-Term Ordination: A Customary Practice
In Thailand, it is a customary practice for young men to spend a short period as a monk before marriage, typically around the age of 20.
This practice allows young men to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings and gain spiritual merit before embarking on married life. It is considered a crucial step in their personal and spiritual development.
The duration of short-term ordination can vary. Some young men may spend a a week or two in the monastery, while others may choose a more extended period, such as a few months. The decision often depends on personal preferences and family traditions.
Temporary ordination, or novice ordination, is believed to bring merit not only to the man himself but also to his family. This practice is considered a source of great merit and is often seen as a way for individuals to earn spiritual and karmic credit that can benefit not only themselves but also their parents and ancestors.
This belief in the merit associated with ordination and the positive impact it has on the family is an integral part of the cultural and religious significance of this practice in Thailand. It reinforces the close connection between Buddhism, family, and the broader community in Thai society.
Families typically take great pride in supporting their sons' decision to become novices or temporary monks before marriage, as it is seen as an act of devotion to Buddhist teachings and reflects positively on the family, fostering pride among the local community.
The Symbolic Cutting of Hair
The ordination process spans two days. On the initial day, the prospective monk gathers with his family to pay homage to their ancestors. As a gesture of respect, the boy/man washes the feet of his elders.
Following this, the young man's hair is prepared for shaving. Friends and family in attendance each take turns cutting a portion of his hair. The final step is carried out by the senior monk, who shaves the young aspirant's head clean.
The cutting of hair as part of the ordination ceremony in Thailand is a solemn and significant part of the ordination process, often accompanied by chanting, blessings, and the donning of monastic robes.
It marks the formal commencement of a monk's or novice's spiritual journey, as they prepare to uphold the monastic precepts, live a life of meditation and study, and serve their community in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.
The act of shaving the head serves as a visible and constant reminder of their commitment to the Buddhist path and their pursuit of enlightenment.
Throughout the process, every strand of hair is carefully collected on a lotus leaf. The gathered hair is then kept at a relative's home for three days before being released into a nearby river.
After the head is cleanly shaven, the senior monk proceeds to remove the eyebrows. Subsequently, crushed herbs are gently applied to the young man's body, symbolizing purity and cleanliness. This act of hair cutting is entirely symbolic, recalling the time of Buddha when long hair signified royalty. Upon attaining enlightenment, the Buddha himself severed his hair as a symbol of renunciation from worldly possessions.
Here's a closer look at the symbolism and process of hair cutting during ordination:
1. Renunciation of Vanity and Attachment
The act of cutting one's hair during ordination is a powerful symbol of renunciation. Hair is often associated with personal vanity and attachment to one's appearance. By shaving their heads, individuals entering monastic life demonstrate their willingness to let go of these worldly concerns and focus on spiritual development.
2. Simplicity and Humility
Shaved heads are a hallmark of Buddhist monastic tradition, emphasizing simplicity and humility. This act represents a commitment to a life of modesty and detachment from material possessions, where physical appearance is no longer a source of pride or concern.
3. Uniformity
The uniformity in head shaving further emphasizes the equality and unity among monks and novices. It erases distinctions of social status, wealth, and appearance, emphasizing that all those who enter the monastic order are equal in their pursuit of enlightenment.
4. Breaking from the Lay World
For those who undergo ordination, the act of shaving their heads is a symbolic break from their previous lay lives. It signifies the end of their previous identity and the beginning of their life as a monastic dedicated to Buddhist practice and service.
Full Ordination (Bhikkhu)
For those who choose to continue on the path of monkhood, full ordination as a “Bhikkhu” is the next step. The decision to take higher ordination is a significant one and involves seeking the approval and guidance of a senior monk or abbot.
The Bhikkhu ordination ceremony is a deeply solemn and significant event in the life of a young man. It involves the recitation of the Patimokkha, the monastic code of discipline. During this ceremony, the candidate is fully initiated into the monastic community, receiving additional robes and the alms bowl, which symbolizes their dependence on the lay community for sustenance.
The Life of a Thai Buddhist Monk
Life as a Thai Buddhist monk is marked by a rigorous daily routine. Monks rise before dawn and engage in meditation, prayer, and rituals. They rely on alms rounds for their daily sustenance, receiving offerings from the lay community.
The daily alms round, known as “Pindapata” in Theravada Buddhism, is a venerable and essential tradition that occurs each morning in many Buddhist communities, including those in Thailand.
The alms round typically takes place early in the morning, shortly after sunrise. Monks and novices walk barefoot in single file along predetermined routes, usually within the vicinity of their temple or monastery.
The daily alms round is a sacred and cherished practice that encapsulates the core values of Theravada Buddhism, emphasizing simplicity, humility, generosity, and the interdependence between the monastic and lay communities. It remains a vital part of daily life in many Thai temples and monasteries, offering both spiritual nourishment and a sense of communal harmony.
Monks play a crucial role in their communities, offering spiritual guidance, performing religious ceremonies at weddings, house warmings, and funerals, and participating in community events. They provide a source of support and wisdom to the Thai people.
In recent years, however, Thailand has experienced a decline in the number of young men choosing ordination. Changing societal values and the allure of secular life have led to a decrease in the number of monks in the country.
Despite these challenges, ordination continues to be a revered and cherished tradition in Thailand. For many, the path to monkhood remains a profound and deeply spiritual journey, a testament to a dedication to Buddhism and a commitment to a life of spiritual growth and service.
Controversy in The Monastic Community
Controversies surrounding monks engaging in activities like gambling, sex with prostitutes, and drug use have made headlines in Thailand over the past decade. Six high-profile monks were arrested in 2018 on corruption charges (1), as the government vowed to clean up the Sangha. In 2022, one temple was left empty after all four monks tested positive for drugs (2).
While it is generally assumed that the vast majority of Thai monks are deeply committed to their spiritual and ethical responsibilities, the number of incidents in recent years has raised concerns and prompted discussions about maintaining the purity and integrity of the monastic community.
Such controversies are viewed as departures from the principles and precepts of Buddhism, and they can result in disciplinary actions, including defrocking, to restore the sanctity of the monastic order.