Ordination Ceremony In Thailand

1. Objects

1.1. **Saffron robes** : The ceremonial clothing for the novice.

1.2. **Scissors and razors**: Used for shaving the head and eyebrows.

1.3. **Incense, candles, and flowers**: Used during various rites.

1.4. **Alms bowl**: Essential for the monk's practice of alms-gathering.

1.5. **Buddha statue and scriptures**: For chanting and prayer during the ceremony.

2. Times

2.1. The ordination ceremony typically takes place in the morning to mid-day, as it aligns with Buddhist ceremonial customs.

2.2. The date is usually chosen based on an auspicious time, avoiding inauspicious or religiously significant days like Buddhist Sabbath.

3. Languages

3.1. **Pali**: Used for chanting and performing religious rituals.

3.2. **Thai**: Used for communication and general conversation during the event.

4. Groups

4.1. **Monks**: Those who perform the religious ceremonies.

4.2. **Family and relatives**: Supporters who come to bless and encourage the novice.

4.3. **Friends and guests**: Those who come to celebrate and share in the ceremony.

4.4. **Hosts and organizers**: Groups responsible for the food and ceremony arrangements.

5. Actions

5.1. **Shaving of the head**: The person to be ordained (novice) must have their head and eyebrows shaved in preparation for monkhood

5.2. - **Ordination ceremony**: Monks perform the ordination ceremony, which includes chanting and offering the saffron robes.

5.3. **Circumambulation of the temple**: The novice walks around the temple three times as a symbol of leaving the worldly life and embracing the path of dhamma.

5.4. - **Bowing to family and relatives**: The novice asks for forgiveness and expresses gratitude for the support of family and loved ones.

5.5. - **Entering monkhood**: After the ceremony, the novice officially becomes a monk and observes 227 precepts.

6. Actors

6.1. **The novice (Naga)**: The man preparing to enter monkhood. Who’s aged 20 years old.

6.2. **Monks**: Those who perform the ordination ritual.

6.3. **Relatives and participants**: Family and friends who join to offer blessings and support.

6.4. **Host**: The person or family responsible for organizing and sponsoring the event.

7. Places

7.1. - **The novice’s home**: Where pre-ceremony preparations, merit-making, and the guest reception are often held.

7.2. - **Temple**: The location where the ordination ceremony takes place, particularly in the ordination hall (Ubosot).