A person who is training to become a monk (Sāmaṇera), not yet officially ordained to become a Bhikkhu (Monk).
Conditions to become a novice monk:
1. A person from 7 to 19 years old who wishes to seek the truth of liberation, or a person 20 years of age or older who wants to take Bhikkhu ordination, must first take novice ordination
2. One must not have committed any of the following 11 offenses
- Pretending to be a monk living with the Sangha (fake monks)
- Holding pagan wrong views and not letting go
- Androgynous people (half male, half female)
- The Dragon King turned into a man
- Kill father
- Kill mother
- Kill the Arahant
- causes Buddha to bruise or bleed
- divided the Sangha
- Harming Bhikkhunis (female monks)
- Bisexual
Practice keeping the 10 main precepts
1. Do not kill living beings.
2. Do not steal.
3. Do not commit sexual acts
4. Don't lie.
5. Do not drink alcohol or intoxicants
6. Do not eat after 12 noon
7. Do not watch dancing, listen to singing, music...
8. Do not wear makeup, perfume, or jewelry
9. Do not lie or sit in a place that is too high and beautiful.
10. Do not accept money or gold.
Sāmaṇeras also strive to follow an additional 70 precepts (not listed here)
After a period of probation (there are no specific length and short regulations), if he has not broken any major precepts, wants to practice higher, and officially becomes a Bhikkhu, then he can officially continue to receive Bhikkhu ordination.
The Path to Monastic Life: The Novice Monk
A Sāmaṇera, often translated as a novice monk, is a crucial stepping stone on the journey towards becoming a fully ordained Bhikkhu. This preliminary stage is characterized by a period of training and discipline, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
The decision to become a novice is a significant one, reflecting a deep-seated aspiration to understand the nature of reality and to liberate oneself from suffering. While the minimum age for ordination varies across different Buddhist traditions, the general principle is that one must possess a certain level of maturity and discernment to embark on this path. In many cases, young individuals between the ages of seven and nineteen may choose to become novices, seeking a life of learning and spiritual development under the guidance of experienced monks. For those aged twenty and above, the novice stage serves as a preparatory period before taking the final vows of a Bhikkhu.
The transition from lay life to monastic life is marked by a formal ceremony during which the novice accepts the Ten Precepts, a code of ethical conduct that governs their behavior. These precepts encompass fundamental moral principles such as refraining from killing, stealing, lying, engaging in sexual misconduct, and consuming intoxicants. By adhering to these precepts, the novice cultivates self-discipline, compassion, and wisdom.
Life as a novice is characterized by a regimen of daily practices, including meditation, study of Buddhist teachings, and physical labor. Novices learn about the history, philosophy, and discipline of Buddhism, developing a profound understanding of the Buddha's teachings. They also participate in communal life, sharing responsibilities with fellow novices and monks, and learning the importance of interdependence and cooperation.
The novice period is a time for personal growth and spiritual exploration. Through rigorous training and meditation, novices cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight. They develop a deeper understanding of the nature of suffering and the path to liberation, laying the groundwork for their future role as a fully ordained monk.
While the novice stage is essential for those aspiring to become Bhikkhus, it is also a valuable path for individuals seeking a period of spiritual retreat and personal development. Many people choose to become novices for a limited period, gaining insights and experiences that enrich their lives without committing to lifelong monasticism.
In conclusion, the Sāmaṇera, or novice monk, plays a vital role in the Buddhist monastic tradition. It is a period of training, discipline, and spiritual growth, preparing individuals for the challenges and rewards of monastic life. Whether as a stepping stone to full ordination or as a standalone path of spiritual exploration, the novice stage offers a unique opportunity for personal transformation and the cultivation of wisdom.
