Education in Ancient India c12.s1.3

c12.s1.3

Ordination Ceremony : The wise injunction of the Buddha, that every novice should be properly trained in the discipline and doctrine of the religion, was primarily responsible for the educational developments in and activities of Buddhist monasteries. Two ceremonies were laid down for those who desired to enter the Order, the *Pabbajjā* and the *Upasampadā*. The *Pabbajjā* marked the beginning of the noviciate period and could be given when a person was not less than eight years old. The permission of the guardian was necessary. The *Upasampadā* was given after the end of the noviciate period, and the recepient had to be not less than twenty years old. If he was a debtor, an invalid or a government servant, he was refused admission. The ordination could take place only with the consent of the whole chapter. There were no caste restrictions for admission (*ante*, p.), The novice had to affirm his faith in the Buddha, his *Dharma* (gospel) and *Saṅgha* (the Order), and select a learned person as his preceptor. He was to follow strictly the rules and discipline of the Order; if he was guilty of any serious breach of discipline, he could be expelled by a meeting of the chapter. Like the Hindu *Brahmachāri* (student), he was expected to beg his daily food; but he was also permitted to accept invitations for meals from laymen. He was to do all manual and menial work connected with the monastic life, e. g. cleansing its floor and utensils, bringing water, supervising its stores, etc.