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Q-09: When I enquired about higher ordination, I received differing answers. One temple commented that I could not be conferred immediate Higher Ordination while another indicated otherwise. Both are Theravada Buddhist temples. Please advice:

1)   Why is it that these Theravada Temples have different traditions or practices?

2)   Is the termporary Higher Ordination Program available in Mangala Vihara?

3)   Can a monk disrobe after ordination?

Regards,

James

A-09: Dear James,

(1) I need to clarify a little more than you asked. Renunciation is classified into two types:

     a. faithful renunciation (Saddhapabbajjita) and

     b. fearful renunciation (Bhayapabbajjita).

Faithful renunciation is caused by one’s faith while fearful renunciation is caused by improper reasons such as laziness to struggle and complacency towards lay life. While the first is welcomed the latter is not.

According to the Vinaya rules, anyone who attain the age of twenty can become a monk if he is physically and mentally sound. It is pertinent that he must possess the aspiration to seek for liberation (samsaravattadukkhato mocanatthaya).

In some temples, temporary ordination (higher ordination/ noviciation) is permitted. This is to accommodate the wish of some male Buddhists who aspired to spend at least a few weeks or months as monks. These Buddhists believed that in their life time they should be ordained at least once even if the duration for their monkhood is for a short period. The purpose of temporary ordination is to cultivate the good habits of monkhood which is considered a noble act. They often related the example of the Buddha-to-be, who was ordained only nine times while he was fulfilling his perfections throughout samsara, round of birth and death. Therefore, we should seize the rare and noble opportunity to do so in this lifetime. Indeed there are several famous monks who had undergone temporary ordination prior to becoming permanent monks.

However, there are some who believed that one should not be ordained as a temporary monk if he has prior intention to revert to lay life thereafter. Their view is that temporary ordination conducted with the full intention of returning to the lay state within a short duration amounts to no real renunciation at all. Hence, the practice of temporary ordination is merely a social ritual rather than a genuine act of ordination.

In effect, both traditions or practices are correct and meaningful in their own ways. Fundamentally, it is a matter of differing views and opinions.

(2)     Now Mangala Vihara does not have a higher ordination program

(3)     Yes. Monks are allowed to disrobe at any time if: 

         (a) they are unhappy to live as monks and 

         (b) they cannot adhere to the monastic rules and practices.

In the Dhammapada story, a monk named Kudalapandita was ordained and disrobed for seven times. He achieved his aspiration only on the seventh and last occasion.

With Metta,

U Cittara

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Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.