ORDINATION

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A Buddhist ordination takes place traditionally during two days. The first day happens into the family circle and is related to the ordination preparation ("PHITI BUAT NAK" - พิธีบวชนาค). The last day related to the ordination takes place in the pagoda.

Day One

The first day is called (วันสุกดิบ - "WAN SUK DIP"). People prepare dishes and desserts (ทำของ). People help each other (เอาแรงกัน).

When their son is twenty years old, parents organize a Buddhist ordination ceremony. As their son becomes a monk, parents receive many merits or good deeds.

In a village, often two or three candidates become monks together in order for the parents to prepare a big feast and share the costs.

Invitations (บอกบุญ - "BOOK BUN") for ordination ceremony are sent to relatives and neighbourhood. They are coming to help for the ceremony preparation as it brings also good deed.

In the morning, the three candidates, chest bared, sit and hold a bowl.

Then the guests and family members cut three locks of each candidate.

The head is shaved. This is a renouncement to the beauty. The eyebrows are shaved. Every member of the family cuts a lock. Then a monk shaves the whole head.

Then the first parade (แห่จากบ้านถึงวัด) happens. It goes from the ordinand's home to the Buddhist temple.

After the first parade, the ordinands, wearing their white clothes, with their family attend a purification rite called "PHITI THAM KWAN NAK" (พิธีทําขวัญนาค).

This Brahminic purification rite can be performed by a laic ("MO THAM KWAN" - หมอทําขวัญ) or a monk.

During this purification rite, a "BAI SRI" (บายศรี) is used. This structure has a conic shape and represents the deities' temple. it can have three, five, seven or nine stories, on which offrands are placed.

The top includes an egg called "KAI KWAN" (ไข่ขวัญ) and a candle. An orange cloth is stuck to the vertical conical structure.

On the floor, coconuts, bananas, rice, Thai desserts are placed for the purification rite.

This rite shall wake up the spirit ("KWAN" - ขวัญ) inside the ordinand in order to purify his mind and heart to be ready for the Buddhist ordination.

The ceremony master then gives the orange cloth to the ordinands, who will give it to their parents.

Parents keep it in their home as an auspicious item.

Ordinands eat a few cakes displayed on the conic structure and receive a few white unctions on the head.

The ceremony master and the ordinands circumambulate around the conic structure three times.

The three candidates wear white clothes. It is a symbol of purity. Guests are enjoying the meal and pictures are shot with the three candidates.

IIt is a great moment for a Thai mum to see her children becoming monks. Moment of joy and pride.

An old wise man say auspicious sentences for the three candidates.

In the north of Thailand, the candidates are covered with gold, jewels and are called "LOOK KAEW" (ลูกแก้ว).

Once the purification rite is over, the parade starts again to go back to the ordinand's home.

The "YOM" (โยมพ่อและโยมแม่) is usually the father or mother of the monk.

In the compound of the Thai Buddhist temple, the ordinand also pays respect to his ancestors.

Day One evening

On the first day evening, the family invites monks at home (การสวดมนต์ฉลองนาค) to tell prayers.

The ordinand is listening carefully to the monks' evening prayers.

บวชพระ or "BUAT PHRA" means to become a monk. บวชนาค or "BUAT NAK" means to prepare one-self to ordination.

Revellers can rest and enjoy a nice diner. Sometimes there is music, "LIKAY" or outdoors movies from 7PM to 3AM.

The name of the ordinand is displayed on the huge loudspeakers.

Kids have fun during the evening. There is nice food and funny entertainment.

During this ordination ceremony event, local music and dancers are featured!

Monk ordination Photo Gallery

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