Ordination Guidelines & Protocol
Sāmaṇera / Sāmaṇerī Novice Ordination
Arahanist Order of Canada
Part III. The Three Refuges and Ten Training Precepts
11. Request for the Three Refuges and Ten Precepts
The candidate kneels before the preceptor with hands joined respectfully and makes the request three times.
Candidate: Okāsa! Ahaṃ, bhante, tisaraṇena saha dasa sāmaṇera/sāmaṇerī pabbajjā-sīlaṃ dhammaṃ yācāmi. Anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha me, bhante.
Permit me, Bhante. I request the Dhamma and the Ten Training Precepts for Sāmaṇera/Sāmaṇerī renunciation, together with the Three Refuges. Out of compassion, please grant me these training precepts, Bhante.
The candidate repeats the request: Dutiyam’pi, ahaṃ, bhante, tisaraṇena saha dasa sāmaṇera/sāmaṇerī pabbajjā-sīlaṃ dhammaṃ yācāmi. Anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha me, bhante.
For the second time, Bhante, I request the Dhamma and the Ten Training Precepts for Sāmaṇera/Sāmaṇerī renunciation, together with the Three Refuges. Out of compassion, please grant me these training precepts, Bhante.
The candidate repeats the request a third time: Tatiyam’pi, ahaṃ, bhante, tisaraṇena saha dasa sāmaṇera/sāmaṇerī pabbajjā-sīlaṃ dhammaṃ yācāmi. Anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha me, bhante.
For the third time, Bhante, I request the Dhamma and the Ten Training Precepts for Sāmaṇera/Sāmaṇerī renunciation, together with the Three Refuges. Out of compassion, please grant me these training precepts, Bhante.
The preceptor instructs the candidate to repeat the following recitations.
Preceptor: Yaṃ ahaṃ vadāmi, taṃ vadehi. (Repeat after me what I say.)
Candidate: Āma, bhante. (Yes, Bhante.)
12. Taking the Three Refuges
The candidate pays homage through the following formula, reciting it three times.
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa.
Homage to the Blessed One, the Arahant, the Fully and Perfectly Awakened One.
The candidate then recites the Three Refuges.
First Recitation
Candidate: Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (I go to the Buddha as my refuge.)
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.)
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (I go to the Saṅgha as my refuge.)
Second Recitation
Candidate: Dutiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.)
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.)
Dutiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (For the second time, I go to the Saṅgha as my refuge.)
Third Recitation
Candidate: Tatiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.)
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.)
Tatiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. (For the third time, I go to the Saṅgha as my refuge.)
The preceptor announces the completion of the taking of refuge.
Preceptor: Tisaraṇa-gamanaṃ sampuṇṇaṃ. (The taking of the Three Refuges is complete.)
Candidate: Āma, bhante. (Yes, Bhante.)
13. Taking the Ten Training Precepts
The preceptor recites each training precept, and the candidate repeats it as instructed.
The Ten Training Precepts establish the foundation of novice conduct. They guide the candidate away from harmful actions, sensory indulgence, and dependence on worldly possessions, preparing the mind for a life of simplicity, concentration, and insight.
Precept 1: Refraining from Taking Life
Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from destroying the life force.
Precept 2: Refraining from Taking What Is Not Given
Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from taking what is not given.
Precept 3: Refraining from Sexual Activity
Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training precept to abstain from sexual activity and to maintain celibacy.
Precept 4: Refraining from False Speech
Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from false speech.
Precept 5: Refraining from Intoxicants
Surā-meraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from fermented drink, distilled liquor, and intoxicating substances—the ground of spiritual laxity.
Precept 6: Refraining from Eating at Improper Times
Vikālabhojanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from taking food at improper times.
Precept 7: Refraining from Entertainment and Performances
Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūka-dassanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from dancing, singing, playing music, and distractive shows and music.
Precept 8: Refraining from Adornment and Cosmetics
Mālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from wearing garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, for the purpose of beautification and ornamentation.
Precept 9: Refraining from High and Luxurious Beds and Seats
Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from high and luxurious beds and seats.
Precept 10: Refraining from Accepting Money
Jātarūpa-rajata-paṭiggahaṇā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ.
I undertake the training step to abstain from accepting gold, silver, and money.
Formal Undertaking
After receiving instruction in the ten precepts, the candidate undertakes them as a complete set, reciting the following formula three times.
Candidate: Imāni pabbajjā-dasa-sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi.
I undertake these Ten Training Precepts of renunciation.
Dutiyampi, imāni pabbajjā-dasa-sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi.
For the second time, I undertake these Ten Training Precepts of renunciation.
Tatiyampi, imāni pabbajjā-dasa-sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi.
For the third time, I undertake these Ten Training Precepts of renunciation.
The Preceptor’s Admonition
After the candidate has undertaken the precepts, the preceptor gives the following instruction.
Preceptor: Tisaraṇena saddhiṃ pabbajjā-dasa-sīlaṃ dhammaṃ sādhukaṃ surakkhitaṃ katvā appamādena sampādehi.
Having undertaken the Ten Training Precepts of renunciation together with the Three Refuges, guard them carefully and fulfil your training with diligence.
Candidate: Āma, bhante. (Yes, Bhante.)
The preceptor should briefly emphasize that the precepts are to be maintained through understanding and sustained practice. They are the foundation upon which the novice develops sense restraint, concentration, wisdom, and the capacity to progress toward liberation.
