Chapter 10: The Formal Conferral of the Precepts

Venerable Sangha, please listen. These novices, (named so-and-so), have requested from their Preceptor, (Venerable so-and-so), to receive the full ordination. These novices, (named so-and-so), now formally ask the Sangha to confer upon them the full ordination, with (Venerable so-and-so) as their Preceptor.

The novices, (named so-and-so), have declared themselves pure, free from any impediments, have reached the age of twenty, and possess the three robes and alms bowl. If the Sangha is ready, and consents in silence, we shall confer the full ordination upon the novices, (named so-and-so), with (Venerable so-and-so) as their Preceptor. This is the formal announcement.

Is the announcement complete? (The witnesses answer:) It is complete.

O disciples of the Buddha, I have made the announcement and inquired of the assembly. The Sangha has remained silent, consenting to receive your precepts. Now, as we perform the Karma, invoking the supreme Dharma, you should focus your minds with reverence and clarity, without allowing confusion or distraction. I earnestly beseech the venerable master and the great assembly to compassionately listen as we begin the first Karma ceremony.

Venerable Sangha, please listen. These novices, (so-and-so) and others, have requested from their preceptor, (Venerable so-and-so), to receive the full ordination. These novices, (so-and-so) and others, now beg the Sangha to confer upon them the full ordination, with (Venerable so-and-so) as their preceptor. The novices, (so-and-so) and others, have declared themselves pure, free from any obstacles, have reached the age of twenty, and possess the three robes and alms bowl. The Sangha will now confer the full ordination upon the novices, (so-and-so) and others, with (Venerable so-and-so) as their preceptor. Which venerable elders consent to the Sangha conferring the full ordination upon the novices, (so-and-so) and others, with (Venerable so-and-so) as their preceptor? Let those who consent remain silent. Let anyone who does not consent speak. This is the first formal motion. Is it complete? (The witnesses answer:) It is complete.

O disciples of the Buddha, I have now completed the first declaration. The assembly has silently consented. The wondrous and virtuous precepts of the Dharma realms in the ten directions have all been set in motion with the sound of this declaration. Now, as I proceed to the second declaration, you should arouse a joyful heart and not allow any laziness or distraction. I earnestly beseech the preceptor and the great assembly to once more bestow your compassion and listen as I perform the second declaration.

May the senior monastics kindly hear me. These novices [Name Surname] are seeking the complete precepts from their Preceptor [Preceptor Surname]. They have declared themselves pure, free from any obstructing conditions, and are fully twenty years of age, possessing the three robes and alms bowl. The Sangha will now confer the complete precepts upon these novices [Name Surname], with [Preceptor Surname] as their Preceptor. If any elder monk is willing that the Sangha grants the complete precepts to novices [Name Surname] with [Preceptor Surname] as their Preceptor, please remain silent. If anyone disapproves, please speak now. This is the third invocation. Has the precept-conferring ceremony been successful?

[Eyewitness replies] It is completed.

The Sangha has agreed to confer the complete precepts upon novices [Name Surname] with [Preceptor Surname] as their Preceptor. Since the Sangha has agreed through silence, this matter is thus carried out. Has the concluding formula been fulfilled?

[Eyewitness replies] It is fulfilled.

Good men, you have stated your Dharma names. Now I will teach you the Four Reliances.(The master says) I ([Dharma Name]).(The master says) Good men, listen. The Thus-Come One, the Perfectly Awakened One, taught the Four Reliances. By relying on these, one can truly leave home, receive full ordination, and establish the way of a monk.