Chapter 4, The Buddhist Community, Monks, Nuns, and Lay Followers Summary and Analysis

Buddhism grew out of the ancient Indian renouncer tradition, which was based in renunciation of household life and dependence on the generosity of others for material needs. Thus, Buddhism requires a community of support. Buddhist monks must ask the community for support. Thus, ordination includes regulations about corporate acts of the Sangha.

Becoming a Buddhist monk could occur without much ceremony. But initiation includes a novice stage and becoming a bhiksu proper. The Theravadin Vinaya requires being seven or eight to be a novice and the recitation of the rules of training. One can be fully ordained at twenty. When he is ordained, he is told he can rely on four basic resources and a small number of personal possessions.

Theravada ordination remains relevant to...