Lumbini, March 4, 2025

A short-term monastic ordination program for 500 individuals has commenced at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The participants, dressed in yellow robes, were ordained as novice monks (Sramanera) by Buddhist monks at the Maya Devi Temple complex.

The program, organized by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and the Thai Bhikkhu Association, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust and other organizations, began on Tuesday. The ordination ceremony, known as Kulputra Pabbajja (short-term monkhood), was conducted under the guidance of senior Buddhist monks.

During the ceremony, Sanghanayak Bodhisen Mahasthavir, President of the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association Mahasthavir Dhammashobhan, and Thai Dhammaduta Phra Upajjhaya Pavana, along with other Buddhist monks, presented the yellow robes to the novices. Addressing the event, Thailand's Ambassador to Nepal, Excellency Suwapong Sirisorn, emphasized the significance of receiving Buddha's teachings at his birthplace and reiterated Thailand's commitment to cooperation. He highlighted the importance of Buddha's teachings for promoting peace.

Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), Vice-Chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust, stressed the importance of implementing Buddha's teachings, even for a short period, in practical life. He congratulated the participants for engaging in this transformative experience and noted that Buddha's philosophy is a universal human philosophy.

Similarly, Bhikkhu Nigrodh, General Secretary of the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association, emphasized the need for monks, lamas, and teachers to propagate Buddha's teachings. He stated that the ordination of 500 individuals in Lumbini would help spread Buddha's message worldwide.

The short-term monks will follow the ten precepts of Buddhism, while regular followers adhere to the five or eight precepts. The novices will fully immerse themselves in Buddhist practices until March 16. The ordination process began on February 26, with head-shaving ceremonies taking place at Aksheshwar Mahavihar in Lalitpur on February 28.

 

The novices expressed joy at receiving the yellow robes. The organizers have planned to provide the 1,250 participants with knowledge of the Panchashila, Ashtashila, and Vinaya Pitaka, along with daily meditation sessions.

Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the Trust, stated that the short-term ordination program would help promote Buddha's teachings and Buddhism globally. Since 2011, similar programs have been held, with 1,000 participants in 2011, 1,112 in 2015, 1,119 in 2019, 5 in 2023, and 1,250 in 2024.

The event was attended by Sanuraja Shakya, Executive Board Members Shyam Rokka and Rajesh Shakya, Vice-Chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University Suvarnalal Bajracharya, and Chief Monk of the Royal Thai Monastery in Lumbini, Suphoth, among others.

The program included alms collection on Thursday, a lamp-lighting ceremony at Lumbini Garden on March 4, and a certificate distribution ceremony on February 16.