The samanera, or novices, are monks in training, typically under the age of 20 and have not yet received full ordination. At the age of 20, they are eligible to become a bhikkhu with full ordination, although some may choose to remain as samaneras even after turning 20. This choice is personal and is often seen as a way for individuals with a proud or arrogant temperament to improve themselves. A samanera is required to obey the bhikkhus and heed their advice.
They have a pātimokkha similar to that of the bhikkhus, consisting of the 10 basic precepts and the 75 sekhiyas. This means that their pātimokkha is comprised of 85 rules. If a novice breaks the first 5 precepts out of the 10, he loses his status until he resumes his vows with a fully ordained bhikkhu. If he breaks the other 5, he is subject to punishment, which often involves additional chores. It’s important to note that Lord Buddha forbade physical punishment.
Even if they are subordinate to the bhikkhus, they are part of the Sangha and deserve homage and offerings. They lead a life conducive to the development of Dhamma. They deserve to be honoured by us lay people, regardless of their age. Even if a samenera is 5 years old we must join hands and treat them as if they were bhikkhus. We do not know the spiritual level of others. Maybe this 7-year-old samanera has developed all the jhanas, arupavacara samapatti, and iddhis and reached a stage of magga phala. Disrespecting them can have devastating kammic consequences. Just like the bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis, they are beings who deserve our greatest hommage. By paying homage and humbly listening to the advice of a samanera, it is possible to achieve Nibbāna like the Venerable Pothila.
- See also the story of the Venerable novices Samkicca samenera, Sumana samanera, Pandita samanera.They all became arahants.
Here are the 10 basic precepts (Dasa Sīla) of all bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. Some lay people choose to observe them.
The Ten Precepts (Dasa Sīla) :
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from all sexual activity.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. (It’s not just that. See #8 of The Five Precepts – What the Buddha Meant by Them.)
6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., afternoon).
7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visuka-dassana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments.
8.Mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
9. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
10. Jatarupa-rajata-patiggahana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from accepting gold and silver (money).
- See the 75 Sekhiya. (Please at the top right of the site page you will see arrows. Click on the one on the right to see the second part. The first page stops at 40 Sekhiya and the second page continues from Sekhiya 41 to 75.)
- See Who is a novice?