Upāsaka ordination

19th October 2019

During our Kathina day at Tilorien Monastery on Saturday 19th October, one of our lay supporters will take the 8 precepts to become an Upāsaka for life.

Upāsaka (masculine) and Upāsikā (feminine) were the titles given to followers of the Buddha who undertook certain vows, but were not monks, nuns, or novice monastics. These titles are from the Pāli words meaning “to sit close” (upāsati) and “to attend to” (upāsana). Over time, the terms have come to mean “dedicated lay practitioner,” and to connote a lay person who has made a total commitment to the study and practice of the Buddhadhamma.

The purpose of taking formal ordination as an Upāsaka or Upāsikā is to strengthen one’s commitment and to declare that commitment openly to the community. It should never be taken lightly.

At the same occasion, we will also give the possibility to all lay participants to (re-)take the 5 precepts.

If you would like to come for the ceremony, but live too far away and would like to stay overnight, please let us know a.s.a.p. We have rented a holiday house and there is still space.

Please click here for more information about the Kathina celebration.