Samanera

A sāmaṇera (Pali; Sanskrit: 𑀰𑁆𑀭𑀸𑀫𑀡𑁂𑀭, romanized: śrāmaṇera) is a novice male monastic in Buddhism. This word describes young boys who join the monastic community to start learning and following Buddhist teachings.

In many Buddhist traditions, becoming a sāmaṇera is a big step for those who want to study and practice deeply. It helps young men learn from experienced monks and follow a clear path of learning and spiritual growth.

A novice female monastic is called a sāmaṇerī, with similar names in Sanskrit such as śrāmaṇerī or śrāmaṇerikā. Both roles are important in helping the larger monastic community and keeping Buddhist traditions alive.

Etymology

The word sāmaṇera means "small or young ascetic practitioner". It is used for someone who has taken the first important promises but not all the promises in some Buddhist traditions in South and Southeast Asia. These individuals do not follow all the special rules or join certain meetings on special days.

The feminine form of this word in the ancient language is śrāmaṇerikā.

History

In the stories of Buddhism from South Asia, when the Buddha's son Rāhula was seven years old, he asked to join the Buddha's group. The Buddha asked Sariputta to help Rāhula become the first sāmaṇera. This is a young person who wants to learn to live as a monk.

Later, when the king learned that his grandson and other young men from the royal family wanted to join, he asked the Buddha to only allow young people to join if their parents or guardians agreed. The Buddha agreed to this rule, and it also applied to spouses of those who wanted to become monks or nuns.

Overview

Main article: Vinaya

In the Vinaya, young boys under 20 can become a sāmaṇera. They follow ten important rules, like not hurting any living thing, not lying, and not taking things that aren’t theirs. These boys spend time learning and helping in religious communities while still going to school. In some places, monks have different rules and ways of living.

The ten rules sāmaṇeras follow include staying away from harmful actions, avoiding lies, and not using bad substances. They also avoid luxury items and some kinds of entertainment. These rules help guide them toward becoming full monks later.

Transition to full ordination

After a year or when they turn 20, a sāmaṇera may take part in a special ceremony called upasampada. This ceremony is the next step to becoming a full monk, known as a bhikṣu. Some monasteries ask people to spend time as a novice first, to learn more about being a monk.

Ordination of women

Main article: Bhikkhunī

In Buddhism, young women can start as novice nuns. This step is led by monks, and sometimes by other nuns. These novice nuns follow special rules to guide their behavior.

After waiting a year or turning 20, a novice nun may become a full nun, known as a bhikṣuṇī. The way this happens and the rules they follow can differ based on the tradition of Buddhism they are part of.

In Myanmar

In Myanmar (Burma), young Buddhist boys sometimes become sāmaṇeras for a short time. This is part of a special tradition called shinbyu. It is one of the important Twelve Auspicious Rites in Burmese culture.

Burmese sāmaṇeras by region, 2016

1. Shan State 57,850
2. Mandalay Region 47,217
3. Yangon Region 36,654
4. Sagaing Region 25,050
5. Bago Region 18,032
6. Ayeyarwady Region 15,377
7. Magwe Region 13,654
8. Mon State 13,466
9. Rakhine State 6,395
10. Kayin State 5,967
11. Naypyitaw 5,713
12. Kachin State 3,121
13. Tanintharyi Region 3,009
14. Kayah State 1,300
15. Chin State 157