Himal Press 
BUTWAL: A total of 500 people have been ordained as Samanera, or novice monks, in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.
During a Samanera Pravrajya ceremony held on the Mayadevi Temple premises on Monday, Buddhist monks initiated the participants into novice monastic life by presenting them with chibar, or yellow robes.
The ceremony was organized by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association and the Thai Bhikkhu Association, and supported by the Lumbini Development Trust and several other institutions.
Senior Buddhist monks, including Mahasthavir Dhamma Shobhan, chairperson of the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association, and Thai Dhammaduta Phra Brahmavajir Pothivong, presented the robes to the novice monks.
The newly ordained novice monks must wear the yellow robes and observe the Ten Precepts of Buddhism. While normal followers generally observe the Five Precepts or Eight Precepts, novice monks must transform their lifestyle in accordance with Buddhist discipline. One must follow 227 monastic rules to become a fully ordained monk.
The Sāmaṇera Pabbajjā ceremony, which began on March 10, will continue till March 31.
According to the organizers, the novice monks will be taught about the Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, and the Vinaya Pitaka—the first of the three divisions of the Pali Tripitaka, along with daily meditation practice.
Organizers believe that the Sāmaṇera Pabbajjā in Lumbini will contribute to the promotion of the teachings of Buddha and the spread of Buddhism.
Acting mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Kalpana Harijan, and Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, Deepak Shrestha, among others, were present on the occasion.
