UPASAMPADA Meaning and
Definition
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Upasampada is a Pali term used in Theravada Buddhism, primarily referring to the higher ordination ceremony for Buddhist monastics. Derived from the Sanskrit word "upasampanna," it translates to "full admission" or "complete consecration." Upasampada marks the final step in the process of becoming a fully ordained bhikkhu (monk) or bhikkhuni (nun), granting one the privileges, rights, and responsibilities associated with the monastic order.
During the upasampada ceremony, candidates undergo rigorous training under their preceptor and recite specific vows and commitments prescribed in the Vinaya Pitaka, the ancient Buddhist code of conduct. These vows typically include celibacy, renunciation of material possessions, adherence to monastic rules, and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion and mindfulness.
Upasampada is considered a pivotal event in a monastic's spiritual journey, symbolizing their complete dedication to the path of liberation. It signifies a profound commitment to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) and a renunciation of worldly attachments.
Furthermore, upasampada facilitates the continuity of the monastic Sangha, as only fully ordained monastics can lead the community, perform certain rituals, and provide guidance to lay practitioners. It is an established mechanism for the transmission of Buddhist teachings and the preservation of the monastic legacy.
In summary, upasampada refers to the formal consecration and ordination ceremony that signifies an individual's complete entry into the monastic order, embodying their commitment to Buddhist principles and their role as representatives of the spiritual community.
Etymology of UPASAMPADA
The word "upasampada" comes from Pali, which is an ancient Indian language closely related to Sanskrit. Pali is the language used in the Theravada Buddhist texts.
In Pali, "upasampada" is derived from the verbal root "sampad", which means "to accomplish" or "to ordain". The prefix "upa" in Pali typically denotes "near" or "close to".
Therefore, "upasampada" can be translated as "going near the accomplishment" or "being close to the ordination". In the context of Buddhism, it refers to the higher ordination or full monastic ordination of a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) or bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun).
