ten taken before his tenth year; he must
have the consent of his parents; be free from leprosy, boils,
consumption and fits; be a free man; have no debts; and must not be a
criminal or deformed or in the royal service.

263. Q. _As a novice what is he called?_

A. _Samanera_, a pupil.[2]

264. Q. _At what age can a Samanera be ordained as _Sramana_--monk?_

A. Not before his twentieth year.

265. Q. When ready for ordination what happens?

A. At a meeting of Bhikkhus he is presented by a Bhikkhu as his
proposer, who reports that he is qualified, and the candidate says: "I
ask the Sangha, Reverend Sirs, for the _Upasampada_ (ordination)
ceremony, etc."

His introducer then recommends that he be admitted. He is then
accepted.

266. Q. _What then?_

A. He puts on the robes and repeats the Three Refuges {_Tisarana_) and
Ten Precepts (_Dasa Sila_.)

267. Q. _What are the two essentials to be observed?_

A. Poverty and Chastity. A Bhikkhu before ordination must possess
eight things, _viz._, his robes, a girdle for his loins, a
begging-bowl, water-strainer, razor, needle, fan, sandals. Within
limitations strictly specified in the Vinaya, he may hold certain
other properties.

268. Q. _What about the public confession of faults?_

A. Once every fortnight, a _Patimokka_ (Disburdenment) ceremony is
performed, when every Bhikkhu confesses to the assembly such faults as
he has committed and takes such penances as may be prescribed.

269. Q. _What daily routine must he follow?_

A. He rises before daylight, washes, sweeps the vihara, sweeps
around the Bo-tree that grows near every vihara, brings the
drinking-water for the day and filters it; retires for meditation,
offers flowers before the dagoba, or relic-mound, or before the
Bo-tree; then takes his begging-bowl and goes from house to house
collecting food--which he must not ask for, but receive in his bowl as
given voluntarily by the householders. He returns, bathes his feet and
eats, after which he resumes meditation.

270. Q. _Must we believe that there is no merit in the offering of
flowers (mala puja) as an act of worship?_

A. That act itself is without merit as a mere formality; but if one
offers a flower as the sweetest, purest expression of heartfelt
reverence for a holy being, then, indeed, is the offering an act of
ennobling worship.

271. Q. _What next does the Bhikkhu do?_

A. He pursues his studies. At sunset