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1, 56.
ADMISSION TO THE ORDER OF BHIKKHUS.
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Might the Thera confer the pabbaggâ ordination on this boy. Now the venerable Sâriputta thought: • The Blessed One has established the rule that no one may ordain two novices, and I have already one novice, Rahula. Now what am I to do?'. He told the thing to the Blessed One.
I allow, O Bhikkhus, a learned, competent Bhikkhu to ordain two novices, or to ordain as many novices as he is able to administer exhortation and instruction to.'
56. Now the novices thought: 'How many precèpts a are there for us, and in what (precepts) are we to exercise ourselves ?'
They told this thing to the Blessed One.
'I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, ten precepts for the novices, and the exercise of the novices in these (ten precepts), viz. abstinence from destroying life; abstinence from stealing; abstinence from impurity; abstinence from lying; abstinence from arrack and strong drink and intoxicating liquors, which cause indifference (to religion); abstinence from eating at forbidden times; abstinence from dancing, singing, music, and seeing spectacles; abstinence from garlands, scents, unguents, ornaments, and finery; abstinence from the use of) high or broad beds; abstinence from accepting gold or silver. I pre
* See chap. 52. • Sikkhâpadâni, literally, 'Paths of Training.”. Compare chap. 60.
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