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"Atimuktaka looks like a young child, but he will attain both supreme knowledge and liberation in this ver life''(57).
Mahavira has clearly stated that a boy who is slightly above eight may attain both supreme knowledge and liberation at that very age. But before this age, monk hood, knowledge and liberation, - all these are unattainable(58). Prior permission of parents and elders is a must before initiation.
The history of, and intention behind, the rules of initiation in the Buddhist order are contained in the Vinaya Pitaka. In the city of Rajagrha, there were 17 boys who were friends. Upāli was their leader. One day, the parents of Upāli thought what career would be most suitable for him so that he might live happily after their death. The first idea that came to them was:
"If he becomes a scribe, he will be happy for ever".
But before long, they thought,
"In becoming a scribe, he will ache his fingers".
In this manner, they thought of various alternatives, but not one appeared to be wholly safe. In the end, they thought,
"Only the monks who are the followers of Säkyaputra (Gautama Buddha) are happy. They get good food, they live in good houses. Upāli should be a monk in that order and live there so that he may be happy for ever".
Stated in one corner, Upāli heard the entire discussion between his parents. At once, he ran to his friends and said,
"Come you all. Let us be initiated into monkhood by some monk of the order of Säkyaputra and be happy for ever".
All the boys agreed. When the parents saw that all their wards cherished the same desire, they gave them
