Grammatical Analysis
Pabbajjā: [f.] Going forth; leaving home; lower ordination. Formed by prefix pa (forth, out) + root vaj (to go). Literally “going forth” from the household life into homelessness.
Orthodox Definition
Pabbajjā is the formal act of renunciation that initiates an individual into the Buddhist monastic order (Saṅgha).
In the canonical texts, it is repeatedly described by the formula: “Cutting off hair and beard, donning ochre robes, and going forth from the home life into homelessness.” Mechanically, within the Vinaya, Pabbajjā constitutes the “lower ordination,” making a layperson a Novice Monk (Sāmaṇera) or Novice Nun (Sāmaṇerī). The candidate formally requests admission from a preceptor (upajjhāya), takes the Three Refuges (Tisarana), and undertakes the Ten Precepts.
It is distinct from Upasampadā (higher ordination), which makes one a fully-fledged Bhikkhu or Bhikkhunī subject to the complete Pātimokkha rules. To take Pabbajjā, a candidate must generally be at least 15 years old, free from certain diseases, and have parental consent.
Textual References
- Vinaya: Mahāvagga (Pabbajjākathā) – The detailed origin stories and legal procedures for admitting novices into the order.
- Sutta: Sāmaññaphala Sutta (DN 2) – Extolling the immense benefits and spiritual fruits of going forth.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – The definitive Vinaya commentary explaining the procedural nuances of granting the going-forth.