Overview
In the Theravāda monastic system, a newly ordained monk must live under the strict guidance of a senior teacher (Upajjhāya) for at least five years. The Buddha laid down strict requirements for who is allowed to give ordination and provide this dependency (nissaya). Besides requiring ten years of seniority, the preceptor must possess flawless spiritual credentials.
The List
- Asekhata Sīla - Unshakeable Virtue: The senior monk must be perfectly accomplished in the aggregate of virtuous conduct, acting as an impeccable moral example.
- Asekhata Samādhi - Unshakeable Concentration: The senior monk must be perfectly accomplished in the aggregate of mental concentration.
- Asekhata Paññā - Unshakeable Wisdom: The senior monk must be perfectly accomplished in the aggregate of penetrative wisdom.
- Asekhata Vimutti - Unshakeable Liberation: The senior monk must be accomplished in the aggregate of liberation (freedom from defilements).
- Asekhata Vimuttiñāṇadassana - Unshakeable Knowledge and Vision of Liberation: The senior monk must be accomplished in the knowledge that confirms liberation has been achieved. (Note: While ideal preceptors are Arahats, the Vinaya applies this standard practically to mean one who encourages and trains pupils toward these five exact qualities).