Lzh Sarv Upali 10Questions on Ordination
Chinese title:受戒法竟 (Upasampadāpucchā)
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Exposition of the Upasampadāpucchā Sūtra
Questions on Higher Ordination
Background
The Upasampadāpucchā Sūtra (受戒法竟 — Higher Ordination Completed) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is a portion of the Pāli Canon closely connected with the rite of higher ordination, the formal process by which one who has gone forth becomes a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī within the Sangha.
In its historical setting, after the Buddha entered nirvana, the Sangha needed to maintain open and formal procedures to ensure the continuity of the Dharma. This sūtra records the questions asked during the examination of those wishing to go forth, in order to confirm that they were qualified and clearly understood the responsibilities they were about to undertake.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of mechanical legal rules, but an expression of mindfulness, voluntary discipline, and commitment to the Dharma. The questions in the Upasampadāpucchā embody this seriousness.
Main Content
This sūtra centers on the questions the Sangha asks before formally receiving a person into the religious community. These questions examine:
Basic eligibility: Is this person free, not bound by marriage, debts, or family responsibilities that would obstruct going forth? This is not a rigid refusal, but a confirmation that interference from worldly factors should not impair the aspiration to train.
Physical health: Does this person have a contagious illness or a concealed chronic disease that would create difficulty for the community? This reflects loving concern both for the individual and for the community.
Understanding of the Dharma: Does this person clearly understand that they are committing to follow the discipline (Patimokkha) and the Buddha’s teaching? This ensures a minimum understanding of the path they are entering.
Sincerity of heart: Does this person’s reason for going forth arise from faith in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), or merely from a wish to escape difficulties in worldly life?
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