Budhism : — Laws of the Budhist Priesthood. 



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given upon a request (of the candidate). It must, priests^ 

 be requested as follows ; — 



The person seeking Upasampada must come to the Sangho, 

 and removing his robe from one shoulder, worship the feet of 

 the priests ; he must then kneel down, and raising his clasped 

 hands, say, My Lord the Sangho, I request Upasampada. 

 My Lord, the Sangho, compassionate me, and raise me up.O) 



A fluent and learned priest shall then lay the proposal 

 before the Sangho, and say, Hear me, my Lord the Sangho, 

 &c, using the formula prescribed in the foregoing precept. 



At that time, many persons in Rajagaha supplied the priests 

 with abundance of the most excellent food. A Brahmin 

 noticing this, thought, These sons of Sakya act in a becoming 

 and virtuous manner : they eat good food, and sleep in places 

 defended from the wind. It will be advantageous, if I become 

 one of that priesthood. He accordingly requested, and ob- 

 tained ordination. At length, the supply of food brought 

 to the monastery was diminished, and he was directed to take 

 his bowl and collect alms : this he declined, saying, that if 

 they gave him food, he would remain ; but if not, he would 

 leave the priesthood. What, friend, said they ; did you be- 

 come a priest for the sake of your belly ? Truly I did, he 

 replied. The virtuous priests, being much dissatisfied, 

 related the circumstance to Budha, who reproved the offender, 

 and decreed ; — 



13. I direct, priests, that those who give Upasampada 

 shall declare the four Nissaya (or things incumbent on a 

 priest). 1st, The priesthood is for the purpose of living upon 

 food collected as alms. This is that to which you are to 

 attend as long as you live. 2nd, The priesthood is for the 

 purpose of wearing garments made of cast away cloth. This 

 is that to which you are to attend so long as you live. 3rd, 

 The priesthood is for the purpose. of residing at the foot of 

 a tree. To this you are to attend so long as you live. 4th, 



(1) The comment says, either from a state of vice, or from the lower order of 

 a novice. 



