The preparatory period begins with taking refuge with the three jewels, that is, formally becoming a Buddhist and bowing to a teacher. It is followed by stages of learning to live in accord with progressively higher standards of purity and morality as represented by adherence to moral precepts. The taking of the five precepts is followed by the eight precepts and then often the Bodhisattva precepts (BNS). The taking of the novice (śrāmaṇera) precepts (SV) ushers in a period of a minimum of three years’ formal training for becoming a fully-ordained Bhikshu or Bhikshuni.

Ordination itself takes place in a ceremony open only to the Sangha that is presided over by ten elder Bhikshus of high virtue. During the ceremony the 250 Bhikshu precepts (or 348 Bhikshuni precepts) are transmitted.

受具足戒