Executive Summary: Merit of Ordaining as a Monk
A case study from the Dream in Dream Kindergarten highlighting the supreme magnitude of the “Ordination Merit,” which possesses the immense power to close the doors of the lower realms for both the monk and his parents, acting as a shortcut to Nirvana.
1. The Sincere Resolve to Ordain
A young man with unwavering faith decided to leave worldly pleasures behind and enter the monkhood, dedicating his life to Buddhism. Throughout his monkhood, he diligently trained himself, strictly observed the monastic discipline (Vinaya), and consistently practiced meditation.
2. The Vast Blessings of Ordination
- Closing the Doors to the Lower Realms: The power of the saffron robe and the 227 monastic precepts form the strongest spiritual shield. This merit guaranteed that both he and his biological parents were saved from falling into the lower realms (hell). Even if they had past negative karma, the ordination merit diluted its effects.
- Celestial Wealth and Brilliant Aura: Upon passing away, he was reborn in the Tusita Heaven (Special Merit Circle). He possesses a radiant golden mansion, and his personal aura is exceptionally brighter than typical deities because the merit derived from celibacy and monastic practice is profoundly refined and pure.
- Perfection in Future Lifetimes: When reborn as a human, this merit ensures he will be born into a Right-View family, fully endowed with physical beauty, wealth, and favorable qualities. Furthermore, he will naturally possess a strong inclination toward Dhamma practice and ordination in every subsequent lifetime.
3. Luang Por’s Teaching
Luang Por Dhammajayo frequently emphasizes that ordaining as a monk is the greatest merit a son can offer his parents, representing the ultimate expression of gratitude. Even though women cannot ordain as monks, acting as a joyous sponsor for an ordination yields correspondingly magnificent merit.
