Executive Summary: Ordination Merit
An inspiring karmic case study from the Dream in Dream Kindergarten Wisdom School, taught by Ven. Luang Por Dhammajayo. This case illuminates the supreme merit of Buddhist ordination (becoming a monk). It is revered as the ultimate method to repay parental debts, close the doors to the lower realms, and forge a direct path to Nibbana.
1. Ordination: The Ultimate Spiritual Elevation
Ordaining as a Buddhist monk is not merely changing clothes; it is a profound shift in status from an ordinary person caught in worldly affairs to a “Samana” (a peaceful one) striving for purity. By donning the saffron robes, a man follows the exact footsteps of the Buddha, dedicating his time entirely to eradicating defilements (Kilesa).
When a fortunate man ordains (whether for a short retreat or for life), strictly maintains the 227 monastic precepts, and practices meditation diligently, he generates a colossal radius of merit. This radiant merit envelops his parents, relatives, and everyone who rejoices in his ordination.
2. The Supreme Blessings of the Saffron Robe
The merit of a pure ordination yields magnificent results in this life and the hereafter:
- Repaying the Parents: The merit of a son’s ordination is powerful enough to pull deceased parents out of the hell realms. If the parents are already in heaven, this merit upgrades their celestial mansions and elevates their divine status. It is the absolute highest form of filial piety.
- Closing the Hell Gates: For the monk himself, if he practices well, the massive merit dilutes past negative karma, protecting him from fatal accidents and severe diseases. Crucially, it closes the doors to the four lower realms (hell, hungry ghosts, demons, animals) for many future lifetimes.
- Perfect Manhood and Wisdom: In future lives, he will consistently be born as a complete male, possessing a dignified physical form, sharp intellect, and a natural inclination to ordain again and attain enlightenment easily.
3. Theravada Canonical Tipitaka References
The Buddha praised the monastic life as the most direct and spacious path to liberation:
Samannaphala Sutta (Digha Nikaya 2)
“Household life is crowded and dusty; life gone forth is wide open. It is not easy, while living in a home, to lead the holy life utterly perfect and pure as a polished shell… Having gone forth, he dwells restrained by the Patimokkha, perfect in conduct and resort, seeing danger in the slightest faults… He experiences the fruits of the ascetic life visible here and now, leading to the destruction of the taints.”
4. Guidance for Maximizing Ordination Merit
Luang Por Dhammajayo emphasized that ordination only yields supreme merit if done correctly:
- Ordain with Pure Faith: One must ordain with a genuine desire to train and purify the mind, not merely out of tradition or to fulfill a vow.
- Flawless Precepts: While in robes, the monk must guard the 227 precepts with his life. Breaking major precepts (like consuming alcohol or engaging in sexual misconduct) while wearing the robe generates horrific negative karma that pulls the offender into hells far deeper than an ordinary layperson.
- Diligent Meditation: The primary duty of a monk is to cultivate stillness. He must chant and practice meditation (Bhavana) daily to purify his mind, allowing him to dedicate the highest quality of merit to his parents and all living beings.
