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When a Buddhist boy becomes mature enough, they become ordained. When they become mature enough is their decision, although most Buddhist's are about twenty when they go through this process. This process consists of two parts, but before they go through a couple stages to prepare for it.

Preparing consists of many things that the ordained has to do. They have to shave their head and dress in white. This symbolizes the liminality of this life passage ritual, a transition from householder to monk, a neutering of one's previous identity prior to beginning a new life with a new monastic name.

The ceremony itself starts out with the calling of the spirits. During this part of the ceremony the leader performs a ritual where he "calls" the 32 spirits away from all previous attachment. The leader also attracts the Khwan (body and soul). This is done by the leader preparing a special offering bowl, where elaborate symbols are placed inside. At the end of the ritual a sacred thread is tied around the wrists of the ordained. This represents the tying of the Khwan into this body after they have been "called". At the end of the ceremony is where the ordained becomes aware of his rights.

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15y ago

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