A question (Parent permission and ordination)

[retrofuturist]

The ordination ceremony for bhikkhus and bhikkunis stipulates that the candidate must have their parents' permission. Is the permission of both parents necessary, or does one suffice? What if one parent gives permission, while the other withholds it? Just seeking some clarification.

With metta,
Justin

[appicchato]

Hi Justin,

Basically it's an issue only if it's made one...by that meaning if one is an adult, not in close contact, nor proximity (physically or mentally), without parental responsibility, than it's not...the opposite is if one's parents are dependent upon them, then it's to be considered one...the important thing is to have a clear conscience going into ordination that one is not going against one's parents wishes...either one...

Be well...

[rowyourboat]

how does it work according to the vinaya if one has children? (ie -has parental responsibility) -and also wive's wishes dont come into play?

[appicchato]

To my knowledge wives and children, Vinaya wise, are not factors...

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

The suttas record many instances of people leaving wives and children as they go to the homeless life.

That said, I expect that it was socially more acceptable to do this back then than it is now.

Metta,
Retro.

[BlackBird]

IIRC The Buddha left his wife and child

Anyway, the question on parents permission was one that's been rolling around my mind for a while now, so I'm glad it's been asked and answered well

With metta
Jack