Disability and ordination

krungthep49

A quick question.

I know that disability will disqualify one from being ordained in the Theravada tradition. Is it the same for Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions?

caz

krungthep49 wrote: »

A quick question.

I know that disability will disqualify one from being ordained in the Theravada tradition. Is it the same for Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions?

I assume it would depend what disability, I see a few ordained in the wheelchair from time to time.

fivebells

Where can I read about this restriction on ordination in the Theravadin tradition?

krungthep49

I may have it wrong. I saw that the "monk for a month" programme in Northern Thailand excluded amputees (http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/261752-monk-for-a-month/page__pid__3829664__st__25#entry3829664) and I had the idea from somewhere that disability was a disqualifier generally in Theravada. However, I may be confused with the exclusion of aspirants who have certain diseases, e.g. tuberculosis.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/ordination1.htm

Apologies if I've misled people.

krungthep49

OK, I've got a bit more information.
From the Dhammakaya website:Qualifications for those to be ordained http://www.dhammakaya.net/events/510708_Ordination.php
The lord Buddha gave permission to males who take the Triple Gem as a refuge to ordain. For those who wish to ordain as a Buddhist monk must be at least 20 years of age. Those who are under will be allowed to ordain as a novice. The persons forbidden from being a monk are;

Those are homosexuals and hermaphrodites.
Those who have done wrong against Buddhism such as killed an Arahant, caused schism in monastic community and asked to leave monkhood before.
Those who suffer from the following diseases;
Leprosy, Measles or Pox, fungus of skin.
Skeletal deformity including handicapped, blind or deft.
Debilitating weakness.
Those who have prior restrictions or commitments such as not having parental or guardian consent, or by reasons of royal decree

shenpennangwa

The vinaya gives all kinds of restrictions on ordination that in my opinion are out-dated and no longer relevant. The exclusions of the disabled should no longer be practice along with the exclusion of women for full ordination and even albino's are excluded.
I wouldnt be the least bit surprised if full ordination is offered to just about anyone in the Tibetan tradition at least before too long.