Novice Monk ('Nain')

Novice Monk ('Nain')
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Wat Pai Lom, Pathumthani Province, Thailand. On the banks of the Chaopraya river, the "River of Kings".

'Novice Monk' Large On White

'Nain' (from Pali, 'samanera'), a novice of under 20 years old undertaking to observe 10 Precepts. Translated from the Pali: "These are the ten things that a person gone-forth should reflect on often. Thus have I heard: On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at the monastery of Anathapindika. Then the Blessed One addressed the monks, saying: "Monks." — "Venerable Sir," they said by way of reply.

The Blessed One then spoke as follows: "These ten essentials must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth (to live the holy life). What are these ten?
1. "'I am now changed into a different mode of life (from that of a layman).' This must be reflected upon again and again by one who has gone forth.
2. "'My life depends on others.'
3. "'I must now behave in a different manner.'
4. "'Does my mind upbraid me regarding the state of my virtue?'
5. "'Do my discerning fellow-monks having tested me, reproach me regarding the state of my virtue?'
6. "'There will be a parting (some day) from all those who are dear and loving to me. Death brings this separation to me.'
7. "'Of kamma, I am constituted. Kamma is my inheritance; kamma is the matrix; kamma is my kinsman; kamma is my refuge. Whatever kamma I perform, be it good or bad, to that I shall be heir.'
8. "'How do I spend my nights and days?'
9. "'Do I take delight in solitude?'
10. "'Have I gained superhuman faculties? Have I gained that higher wisdom so that when I am questioned (on this point) by fellow-monks at the last moment (when death is approaching) I will have no occasion to be depressed and downcast?'

"These, monks, are the essentials that should be reflected again and again by one who has gone forth (to live the holy life)." So spoke the Blessed One. Those monks rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One."