ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Upasampadā

Upasampadā is a big word that means becoming a fully ordained Buddhist monk or nun. This is a very important and meaningful event for someone who wants to dedicate their life to practicing Buddhism.

To become fully ordained, a person usually first becomes a novice. As a novice, they learn the basics of Buddhism and follow some rules. They also get to wear special clothes that show they are Buddhist.

When someone is ready to become fully ordained, they need to go through a ceremony called upasampadā. This is like a big celebration that involves a lot of preparation and tradition.

During the upasampadā ceremony, the new monk or nun will receive a special set of clothes and a specific set of rules to follow. They will also need to memorize many texts from the Buddhist scriptures.

After the ceremony, the new monk or nun will join a community of other monks or nuns and will dedicate their life to practicing Buddhism. They will be expected to meditate and study Buddhism for many hours each day, and they will follow strict rules about things like eating and sleeping.

Overall, upasampadā is a very special and important event for those who have chosen to dedicate their life to Buddhism. It represents a commitment to living a simple, peaceful, and spiritual life.