Pabbajja means initiation or going forth from the life of a layperson to the homeless life and signifies the novice ordination. Only those who are 7 years or older can be ordained as novices and become Samaneras. Samaneras take the 10 precepts and are also enjoined to follow the Sekhiya rules on etiquette. When the samanera is at least 20 years old, he can request for the Upasampada, the higher ordination which qualifieshim as a monk or a bhikkhu.
Although samaneras and bhikkhus generally dress alike, samaneras are technically not members of the sangha. They are only preparing to join the sangha and thus cannot participate in the communal activities of the bhikkhus such as the chanting of the Patimokkha. Only bhikkhus are considered members of the sangha and their seniority as a bhikkhu is counted by the number of vassas since their upasampada.
Only senior bhikkhus who are considered well versed in the Vinaya can act as a Preceptor to ordain samaneras. This is a simple act of administering the 10 precepts. The ordination of a bhikkhu is a formal affair which requires not only the Preceptor but also the participation of a quorum of bhikkhus and the ceremony must be conducted within a sima.
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