A Comparative Study of Full Ordination (Upasampadā) Patterns between Mahāyāna and Theravāda Buddhism in Vietnam

Abstract

This research offers a comparative analysis of Full Ordination (Upasampadā) ceremonies found within Mahāyāna and Theravāda Buddhism in contemporary Vietnam. Set against the backdrop of Vietnam's diverse Buddhist landscape, this research article aims to achieve three primary objectives: (1) to examine the structure and evolution of the Mahāyāna Full Ordination Ceremony (Upasampadā) in contemporary Vietnam, (2) to examine the structure and evolution of the Theravāda Full Ordination Ceremony (Upasampadā) in contemporary Vietnam, and (3) to compare the pattern of Full Ordination (Upasampadā) ceremonies between Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism within the context of Vietnam. This documentary research is based on documentary analysis, with data collected from both primary and secondary sources. It utilizes primary Buddhist texts, Vinaya scriptures, monastic regulations issued by the Vietnam Buddhist Saṅgha (VBS), and relevant scholarly research on Buddhist ordination.

The findings reveal that the structure and evolution of the Mahāyāna Full Ordination Ceremony in contemporary Vietnam found that pre-ordination activities involve a detailed vetting process, including examinations, personal confessions, and ritual training for candidates. The formal Upasampadā ceremony follows the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya and is characterized by the presence of a Ten Venerable Masters Council, use of Sino–Vietnamese liturgy, and elaborate ceremonial aesthetics rooted in feudal and cultural traditions. Second, the investigation of the Theravāda Full Ordination Ceremony in contemporary Vietnam revealed a step-by-step structure closely aligned with the Pāli Vinaya. The ceremony is conducted by a Saṅgha council, including a Preceptor (Upajjhāya), two Ācariyas, and a quorum of witness monks. The process emphasizes simplicity and clarity, including the scrutiny of robes and bowl, candidate interrogation, and the enactment of A Motion and Three Proclamations.

The comparative analysis of Full Ordination ceremonies in Mahāyāna and Theravāda Buddhism in Vietnam reveals shared Vinaya foundations, particularly the central role of A Motion and Three Proclamations. However, key differences exist in ritual structure, language, and cultural expression. Mahāyāna ordination, based on the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya, features a hierarchical Ten Masters Council, Sino–Vietnamese chanting, and elaborate ceremonial form influenced by Vinaya school, Mahāyāna monasticism and feudal traditions. Theravāda ordination, by contrast, follows the Pāli Vinaya with a simpler structure, Pāli recitation, and a focus on doctrinal clarity. The study highlights differences in pre-ordination training, Formal Upasampadā Ceremony, and Post-Ordination Instruction, while also noting efforts by VBS to standardise practices. These findings offer valuable insights into evolving ordination systems and suggest paths for enhanced Buddhist education, inter-tradition collaboration, and future research