In the tradition of Theravāda Buddhism, Shinbyu (pabbajja) is the Burmese term for a novitiation ceremony. Referring to the celebrations marking the sāmanera ordination of a boy under the age of 20. It is deemed the most important duty that parents owe to their son by letting him go forth and embrace the legacy of the Buddha, join the Sangha and become immersed in the teachings of the Buddha, the Dhamma, at least for a short while, perhaps longer if not for the rest of his life.
Shinbyu may well be regarded as a rite of passage or coming of age ceremony as in other religions. The royal outfit worn by novitiates-to-be before being samanera ordination, to re-enact Rahula's rejection of a princely life in exchange for a life of self-detachment.
The first shinbyu in history probably took place in the Buddha's lifetime two and a half millennia ago. It was his own son Rahula who approached the prodigal father, at his mother Yasodhara's bidding, to ask for his inheritance. Rahula was then bidden to follow the Buddha to his forest monastery.
This usually includes learning how to recite the request for robes called thingan daung and the Ten Precepts. Novitiate-to-be dressed in traditional prince attire.
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