Book Review: Guidelines for Those Who Aspire to Ordain in Accordance with the Buddha’s Path for the Continuation of Buddhism by Venerable Ajahn Kanha Sukhakamo

Authors

  • Pattaratida Moolsana Independent Scholar
  • Phanomnakorn Meeraka Faculty of Education, Mahamakut Buddhist University

Keywords:

Buddhist Monastic Discipline, Buddhist Monks, Preservation of Buddhism

Abstract

This book review examines "Criteria for Ordination: Following the Buddha's Path in Preserving Buddhism" by Phra Ajahn Kanha Sukhakamo. The review aims to analyze the book's essential content, academic value, and recommendations as a guide for prospective ordinands and readers interested in Buddhist monastic discipline. Employing a content analysis approach based on the Dhamma, the Vinaya, and the principles of preserving Buddhism, the study finds that the book systematically explains the meaning of ordination, the qualifications required for candidates, the proper intention for ordination, the ordination process, and the roles and responsibilities of Buddhist monks. The author emphasizes that ordination is not merely a religious ceremony but a process of self-cultivation through the training of morality (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā), enabling practitioners to live in accordance with the Dhamma-Vinaya and contribute to the continuation of Buddhism. The book's major strengths lie in its concise organization, clear presentation, and accessible language, making it suitable for prospective monks, monks, novices, and lay Buddhists. Nevertheless, incorporating additional case studies from the Buddhist scriptures and comparative discussions between the ordination practices of the Buddha's time and contemporary monastic contexts would further enrich its academic value. Overall, the book serves as a valuable introductory reference for understanding the ideals of Buddhist monastic life and the proper preparation for ordination in accordance with the Buddhist disciplinary tradition.

References

พระอาจารย์กัณหา สุขกาโม. (ม.ป.ป.). หลักเกณฑ์ของผู้ที่จะบวช ตามรอยพระพุทธเจ้าสืบทอดพระศาสนา. ซาเร็น การพิมพ์ จำกัด

Downloads

Published

2026-06-29

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): January - June 2026

Section

Book Reviews 
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Dispatcher.dispatch(Object:Request) % line  281, file: PKPApplication.inc.php
PKPApplication.execute() % line   68, file: index.php

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Dispatcher.dispatch(Object:Request) % line  281, file: PKPApplication.inc.php
PKPApplication.execute() % line   68, file: index.php

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                              content_6a2536dc8e7355_00617886(Object:Smarty_Internal_Template) % line  123, file: smarty_template_resource_base.php
                           Smarty_Template_Resource_Base.getRenderedTemplateCode(Object:Smarty_Internal_Template) % line  114, file: smarty_template_compiled.php
                        Smarty_Template_Compiled.render(Object:Smarty_Internal_Template) % line  216, file: smarty_internal_template.php
                     Smarty_Internal_Template.render(false, 1) % line  232, file: smarty_internal_templatebase.php
                  Smarty_Internal_TemplateBase._execute(Object:Smarty_Internal_Template, null, 42362804174f266c598cdb32c3208fc745b92101, null, 1) % line  134, file: smarty_internal_templatebase.php
               Smarty_Internal_TemplateBase.display(frontend/pages/article.tpl, null, 42362804174f266c598cdb32c3208fc745b92101, null) % line  924, file: PKPTemplateManager.inc.php
            PKPTemplateManager.display(frontend/pages/article.tpl) % line  292, file: ArticleHandler.inc.php
         ArticleHandler.view(Array[1], Object:Request) % line  391, file: PKPRouter.inc.php
      PKPRouter._authorizeInitializeAndCallRequest(Array[2], Object:Request, Array[1], false) % line  231, file: PKPPageRouter.inc.php
   PKPPageRouter.route(Object:Request) % line  143, file: Dispatcher.inc.php
Dispatcher.dispatch(Object:Request) % line  281, file: PKPApplication.inc.php
PKPApplication.execute() % line   68, file: index.php