Samanera

Samanera is the name given to a novice among the Buddhists. It is derived from sramama, an ascetic. He must be at least eight years of age, and must have received the consent of his parents to his abandonment of the world. He cannot receive ordination until he is twenty years of age, nor before he has reached that age can he perform any religious rite, nor is he allowed to interfere in matters of discipline or government. The vow of a Samanera is in no case revocable.