Temporary Monk Ordination at a Cambodian or Lao Funeral

Why Male Relatives Ordain at Funerals

Temporary ordination — known in Khmer as bouh mok pleung (literally "becoming a monk in front of the fire") and in Lao as buat na sop — is one of the most powerful acts of filial piety in Theravada Buddhist funeral tradition. Sons, grandsons, or nephews of the deceased shave their heads and eyebrows, don saffron robes, and are ordained as novice monastics (samanera) for a period ranging from one day to several weeks.

The spiritual reasoning is precise. In Theravada cosmology, ordination generates an extraordinary quantity of pure karmic merit — more than almost any other single act a layperson can perform. Because this ordination takes place "in front of the fireplace" (the cremation pyre), the massive merit produced is immediately directed to the deceased parent or grandparent. The act is believed to provide the spiritual energy needed to elevate the departed out of any lower realm of suffering (apaya-bhumi) and secure placement in a heavenly realm (devaloka).

Families may treat this as a serious filial duty, but whether ordination is expected is a question for the family's elders and temple.

What the Ordination Involves

The ordination ceremony happens on the morning of the cremation, at the local temple (wat). The candidate goes through the following steps:

Head and eyebrow shaving. The candidate's head is completely shaved, along with the eyebrows. This is done at the temple by a senior monk or by a barber under monastic supervision. The shaving represents the renunciation of vanity and worldly attachment.

Robing. The candidate dons the saffron robes of a novice monk. In some traditions, the candidate's mother or grandmother wraps the first layer of robes as a final act of maternal care before the son enters the monastic order.

Vows. The candidate takes the dasa sila — the ten precepts observed by novice monastics. These include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual activity, lying, intoxicants, eating after noon, entertainment, personal adornment, sleeping on high beds, and handling money.

The funeral role. The newly ordained novice leads the circumambulation of the cremation pyre and participates in the final chanting before ignition.

The ordination period varies. Some families commit to a single day. Others maintain the ordination for three days, seven days, or the full traditional period of several weeks. The length is negotiated with the abbot based on the candidate's circumstances, work obligations, and the family's wishes.

Arranging Ordination in the Diaspora

In a Western country, temporary funeral ordination is still practiced but requires more advance planning than it would in Phnom Penh or Vientiane.

Talk to the abbot early. Contact the temple as soon as death occurs (or before, if the family member is in hospice care). Explain that the family wishes to arrange a temporary ordination for the cremation day. The abbot needs to confirm the monks and witnesses required by the temple's ordination procedure.

Time off work. Even a one-day ordination means the candidate cannot work that day — and ideally the day before (for preparation) and after (for disrobing). If the ordination extends to a week or more, the candidate will need to arrange leave. The novice lives at the temple for the duration and follows the full monastic schedule.

Who can ordain. Traditionally, this funeral custom is described for male relatives. The abbot should confirm who is eligible and what age and other requirements apply.

What to bring. Ask the temple whether it provides robes and an alms bowl and what the family should donate as part of the merit-making offering. The Achar or temple secretary can provide a specific list.

If you are coordinating this alongside the broader funeral logistics — the wake, monk chanting, procession, and cremation — the Buddhist Funeral — Cambodia & Laos guide includes a coordination timeline that maps the ordination steps against the overall funeral schedule so nothing falls through the gaps.