The Joy of Ordination and Gratitude to Parents : หน้า 148/207

vacation. The poster shows a mother about sixty years old. She is holding a small lei in her hands; her face is full of joy. Her son, attired in white novice robes, is bowing low at her feet showing deep love and respect for her, and symbolically asking for permission to ordain. The caption says, "Ordain while your mother is still alive to show her your gratitude." Any mother who sees this poster will wish that her son will ordain at least once. And any son who sees it will be very motivated to ordain. The writer has ordained for a number of Buddhist Lents, and I can attest that the joy of ordination is limitless. I have learned that we can be happy without worldly possessions, a space of one square meter for sitting and standing, and two square meters for sleeping. These can give more happiness than millions of Baht. This kind of happiness cannot be bought. Moreover, it was a double benefit. Initially, my ordination was to show gratitude to my parents. Auspiciously, I, discovered the purpose of life. **Obstacles to Ordination** To ordain and to give one's parents the chance to rejoice in the merits do not occur easily. Ordination is not something