Definition of ‘monk’ in Vinaya

In the word analyses, monk (bhikkhū’ti) is defined like this:

“He is:

• a monk because he lives on alms (bhikkhako’ti bhikkhu);
• a monk because he submits to wandering for almsfood (bhikkhācariyaṃ ajjhupagatoti bhikkhu)
• a monk because he wears the patchwork cloth (bhinnapaṭadharoti bhikkhu)
• a monk by common designation (samaññāya bhikkhu);
• a monk by formal agreement (paṭiññāya bhikkhu);
• a monk through being told “Come, monk!” (ehi bhikkhūti bhikkhu);
• a monk ordained by going to the three Refuges (tīhi saraṇagamanehi upasampannoti bhikkhu);

"A monk:

• is auspicious (bhadro bhikkhu);
• is the heartwood (sāro bhikkhu);
• may be a Path-attainer (sekho bhikkhu);
• may be a Path-adept (asekho bhikkhu);
• is someone who was entitled to and received ordination by a legitimate act of Sangha involving a motion and three invitations (samaggena saṅghena ñatticatutthena kammena akuppena ṭhānārahena upasampannoti bhikkhu).

“In conclusion:

• a monk who was entitled to and received ordination by a legitimate act of Sangha involving a motion and three invitations, such a person is what is intended as the meaning of the word ‘monk’ (tatrayvāyaṃ bhikkhu samaggena saṅghena ñatticatutthena kammena akuppena ṭhānārahena upasampanno, ayaṃ imasmiṃ atthe adhippeto 'bhikkhū'ti)” (Vin.3.24).