In 1975 Ajahn Chah established Wat Pah Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery) in order to give young men from foreign countries, who do not know Thai language and culture, the possibility of becoming a well trained Theravadin Buddhist forest monk. The first step to become a monk in Wat Pah Nanachat is to take on the homeless life committing oneself to the Eight Precepts as an "anagarika" (or "pakao", as anagarikas are called in Northeast Thailand), for about half a year. If the resident community feels it is appropriate, an anagarika can the request "pabbaja" - the "Going Forth" as a Buddhist novice, a "Samanera". In addition to the anagarika precepts, a Samenera renounces money and becomes an alms-mendicant, clad in the ochre robes of the Buddhist monastic order, the "Sangha".
Since the beginning of Wat Pah Nanachat, monk and novice ordinations have always been conducted in Wat Nong Pah Pong, Ajahn Chah's main monastery. With Ajahn Kevali having been authorised to lead ordinations for the Wat Pah Nanachat Sangha since January 29, 2018, on April 3rd, 2018, this ceremony of "Going Forth" has been held for the first time at Wat Pah Nanachat. The picture shows the three Pakaos receiving the ochre robes from Ajahn Kevali.