#  bhikkhu 

 



*Bhikkhus* or Buddhist monks shave their heads and don a special robe to symbolize their renunciation of mundane pursuits. There are normally two levels of monkhood: the *samanera*, or novice monk, a role which may be assumed either temporarily or as the first step toward becoming a *bhikkhu*, a fully ordained monk. In order to assure that the monastic community remains conducive to spiritual cultivation, *Bhikkhus* must comply with rigorous rules of restraint, typically approximately 250 in number.