To initiate men or women as bhiksus and bhikkunis is important for the resumption of Buddhist life in Mainland China and the basic way to foster and educate Buddhist talent. However, few studies have been made on the topic. This paper reviews the activities of Buddhist ordinations in recent years in Mainland China. A case study is made of the ordinations in 2005 at the Shaolin Temple, the earliest temple of the Zen school in China. This was the first such event for the past three hundred years. Details of the place of birth, age, marital status, educational history and the date of ordination of the bhiksus are given. In accordance with the above information, the characteristics of Buddhist ordination at Shaolin Temple are shown and explained. Ordinations in Buddhism are not only Buddhist activities but also a means of official and solemn management. They determine who are is qualified to be a Buddhist bhiksu or bhikkuni. Above all, institutionalized and standardized activities of ordination in Buddhism show the seriousness and sanctity of religion. Today, the Buddhist Association of China pays close attention to legal and rightful ordinations. The question of how to improve institutional Buddhist organizations is of great concern to the government, Buddhist groups and intellectuals. Individuals and society expect the well-developed development of Buddhism in Mainland China.
