Ordination
The Order of The Great
Lights is a Zen Buddhist religious order that has been developed by
Seijaku Stephen Roshi. One may ordain in The Order of The
Great Lights as either a layperson or as a monk or priest. These two
streams of ordination are equal in commitment to the practice and
realization of the Dharma of Freedom and Authentic Spirituality, but
represent different vocational aspirations and lifestyle, as
detailed below.
The requirements for entrance into
this order are rigorous and the ongoing responsibilities of ordained
members are demanding.
Membership in The Order of The Great Lights represents the highest
commitment that one can make in The Zen Society to realizing the
Enlightened Way and to live out of that clear understanding for
the benefit of all sentient beings.
Members of The Order of The Great Lights work with Roshi to develop
training forms and lead the Sangha in spiritual practice at the
temple. In addition to their own personal practice duties, ordained
members lead ceremonies and may be asked by Roshi to give Dharma
talks and lead religious studies as appropriate to their development.
The Way of the Teacher
does not require one to go into homelessness or resign the world
unless one feels called upon to do so; but the Way of the Teacher
requires each individual to free themselves from the illusion of
self, to cleanse the heart, to give up the thirst for pleasure, and
lead a life of righteousness.
— Shakyamuni Buddha
Lay
ordination (Jukai) in The Zen Society, The Order of The Great Lights,
involves a lifelong commitment to the practice and realization of
the Dharma of Freedom and Authentic Spirituality within the context
of the life
of the householder.
Any formal student of Seijaku Roshi who has been a practicing member
of the Center for a minimum of two years and is participating in the
Monastery at the level of Temple Benefactor may take up the question
of lay ordination with Roshi. One should contact Roshi regarding lay
ordination (Jukai) at least six months before the Jukai/Lay
Ordination ceremonies (March).
Lay ordination involves receiving The Precepts and Dharma name
transmission, and denotes a serious commitment to serve the Sangha
(Community), live the Enlightened Way, and support the vision of
Seijaku Stephen Roshi.
Monastic
ordination involves the spirit of forgetting the
self, wherein one leaves one’s personal desires and goals so that one
may more easily embrace and serve the community or sangha and the
entire world as one’s home and all beings as one’s family.
— Seijaku Roshi
Monastic or Priestly ordination in The
Zen Society, The Order of The Great Lights, involves a lifelong
commitment to practicing and realizing the Dharma of Freedom and
living one's life as a benefit for all, as one’s vocation. Monks may
work exclusively within the context of temple life, may hold a
career in a community service profession, or some combination
thereof. Monks may be celibate or in a committed relationship,
and may live in or out of
the temple.
A monk's duties may include
such things as temple administration, counseling, officiating at
weddings, funerals, memorial services, and Jukai, development of
liturgy, teaching and training, and assisting Seijaku Roshi.
Any formal student of Seijaku Roshi who has been a member for four
or more years, is participating in the Monastery at the level of
Temple Benefactor, received Jukai (lay-ordination), and has no major
life commitments that would interfere with priestly vocation,
may take up the question of monastic ordination.
To inquire more about either
lay-ordination or monastic ordination contact
Rev. Rachel Ninshin McCormick to arrange a private interview.
609.268.9151 or Email
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