Making a vow to support life
through the harmony of ethical conduct is both a basic and
advanced teaching in Zen.
Jukai is an ancient initiation
wherein the Teacher receives a Lay-student of Zen, vow to love
and save all the many beings; to follow the Way of The
Bodhisattva; to honor and serve their Teacher and their Sangha,
and to live a life that benefits all beings everywhere.
Jukai is a formal rite of passage, wherein the
student is given a formal Dharma Name. This is the most
important set of ceremonies in the life of a [Zen] layperson
next to ordination.
(Jukai is not to
be misunderstood as "conversion". Jukai is commonly
practiced though some members never undergo the ceremony because
they are members of a religion which prohibits such initiations.
However one is not a Buddhist by definition.
Practicing the
"Dharma Beyond Buddhism", at no time does The Zen Society exist
to promote any peculiar religious doctrine, dogma, or teachings,
and shares no formal affiliation with other Zen groups,
denominations, or any hierarchy of Dharma Successors.)
Jukai Ceremony
Jukai literally means “to receive the precepts.” Jukai is the
ceremony of formally taking the 16 Bodhisattva precepts as
guidelines for life.
Those who have taken Jukai wear a rakusu during formal Zen
activities to remind them of their intentions.
The sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts consist of the taking refuge
in the three treasures (Buddha-Nature, Dharma, and Sangha), and:
The Three Pure Precepts
Not to do evil.
To cultivate good.
To help others.
The Ten Grave Precepts
Not to intentionally or maliciously kill, but to cherish all
life.
Not to steal, but to respect the possessions and lifetime of
others.
Not to misuse sexual energy, but to be honest and respectful in
mind and action.
Not to intentionally deceive, but to speak the truth.
Not to misuse drugs or alcohol, but to keep the mind clear.
Not to speak of others’ faults, but to be understanding and
sympathetic.
Not to praise oneself by criticizing others, but to overcome
one’s own shortcomings.
Not to withhold spiritual or material aid, but to give it freely
when needed.
Not to give vent to anger, but to seek its source.
Not to speak ill of the Three Treasures, but to cherish and
uphold them.
This class is to assist those
who have received permission or who would like to receive
permission to sew a rakusu in preparation for receiving the
precepts in Jukai.
This class will study the
Bodhisattva Precepts as well as prepare all candidates to
receive Jukai in December 2010.
Copyright 2007 © The Zen Society. All rights
reserved.
