禅 What is Zen?

Put simply, Zen (禅) is a practice, or series of practices, with a single goal: to wake up. To wake up to the realization of your true self, your « Buddha Nature. » The practices, particuarly meditation, were central to the teachings of Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama, 562BCE or 480BCE) and the name « Buddha » means « the awakened one. »

These practices include meditation (which we call Zazen), Dharma Talks, Dharma Reflection (reading texts), and Koan Introspection. While Soto Zen does not traditionally include Koan Instrospection — which is more usually associated with Rinzai Zen, a separate Zen school in Japan — at StillCenter we incorporate all of these practices as well as integrating elements of Western Psychology. Zen is thus not a « religion » in the usual sense as used for, say , Christianity, Islam, etc., nor is it simply a « philosophy » since it is far more than merely a school of thought. Indeed, it would be more accurate to call it a school of no thought. For a more detailed introduction to Zen Buddhism, please consider Roshi Ryuko’s book « Beginner’s Mind: An Introduction to Zen Buddhism. »

Precept Training (Jukai)

The first step on the path to more serious training at SCZO is to study the precepts and take what we call « Jukai » (literally, to receive the precepts). For many, this is the only step they will take, unless they feel particularly called to train as a Zen Priest or a Lay Zen Teacher (see below). Jukai takes place in a ceremony at which members of SCZO attend to witness your taking this step. Upon completing Jukai you will receive a dharma name and be permitted to wear a rakusu — the ‘bib’ like clothing you may see many Zen practioners wearing. The rakusu represents a mini version of the Buddha’s robes, and in our tradition you will usually sew your own rakusu as part of the precept training process prior to taking Jukai. Here is an example of one:

Jukai is also known as Lay Buddhist Ordination, not to be confused with priestly ordination that grants permission to use the term « reverend » or conduct wedding ceremonies, etc. There are 16 precepts that you will study in weekly classes, either taken in a group or one-on-one with a Teacher/Priest. The 16 consist of:

The Three Treasures (Refuges, Jewels)
Buddha
Dharma
Sangha

The Three Pure Precepts
Do No Evil
Do Good
Do Good for Others
The Ten Grave Precepts
Non-Killing
Non-Stealing
Not Being Greedy
Not Telling Lies
Not Being Ignorant
Not Talking about Other’s Faults
Not Elevating Oneself and Blaming Others
Not Being Stingy
Not Being Angry
Not Speaking Ill of the Three Treasures

If you are interested in taking the precepts and receiving Jukai, then please email StillCenterZen@gmail.com to express your interest. Training usually takes place online using Zoom, but may occasionally be available in person depending on your geographic location.

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Soto Priest Training

Unlike traditional Japanese Soto Zen Priest Ordination, SCZO does not require its priests to shave their heads. Of course, ordained SCZO priests may have their head shaved if they wish, but it is their choice, not a requirement of ordination. While Zen is for everyone, formal recognition may not be. Pursuing a path to become ordained is not one to be taken lightly and requires tremendous committment by the student.

The path to becoming a Soto Zen Priest has several stages:

1. Disciple (discernment phase) – prerequisite having completed Jukai
2. Novice Priest (Shukke Tokudo) — prerequesite completing discernment
3. Head Novice Priest (Shuso) – prerequsite Shukke Tokudo
4. Transmitted Priest – prerequisite Shuso

There is no fixed timeframe for this process of becoming a fully ordained Soto Zen Priest. Typically, the process takes at least 3-years, but may take longer for some candidates. Training will include basic knowledge of the dharma and teachings of the Buddha, training in liturgy and ceremonial practices, conducting services, the robes, okesas, and formal clerical clothing practices, attending a minimum required number of retreats, and other aspects including an introduction to koan introspection.

If you are interested in following this path then please send an email of expression of interest to StillCenterZen@gmail.com