Transgender ordination

[Zenmei]

In another Buddhist forum I read sometimes, someone asked whether it would be possible to ordain as a monk/nun if one is transgender. The forum leans towards the Theravada / vajrayana, and the jist of the responses were that it’s forbidden by the vinaya, but some Tibetan teachers may allow it.

Is there anything in the Zen tradition that would prevent someone from ordaining because they are transgender? Are there any openly trans priests that anyone is aware of? Just curious.

[emoji120], Zenmei (sat)

[Amelia]

As far as I am aware, this sangha has no issue with a trans person being ordained.

Gassho, sat today, lah

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[Jundo]

In centuries past, I just don't think that Zen folks or the surrounding society thought in such terms. One was either male or female for purposes of Ordination. It is probably still so in Japan.

In the west, it is not now a question at all in the Zen world. An Ordination is an Ordination. I feel that is best.

Gassho Jundo

SatTLah

[Mp]

In centuries past, I just don't think that Zen folks or the surrounding society thought in such terms. One was either male or female for purposes of Ordination. It is probably still so in Japan.

In the west, it is not now a question at all in the Zen world. An Ordination is an Ordination. I feel that is best.

Gassho Jundo

SatTLah

I also agree ... Zen is Zen, Ordination is Ordination. Whether male or female, we are all walking the same path. =)

Gassho
Shingen

Sat/LAH

[Jundo]

Let me also say that, in our Zen way, the universe pours back around and makes sacred all things as just what they are.

So, in emptiness, there is no male or female or transgender.

However, this river comes around and declares that a transgender priest is precisely a transgender priest, a transgender jewel, and that is to be cherished.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Meian]

This is beautiful. Thank you, Jundo. Deep bows. [emoji179][emoji120]

Gassho
Kim
St/lh

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[Joyo]

Let me also say that, in our Zen way, the universe pours back around and makes sacred all things as just what they are.

So, in emptiness, there is no male or female or transgender.

However, this river comes around and declares that a transgender priest is precisely a transgender priest, a transgender jewel, and that is to be cherished.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

Thank you, Jundo. This is so beautiful, and it makes me happy to be part of such an open, tolerant sangha.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today/lah

[lorax]

Thank you Jundo, I have a dear friend who is a transgender "jewel". She is precisely who she is at this moment. She has done more in her life that most critics could even think of, marine, park ranger, rescue specialist, and now a community activist. Few could measure up to her life.

SAT TODAY

[Anka]

Lorax,

A close friend of my is transitioning and I could never imagine going through all the hardships she has. Such a strong soul. I'm glad this Sangha's view is so open and welcoming.

James f

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[Kaisho]

As a trans person this makes me glad to hear.

Chelsea
Sat2day

[Aurkihnowe]

lord knows trans folks today in many places face hostility at best and often violent resistance in extreme cases, so a buddhist sangha would be fulfilling it's basic duty of bodhicitta to allow a safe zone for them to explore the teachings....the times they are a changing...

gassho

richard tines

sat today

[willfarmer]

I have been listening to an amazing podcast called Gendereveal. The majority of the interviewees identify as non-binary. I have been amazed at the strength of charachter these people display to be who they are in the face of criticism, especially of their sometimes fluidity in and out of various states of genderedness, as if to say this is any area of ones life that must remain fixed and unchanging.

Big Gassho to the beautiful acceptance and compassion shown by Treeleaf.

Will.

Sat today.

[lotus-of-the-mtn]

It is really relieving to read this. As a trans woman myself, it can be hard to find accepting places. Thank you all for your kindness.

Gassho
Tamber

[Mp]

It is really relieving to read this. As a trans woman myself, it can be hard to find accepting places. Thank you all for your kindness.

Gassho
Tamber

It is good to have you here Tamber. =)

Gassho
Shingen

Sat/LAH

[lotus-of-the-mtn]

It is good to have you here Tamber. =)

Gassho
Shingen

Sat/LAH

I'm glad to be here, Shingen. I'm already being made to feel at home.

Gassho
Tamber