Transgender ordination

[Kyonin]

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

Hi Tamber,

There is no such thing as gender differences here. We are all the same. We are one. That's all, really.

Glad you're here.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

[Jundo]

Hi Tamber,

There is no such thing as gender differences here. We are all the same. We are one. That's all, really.

Glad you're here.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

And we are all who we are, shining in our differences too. Each of us is truly unique in the universe. There is no other Tamber who writes synthwave and lofi hip hop music, sleeping in her car ... at least not for countless light years.

As long as we try to be gentle people, kind to each other, and sit Zazen together ... well, that's about it.

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH

[Onki]

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

This is lovely, Jundo. Made me verklempt. I was questioning this of myself and if being trans was “okay.” I have read things saying that being trans and Buddhist was not really an option, especially for Ordination. It’s good to see these responses.

Gasshō,

Onki

Sat today

[Risho]

This is why Treeleaf is truly a refuge.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

[Guest]

This is lovely, Jundo. Made me verklempt. I was questioning this of myself and if being trans was “okay.” I have read things saying that being trans and Buddhist was not really an option, especially for Ordination. It’s good to see these responses.

Gasshō,

Onki

Sat today

Hi Onki,

This has been an issue in some traditions that is hard to compute given the nature of the non-dual Dharma.

In the Korean tradition, the later incarnation of the Taego order came out of the necessity for ordained priests to remain priests because they were married. During Japanese rule of Korea at the time some priests were forced to marry and some chose to marry. Then when the Jogye order became the recognized order of the government, there were a displacement of married monks. So, Taego was formed and allows monks to marry. Both Jogye and Taego follow Pratimoksa vinaya of the Dharmaguptaka but the Taego order allows for bihiksu to choose if they want to be celibate. This seemed like a more liberal form of Korean Seon(Zen). But, bihiksuni female nuns must remain celibate while the males can choose. (I have heard that this was a decision by the nuns and not forced by male monastics, not sure if this is true). However, there are rules in place that those that are homosexual cannot marry nor should carry out a relationship if being ordained (The American arm of Taego has made some exceptions, I understand). Transgender folks are not allowed to ordain nor are people over the age of 55. There is also evidence of being prohibitive when it comes to those that are differently abled as well.

This order is an example of how these things are carried out in different traditions and cultures. I certainly do not agree with it, but I see that each tradition has a particular way of doing things. At Treeleaf, it is indeed a refuge because there are no restrictions like this. There is certainly a community of acceptance here and as Jundo points out whether male, female, ordained or not, we are all walking the same path. I am so glad that you are here and a part of the sangha and that you have this opportunity of ordination. I think there is a lot of evidence that Treeleaf is not stingy with the Dharma.

Gassho,

Daiman
St/LAH

[Veronica]

Every leaf in this tree of leaves is perfect. [emoji4][emoji120] Hurray for acceptance and the reduction of pain and discrimination. [emoji173][emoji173][emoji173]
(Topic near and dear to my heart as I have gay and trans people in my family and friend group.) I sold this painting at a LGBTQ+ art show in Vancouver, and it now resides in Germany. It's called Proud Mama. Let us all be proud mamas.
Veronica
Stlah

[Shinshi]

Lovely painting (and sentiment), thank you for sharing.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Onki]

Hi Onki,

This has been an issue in some traditions that is hard to compute given the nature of the non-dual Dharma.

In the Korean tradition, the later incarnation of the Taego order came out of the necessity for ordained priests to remain priests because they were married. During Japanese rule of Korea at the time some priests were forced to marry and some chose to marry. Then when the Jogye order became the recognized order of the government, there were a displacement of married monks. So, Taego was formed and allows monks to marry. Both Jogye and Taego follow Pratimoksa vinaya of the Dharmaguptaka but the Taego order allows for bihiksu to choose if they want to be celibate. This seemed like a more liberal form of Korean Seon(Zen). But, bihiksuni female nuns must remain celibate while the males can choose. (I have heard that this was a decision by the nuns and not forced by male monastics, not sure if this is true). However, there are rules in place that those that are homosexual cannot marry nor should carry out a relationship if being ordained (The American arm of Taego has made some exceptions, I understand). Transgender folks are not allowed to ordain nor are people over the age of 55. There is also evidence of being prohibitive when it comes to those that are differently abled as well.

This order is an example of how these things are carried out in different traditions and cultures. I certainly do not agree with it, but I see that each tradition has a particular way of doing things. At Treeleaf, it is indeed a refuge because there are no restrictions like this. There is certainly a community of acceptance here and as Jundo points out whether male, female, ordained or not, we are all walking the same path. I am so glad that you are here and a part of the sangha and that you have this opportunity of ordination. I think there is a lot of evidence that Treeleaf is not stingy with the Dharma.

Gassho,

Daiman
St/LAH

Thanks Daiman

Gasshō,

Onki

Sat today

[aprapti]

hi Veronica,

what a beatiful painting! Thanks for sharing.


aprapti


sat

[Shonin Risa Bear]

Love the painting. I am an ordained MTF. Direct messages from anyone with questions are okay.

Screen Shot 2023-01-27 at 3.04.06 PM.jpg

gassho
ds sat/lah

[Bion]

Love the painting. I am an ordained MTF. Direct messages for anyone with questions are okay.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8196[/ATTACH]

gassho
ds sat/lah

[emoji3590][emoji3526]

[emoji1374] Sat Today

[Jundo]

Love the painting. I am an ordained MTF. Direct messages from anyone with questions are okay.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8196[/ATTACH]

gassho
ds sat/lah

Wonderful! We come in many changing forms, with many faces, sometimes even in the same body.

Gassho, J

stlah

[Tai Do]

This is one of the reasons I’m very proud to be part of this Sangha.
Lovely painting, Veronica.
Thank you for sharing your photos, Shonin.
Gassho,
Tai Do (Mateus)
Satlah

[Shonin Risa Bear]

This might be relevant here: not Zen, but, hey, Japan. https://matcha-jp.com/en/9828

gassho
ds sat and some lah

[Jundo]

This might be relevant here: not Zen, but, hey, Japan. https://matcha-jp.com/en/9828

gassho
ds sat and some lah