Dear All,
I am very pleased to announce to you a truly historical undertaking here at Treeleaf Sangha. I am announcing it here first, within our Treeleaf Community, so that we may discuss the project, and hear your comments and suggestions, before I make a formal public announcement sometime in the coming weeks. I believe that this endeavor is truly historical because, in my belief, nothing like it has ever been attempted in Soto Zen Buddhism with any gravitas. Nor would it have been possible at any time through the centuries until the availability of the technology and resources that we have today, allowing us to meet 'Face-to-Face' from wherever we are. It is meant as an opportunity for those who have known health, disability or equivalent life challenges to answer a calling to Zen Priesthood, an open door that previously has been closed and locked to such individuals.
Here is how the MONASTERY of OPEN DOORS is described:
Today, as in centuries past, it is nearly impossible for individuals facing difficult life obstacles to be ordained and trained for the Buddhist priesthood. People in these circumstances often are unable to travel, or to take up residency in physically demanding training programs. We believe such conditions keep countless sincere, dedicated individuals who would make good Zen priests from having the opportunity to ordain because of their personal situation. In fact, the very challenges such people live with every day can serve the intentions of priest training, honing wisdom and compassion in Zen practice. Illness and other hardships may be life’s most powerful koan, and a hospital bed, wheelchair, or wherever one must be can be a monastery.
The Monastery of Open Doors (a program of Treeleaf Zendo, a Soto Zen Buddhist Sangha) offers a welcoming environment for people who have:
... If you, or someone you know, feels a calling to priesthood in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition, but are prevented from pursuing this path for the reasons we have described, we invite you to our community at Treeleaf Zendo, and to apply to be considered for The Monastery of Open Doors program.
The Monastery of Open Doors (a program of Treeleaf Zendo, a Soto Zen Buddhist Sangha) offers a welcoming environment for people who have:
- long felt a calling to ordination as a Soto Zen Buddhist priest and a role of service to others;
- 10 years or more of demonstrated, devoted, and consistent Zen practice as a lay person in the Soto Zen Buddhist Tradition; and
- the willingness and dedication to undertake training as a novice Zen priest; but who have
- an inability to join in standard, residential priest-training programs at traditional monasteries or Zen centers because of poor health, disability, advanced age, or equivalent life challenges that would prevent one from participating in such a residential program.
... If you, or someone you know, feels a calling to priesthood in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition, but are prevented from pursuing this path for the reasons we have described, we invite you to our community at Treeleaf Zendo, and to apply to be considered for The Monastery of Open Doors program.
Training will be neither quick, nor hurried. Like training in any Soto Zen monastery, it is a rigorous, multi-year process, meant for truly dedicated individuals who consider the priesthood a lifetime path. No fast shortcut to credentialing as a priest should be expected. There are, in fact, no guarantees of completion or advancement offered at any stage, let alone eventual authorization as an independent priest or teacher. If, however, you are sincere in your efforts, trying to do what you can, and making a consistent effort over time, we will work with you to provide this training even amidst your other life responsibilities related to health, limitations on your physical or cognitive abilities, duties to care for others, your family, childcare, and the time constraints of your job.
If you would like to read more about the details of this program, and its requirements, we have further information here:
Please note that there is no charge for this program, which is being provided freely as a service to the Zen community by Treeleaf Sangha and its teachers. No financial donation will be requested or required from participants. The true ‘donation’ being asked of participants is simply their energy, dedication to training, and focus on helping others.
Gassho, Jundo
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