Taking vows

[EdwardJ]

Hello all,

I apologize if this question has been asked and answered before. I’m new to the forum, and I have never had the opportunity to officially take vows as a zen Buddhist. So I was wondering… Is this something that Treeleaf has done before for those that want to take vows as a zen practitioner?

Gassho,
Edward

satToday

[Kotei]

Hi Edward,

beginning in September, we reflect on the Precepts and sew a Rakusu (small Kesa) together.
After that, there will be a Jukai, taking the vows, ceremony in early January.
You'd be very welcome to join in.

You can find last year's preparations here: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...Y-SEWING-FORUM

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[EdwardJ]

Hi Edward,

beginning in September, we reflect on the Precepts and sew a Rakusu (small Kesa) together.
After that, there will be a Jukai, taking the vows, ceremony in early January.
You'd be very welcome to join in.

You can find last year's preparations here: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...Y-SEWING-FORUM

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Kotei,

Thank you so much! I will most certainly and gratefully join. Thank you also for the sewing resource.


A grateful gassho,
Edward


satToday

[Jundo]

Hi Edward,

You are more than welcome to do so if it feels right to you. Here is what I always post to folks who ask ...

Our Jukai preparations start each September for the ceremony in January, with reflections and study on each of the Precepts and sewing a Rakusu, and you are more than welcome to join in if it feels right to you.

However, in my book, the most important thing is -not- the ceremony itself, which alone works no magic by itself. The ceremony is just a celebration and affirmation of our seeking to live gently, and to learn from the Buddhist teachings, right now and each day. The ceremony just celebrates and confirms that fact. More important is that you do your best, today, to live gently in a way helpful and healthy to oneself and others (who are "not two," by the way), avoiding harm such as excess desires, anger, violence, jealousy, ugly speech and the like. That is the real Jukai, undertaking the Precepts, each day.


Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[EdwardJ]

Hi Edward,

You are more than welcome to do so if it feels right to you. Here is what I always post to folks who ask ...

Our Jukai preparations start each September for the ceremony in January, with reflections and study on each of the Precepts and sewing a Rakusu, and you are more than welcome to join in if it feels right to you.

However, in my book, the most important thing is -not- the ceremony itself, which alone works no magic by itself. The ceremony is just a celebration and affirmation of our seeking to live gently, and to learn from the Buddhist teachings, right now and each day. The ceremony just celebrates and confirms that fact. More important is that you do your best, today, to live gently in a way helpful and healthy to oneself and others (who are "not two," by the way), avoiding harm such as excess desires, anger, violence, jealousy, ugly speech and the like. That is the real Jukai, undertaking the Precepts, each day.


Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Dear Roshi,

Thank you for the reply! I take what you say very seriously and my full intent is on the way of life as you described so succinctly. Thank you for the reminder of the real. I would very much like to participate with you all when the time comes. Until then, I suppose I should enjoy getting to know and learn from you all.


Gassho,
edward

satToday

[ZenKen]

Hi Edward,

You are more than welcome to do so if it feels right to you. Here is what I always post to folks who ask ...

Our Jukai preparations start each September for the ceremony in January, with reflections and study on each of the Precepts and sewing a Rakusu, and you are more than welcome to join in if it feels right to you.

However, in my book, the most important thing is -not- the ceremony itself, which alone works no magic by itself. The ceremony is just a celebration and affirmation of our seeking to live gently, and to learn from the Buddhist teachings, right now and each day. The ceremony just celebrates and confirms that fact. More important is that you do your best, today, to live gently in a way helpful and healthy to oneself and others (who are "not two," by the way), avoiding harm such as excess desires, anger, violence, jealousy, ugly speech and the like. That is the real Jukai, undertaking the Precepts, each day.


Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Dear Jundo and Treeleaf
I joined this sangha a few months ago and then life decided to become interesting for me in a variety of unpleasant ways and I ... lost touch with my practice. At the very time I needed it!
Today I want to make a commitment to my practice going forward and would like to participate in the Ango beginning in September. I'm not sure if I'll take Jukai this time, but I'd like the option to be there.
I look forward to reconnecting and sitting zazen with you.
Gassho
Anna
SatToday

[Jundo]

You are more than welcome, Anna, should this feel right ... to join Ango or Jukai or both together.

Gassho, Jundo

STlah

[ZenKen]

[Chikyou]

I, too, plan to participate in Ango this year. I am undecided about Jukai, both because I know I have much more to learn and because I am unsure about my current fitness for 4 hour Zazenkai and a 2 day retreat. I am, however, eager to study the precepts and look forward to Jukai in the future.

Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly

[Bion]

I, too, plan to participate in Ango this year. I am undecided about Jukai, both because I know I have much more to learn and because I am unsure about my current fitness for 4 hour Zazenkai and a 2 day retreat. I am, however, eager to study the precepts and look forward to Jukai in the future.

Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly

Just remember that we work to accommodate everyone, so sittings can be broken into sessions, zazenkai can be attended with the recording ( also, just between us, the 4 hour one sounds intimidating but it is really isn’t.. [emoji1] )
As long as you wholeheartedly do your best, it is always sufficient! So, don’t let fear stop you ! Remember there’s a whole sangha behind you offering support [emoji3526] [emoji1374]

Sorry for running long, everyone!

Sat Today [emoji1374]

[Meian]

I, too, plan to participate in Ango this year. I am undecided about Jukai, both because I know I have much more to learn and because I am unsure about my current fitness for 4 hour Zazenkai and a 2 day retreat. I am, however, eager to study the precepts and look forward to Jukai in the future.

Hi Kelly,

As Bion mentioned, there are ways to accommodate people's abilities, health, schedules, etc.

It is good to make ample use of the recordings for Zazenkai and sittings (I do!). Parts of Rohatsu are recorded, as is Jukai and other special events. This is especially helpful when health, schedules, or other issues do not allow us to attend live.

Do what you can, don't stress over what isn't possible. [emoji120]

Sorry to run long. [emoji120]

Gassho2, meian stlh

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[Meian]

I, too, plan to participate in Ango this year. I am undecided about Jukai, both because I know I have much more to learn and because I am unsure about my current fitness for 4 hour Zazenkai and a 2 day retreat. I am, however, eager to study the precepts and look forward to Jukai in the future.

Sorry for an extra post -- don't worry about "not knowing enough" for Jukai. That is what the season of Ango is for, which begins in September every year. [emoji4] It is a supportive community time of study and practice, and it is always your decision. [emoji120]

Gassho2, meian stlh

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[Chikyou]

You guys are awesome. I love this place.

I hadn't considered breaking up the Zazenkai or retreat. I have been sitting the 1.5 hour Zazenkai and my back and neck are super tight by the end! I do use the recordings as my work schedule doesn't allow me to sit live - but it doesn't feel like I'm behind everyone else either.

Sorry to run long
Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly

[ZenKen]

Thank you Bion and Meian for the clarifications. This was something I was unsure about too, as my timezone means I can't attend the weekly or monthly zazenkai.

Gassho
Anna
SatToday

[Meian]

Treeleaf YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/treeleafzendo

Gassho2, meian

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