Going Public

[Seiko]

Sorry for running long...

So for years my faith was hidden. If pressed I would tell people that I am a Buddhist, but I didn't shout it from the rooftops. I felt a level of oppression/suppression from being the fourth generation in a fiercely protestant family who believed their way was the only way. A few close friends knew. Only recently did I summon the confidence to go public on Facebook. It started me thinking - questioning why I had been this way. And making the step of being more open.

In the same vein, I am thinking of starting to wear my rakusu at university. Some of the other chaplains are easily identifiable by their clothes. This is good for students who are looking for a chaplain of a certain faith. But wearing exactly the same clothes as everyone else just makes me invisible. People in my university community are easily identified as Moslem, Hindu, Sikh, etc.

If I begin wearing my rakusu regularly on chaplaincy days, it will not be with the intention of showing off, but just to help folks find the Buddhist.

I would be interested in comments from this sangha before I make a firm decision on this?

Gasshō
Seiko
Stlah

[Jundo]

You know in your heart the reason to wear the Rakusu.

Are you "showing off," are you embodying what it represents?

I think I know you, Seiko. While there is always "pride" in something we might do (nothing wrong with a bit, I am sure that even Buddha and Dogen were sometimes a little proud of being Buddha and Dogen), I am sure that it is far far the latter.

You better get ready, because we are coming up to the time to announce that Ordinations are proceeding here.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[Kokuu]

If I begin wearing my rakusu regularly on chaplaincy days, it will not be with the intention of showing off, but just to help folks find the Buddhist.

I think this is lovely, Seiko, but I had been a Buddhist for around 15 years before coming to Zen and had no idea what a rakusu was! I don't think that wearing the rakusu is bad, but as an identifier, you might also want to add a badge saying 'Buddhist chaplain' which does not need someone to identify what a Buddhist symbol is.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[Koushi]

I second what Kokuu said. Purely as an identifier, it does a poor job to most. Please wear a badge or the sort just in case until it *is* considered an identifier for you.

As far as wearing it in public, I believe it’s a wonderful thing, and I never leave my home without at least the rakusu in tow or wearing it anywhere it won’t risk getting dirty. I wore it to the eye doctor this past Wednesday and no one batted an eye.

Gassho,
Koushi
STLaH

[Bion]

I say, WONDERFUL. The Okesa was meant for that, to identify the followers of the Buddha and it serves as a continuous reminder of our vows, the Precepts and eventually, Home Leaving. Thich Nhat Hanh spoke once about the importance of people seeing the robe, identifying it and pondering on its meaning. I can confirm, what Koushi said, and others around here will also be able to confirm what an impact it can have on others to see the robe though they may kot even know what it is or means. Besides, the rakusu is PRECISELY for that: traveling, working, doing regular things. It is the purpose of the 5 panel okesa. As a purely personal opinion, I’d say: if you feel inclined to do that, do that wholeheartedly. [emoji1]

Sorry for AGAIN running over the three sentences

[emoji1374] Sat Today

[Jundo]

...

If I begin wearing my rakusu regularly on chaplaincy days, it will not be with the intention of showing off, but just to help folks find the Buddhist.

It made me laugh. This is, in my heart, almost exactly the SAME reason that I took my Kesa and Rakusu OFF today!

To help folks find the Buddhist.

Jundo: Taking Off the Priest's Robe, the Kesa (for Awhile) ... A Protest ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?21506-Jundo-Taking-Off-the-Priest-s-Robe-the-Kesa-%28for-Awhile%29-A-Protest

Gassho, J

SatLah

[Naiko]

People who have never seen a Rakusu may be curious about it. This could be a lovely conversation starter.
Gassho,
Naiko
st lah

[Shonin Risa Bear]

In 2013, my son and spouse were at the grocery store. Son spotted a rakusu and said, wow, Buddhists! They had a conversation with the couple and this led to my being where I am today.

gassho
ds sat this morning

[Nengei]

If you are engaged in practice, not doing anything defiling or damaging to the Rakusu, and it is safe to do so, then wearing the Robe of Liberation is wholly appropriate. It is helpful in keep your intentions on the Eightfold Path, and a sign to those who know that you are walking this road. It is not meant as an identifier, per se, but it does identify, again, to those who know. Our nyohō-e style rakusu is perhaps less eye-catching than other styles, but no less precious, meaningful or representative. It means you are trying, doing, putting into action your practice. As with most things, you will be more conscious of it than probably most other people. Worn consistently, it may help people remember that you are a person to whom they can turn and trust with their struggles and celebrations.

In your role as a chaplain, being visible is essential to being available. Perhaps good questions are How do I want to represent myself and my practice to this community? and What are the different ways I could consistently show and remind people of my role in this place? This might help you in considering how best to do that.

Gassho,
Nengei
Sat today. LAH.

[Houzan]

Can’t say it better than what has already been said.

But, are there any downsides to wearing it at the university? Any social/ reputation/ relationship risks?

Gassho, Michael
Satlah

[Shinshi]

I think it is a lovely idea to wear it, while still treating it with respect.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Tokan]

Hey all

For my part I have worn my rakusu at work (mental health nurse) but under my shirt or sweater, as it would not be appropriate to wear religious symbols during client interviews - balance of power and all that. For me it would just be the setting that would deem it appropriate. Nonetheless, I think it is a wonderful idea as I expect many would be curious and it would create opportunities to talk about the dharma. It is an issue I have given thought to as well as there may be an opportunity for me to do chaplaincy at the local charity hospital that is soon to open. I'm sure whatever you decide will be the right decision!

Gassho, Tokan

satlah

[Jundo]

Such lovely responses. I love it when folks have the gifts to express things better than I can manage. Lovely.

I will just add that I do not wear the Rakusu most places, although I could. I wear it when it seems appropriate. Some priests wear it as their daily clothing, complete with Samu-e or other traditional clothes. Some only when the situation is right (Nishijima Roshi was sponsored by a man who owned a cosmetics company, and gave Nishijima Roshi an office in their building to do his translations. Usually, Nishijima Roshi wore a business suit without Rakusu in that office. However, when it came time to lead Zazen for the company employees, he would put on a full Kesa over his business shirt and tie, or a Rakusu to give a lecture.)

Here are some of the many "looks" of Nishijima Roshi ...

Gudo Nishijima.jpgceremonie.jpgGudo_Nishijima_093.jpgtsuku.jpgNishijima_Sensei_90_1-300x225.jpgtsuku0.jpgtsukupng.png

Gassho, J

stlah

[Shinshi]

Thank you for sharing those Jundo, I love seeing pictures of him.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Seiko]

My heart is touched by all the kind replies here. I don't know what I expected, but I am so very grateful for the replies I have received.

This Sangha is a beautiful place to be.

Gasshō
Seiko
stlah