Brad Warner on ordination

[Ryumon]

Some interesting thoughts on something that's been on my mind lately:

http://hardcorezen.info/ordination-and-stuff/2437

"People have asked what it means to be ordained as a Zen priest. The best answer I can give is I don’t know. I was ordained by Nishijima Roshi many years ago. But he never sat me down and told me what it was supposed to mean. He seemed to feel that I could work that out for myself. Whatever questions I asked him about it were met with answers from him that boiled down to, “You will figure it out.”"

[Jundo]

Lovely!

And I love Brad's Rakusus ...




Gassho, J

[Emmet]

At "Beginner's Night" meditation class recently, someone asked what rank or status was conferred by the rakuzu. I replied, "That of servant."

[Jiken]

At "Beginner's Night" meditation class recently, someone asked what rank or status was conferred by the rakuzu. I replied, "That of servant."

Deep bows. I will remember this.

Gassho

Daido

[Taigu]

Excellently put, Piobair. I always say that a priest is like something for all sentient beings to walk on. No special dignity. No rank. Nothing.

thank you for that reminder

gassho

Taigu


Soto Daiji and Shisho example as sent by Taigu.JPG

[Kyonin]

At "Beginner's Night" meditation class recently, someone asked what rank or status was conferred by the rakuzu. I replied, "That of servant."

Like Dosho says, wearing a rakusu is like wearing an apron. "How can I be of service?"

Thank you.

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Kokuu]

At "Beginner's Night" meditation class recently, someone asked what rank or status was conferred by the rakuzu. I replied, "That of servant."

Really like this, Piobair.

Excellent article by Brad too. Thank you for the share, Kirk.

Gassho
Andy

[Myosha]

Hello,

"You will figure it out out."

Ain't it the truth.

Thank you.


Gassho,
Edward

[Dosho]

Yes, they certainly represent Brad well.

I was surprised that the rakusus didn't have a ring.

Gassho,
Dosho

Lovely!

And I love Brad's Rakusus ...




Gassho, J

[Myozan Kodo]

Gassho

[Genshin]

At "Beginner's Night" meditation class recently, someone asked what rank or status was conferred by the rakuzu. I replied, "That of servant."

Good to be reminded of this. Thank you, Piobair.

Thanks for the share, Kirk.

Gassho
Matt

[Taigu]

hi Dosho,

rakusu of the nyohoe style, for lay people or priests NEVER have rings...

And if you get your rakusu from a monk shop, it will ALWAYS have a ring.

So ring is nothing to do with priesthood, but rather Japanese fashion.

gassho


Taigu

[Ryumon]

A "monk shop?" That exists?


(Posted from my iPhone; please excuse any typos or brevity.)

[Myosha]

Thank you.


Gassho,
Edward

[Shinzan]

Monk shops do exist. The one I visited, Matsumotoya in Kyoto, was amazing. All the textiles, gold ornaments, doodads, bells (no whistles) and very expensive okesas you can imagine. Sit down and share tea while you develop your order. Their catalog is 300 pages, color glossy, but sadly all in Japanese. Temple standards/fashion seems complicated.

Craving arising. Heehee

My thanks too to Piobair, for the "rakusu = servant" metaphor. I've also heard the okesa referred to as a sign that says "bring your suffering here."
Shinzan