ANNOUNCEMENT:
Dear All,
It is a good time for transitions and changes for Fugen, with his upcoming wedding and new son. Fugen will be retiring from Priest Training because of personal reasons and circumstances that have made it impossible, over a long period of time, for him to meet the needs of Training that I mentioned in my recent video talk. Ultimately, it is my decision.
SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Who Is a Priest ...
There are certain things that have to be embodied and mastered in Priest Training, and it is not always possible for everyone for many reasons. However, I want to find a way for Fugen to remain a treasured and honored member of this Sangha, active participant and friend to all of us. I hope that he will serve in other ways. Perhaps in the West there is too much emphasis on priests training to be "Teachers" who deliver talks about the Dharma, hold ceremonies, lead Zen groups and have their own students. Fugen will not be an authorized Teacher. will not deliver Dharma Talks, will not be authorized to bestow the Precepts on others, lead rituals, guide a group as a priest or have his own formal students in or outside this Sangha. He will not be authorized to Ordain others nor authorize anyone else as a Buddhist Teacher. It is not even clear that Fugen will remain a "Zen Priest" in the traditional sense, and I leave that an open question for now. In any event, the hard borders between "priest and lay, male and female" are rather transparent in this Sangha. I know that he will remain a beloved and friendly face around here, and we will see what the future holds. He says that he is happy to continue being "Just Fugen". I believe that and do too.
I have had Fugen take time away from Treeleaf to let the changes settle and to come to terms with it all. That also is my decision and expectation. I know he will focus on his wedding and new family for now, and I hope to have him around here again soon.
Gassho, Jundo
SatToday
Dear All,
It is a good time for transitions and changes for Fugen, with his upcoming wedding and new son. Fugen will be retiring from Priest Training because of personal reasons and circumstances that have made it impossible, over a long period of time, for him to meet the needs of Training that I mentioned in my recent video talk. Ultimately, it is my decision.
SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Who Is a Priest ...
There are certain things that have to be embodied and mastered in Priest Training, and it is not always possible for everyone for many reasons. However, I want to find a way for Fugen to remain a treasured and honored member of this Sangha, active participant and friend to all of us. I hope that he will serve in other ways. Perhaps in the West there is too much emphasis on priests training to be "Teachers" who deliver talks about the Dharma, hold ceremonies, lead Zen groups and have their own students. Fugen will not be an authorized Teacher. will not deliver Dharma Talks, will not be authorized to bestow the Precepts on others, lead rituals, guide a group as a priest or have his own formal students in or outside this Sangha. He will not be authorized to Ordain others nor authorize anyone else as a Buddhist Teacher. It is not even clear that Fugen will remain a "Zen Priest" in the traditional sense, and I leave that an open question for now. In any event, the hard borders between "priest and lay, male and female" are rather transparent in this Sangha. I know that he will remain a beloved and friendly face around here, and we will see what the future holds. He says that he is happy to continue being "Just Fugen". I believe that and do too.
I have had Fugen take time away from Treeleaf to let the changes settle and to come to terms with it all. That also is my decision and expectation. I know he will focus on his wedding and new family for now, and I hope to have him around here again soon.
Gassho, Jundo
SatToday
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