|
Many years ago I began to explore my connection to
Soto Buddhism. It has been a natural and subtle progression to move
from embracing the code of conduct of Yoga’s Yamas and Niyamas
to the deeper precepts of Buddhism.
On August 16th, 2005 I received the precepts from Dairyu Michael
Wenger in the traditional Jukai ceremony (Zen Buddhist lay ordination)
at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. I was honored to also have with
me, Danny Parker from Cocoa Beach, FL. who received the precepts
from Edward Espe Brown.
|
L to R Danny Parker,
Ed Brown, Michael Wenger, Bobbi Ponce-Barger
|
The precepts freely given and received on that day
were as follows:
I take refuge in Buddha
I take refuge in Dharma
I take refuge in Sangha
I vow to refrain from evil.
I vow to do what is good.
I vow to live for the benefit of all beings.
I resolve not to kill
but to cherish all life.
I resolve not to steal
but to honor the gift not yet given.
I resolve not to misuse sexuality
but to remain faithful in relationships.
I resolve not to lie
but to communicate the truth.
I resolve not to sell or use the wine and drugs of delusion
but to polish clarity.
I resolve not to dwell on the mistakes of others
but to create wisdom from ignorance.
I resolve not to praise myself and downgrade others
but to maintain modesty, putting others first.
I resolve not to withhold spiritual or material aid
but to share understanding, giving freely of self.
I resolve not to harbor ill will
but to dwell in equanimity.
I resolve not to abuse the Three Treasures.
in respecting the Buddha, unfolding the Dharma, nourishing the Sangha.
There were approximately 40 people in attendance for the 30 minute
ceremony. During the ceremony Danny and I both received Buddhist
names from our Zen teachers. Danny’s is Senkei Reigen –
Giving Spring, Sacred Ground and mine is Shinchi Inryu – Body
Wisdom, Hidden Dragon.”
The following were my words at the end of the ceremony:
I am grateful for Shogaku Shunryu Suzuki-roshi*
who long ago touched my heart/mind.
I am grateful to Zenkei Blanche Hartman who guided me in the sewing
of Buddha’s robe.
And I am grateful to Dairyu Michael Wenger who sits and “is”
the mountain. Thank you Great Dragon for helping me to enter the
gate, to this, my Dharma home.
Below are my favorite lines from the ceremony.
“You have returned to your original nature free from attachments
and limited ways. From now enlightenment is your teacher, Buddha
is your teacher, all being is your teacher. Do not put another head
on top of your own. This is the
path of mercy for all existence and things.”
*Shugaku Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971)
was the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center.
|
