We are committed to the practice of Zen meditation, Zen Buddhism, and a life guided by compassion.
We welcome everyone to our Temple and invite you to share the practice and learn with us. You do not have to be an official member of the Temple to practice with us and to be a part of our Sangha. You are welcome to participate in activities like samu (Temple cleaning), organizing overnight Sesshin, and helping with other tasks essential for the everyday functioning of the Temple. Your participation and support are important to us and we welcome your involvement.
If you would like to support the Temple with your actions, please let us know.
When you decide that you want to deepen your commitment to the Zen teachings and the Sangha, there are some options for you.
Below we offer descriptions of Jukai (receiving the precepts) and Zaike Tokudo (discipleship) ceremonies and their significance. The guidelines below are not comprehensive, and you will need to talk with your teacher for a fuller understanding. Because Jukai Tokudo and Zaike Tokudo ceremonies usually take place during Special Services, please inform your teacher about your intention at least one month ahead.
Jukai is a ceremony in which a lay practitioner formally takes refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, receives the Bodhisattva precepts, and vows to follow the Buddhist path, thus becoming a Zen Buddhist. Jukai signifies a deep commitment to practicing Zazen, upholding the precepts, and applying the Buddhist teachings to live in harmony with all beings.
We suggest the following guidelines before deciding to undertake Jukai:
- Zazen and the Bodhisattva vows are a foundation for your life.
- You want to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
- You wish to live in harmony with the Buddhist teachings and all beings.
- You wish to participate in a community dedicated to learning and practicing how to apply the Buddhist teachings to bring wisdom and compassion to this world.
- You have been practicing consistently with the ZBTC sangha for at least three months.
Please formally ask a Temple priest to receive the precepts and undertake Jukai at least one month before a special service. Make an appointment during which you make three bows and ask to receive the precepts.
The formal Jukai ceremony involves taking refuge in the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) and receiving the precepts, your Buddhist name, and wagesa. The wagesa is a strip of fabric joined by a knotted cord and is worn around the neck. It represents the kesa, or monk’s robe, and signifies formal entrance to the Sangha.
Since the Temple is small and solely supported by donations, a monthly donation of $75 is suggested. However, monthly donations are not required and you are welcome to contribute what you can afford.
Discipleship ceremonies are an expression of a deepening of service to the Sangha and Buddhadharma, and a formal commitment to the student-teacher relationship. The focus of one’s life truly and deeply shifts toward living the Bodhisattva vows for the benefit of all beings. This is not an enlightenment-seeking practice, but rather commitment to active participation in the Temple’s mission of making the Dharma available to all beings, with emphasis on teaching the practice of zazen and the Bodhisattva vows. You take personal responsibility for the well-being of the Sangha at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago.
The discipleship ceremony is not a priest ordination.
Please discuss in depth with your teacher, but here are some guidelines:
- Zazen and the Bodhisattva vows are a foundation for your life.
- You have gone through the Jukai ceremony and have been an active Sangha member for at least one year, being involved in Temple cleaning, and other supportive and organizational activities.
- You are committed to a lifetime of service to the wellbeing of the Sangha practicing at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago.
- Attend at least one zazen service each week, and one sesshin each month unless you have made alternate arrangements with your teacher.
Students have to initiate requesting to become a disciple. Teachers do not initiate discipleships.Please formally ask a Temple priest to become a disciple at least one month before a special service. Make an appointment during which you make three bows and ask to become a disciple.
The formal discipleship ceremony involves Sangemon (Purification) and Sankiemon (Three Treasures/Refuges), retaking the precepts, and receiving a rakusu. The officiate offers a sermon to explain the meaning of discipleship.
A donation is customary to cover the costs associated with the ceremony and to support the Temple. The Temple will be happy to assist you in covering any costs associated with the Discipleship Ceremony if you cannot afford it. It is our mission to help people root their lives in the Dharma and we do not want any financial burden to be a deterrent to entering the path.
Since the Temple is small and solely supported by donations, a monthly donation of $150 is suggested. However, monthly donations are not required and you are welcome to contribute what you can afford.
