Sangha-kai Graduation

October 25, 2009


This graduation ceremony marks the completion of a special three year training program with Hogen and Chozen Roshi. Having completed this program, the graduates received new rokusus and the title "Community Zen Leader".

The graduates were:

Abby Mushin Terris

 
Larry Fuho Trussell
   
Kim Hoben Hansen
   
Nancy Kodo Conover
   

During the ceremony before each graduate received their rokusu they were asked to present their understanding by giving a spontaneous talk.

 

Hoben giving his talk.

   
Kodo giving her talk
   
Fuho receiving his rokusu.
   
The ceremony also honored Fran Jikei Eager, the only graduate of the previous Sangha-kai program.
   

At the end of the ceremony the Sangha-kai graduates presented Chozen and Hogen Roshi with new rokusus, and a verse they wrote collectively.

 

The verse is offered below in its entirety.

   
   

In Gratitude for Sangha-kai

In the quiet of morning, in the noise of our lives

We take refuge on the kindness and generosity of our Teachers,

And offer this appreciation:

In gratitude for the teachings

revealing this world as a dream,

and shaping our intentions,

we shift from serving self to serving all.

Holding awareness of what is,

we clarify our daily life and

offer ourselves to the Buddha Way.

In gratitude for the patience that has been shown,

patience which purifies the suffering of the world,

and illumines samsara and nirvana,

patience which exposes our self-doubt,

and nourishes our confidence and faith,

we offer ourselves to the Dharma.

In gratitude for the example that is lived,

wasting nothing in this life here and now,

we practice letting go of fixed views

holding no opinions, nor returning ill-will

accepting adversity, seeking nothing,

following the Dharma

we offer ourselves to the Sangha.

Therefore,

We vow to serve all beings, knowing that everyone we meet is nothing but ourselves.

We vow to see our own failings, working with them without judgment.

We vow to use all practice opportunities, seeing that wisdom flows toward us at every moment.

We vow to embody the teachings, through ceaseless appreciation of this life.

©2006 Zen Community of Oregon
Updated: December 3, 2009
Designed by Michelle Bagley