Jukai
Jukai is the ceremony of officially becoming a Zen Buddhist, taking the sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts, and committing to practicing them in everyday life. Jukai taken after some years of practicing with the community, establishing a relationship with one of the teachers, and taking part in sesshin. This page describes the basic process of taking Jukai, more detailed information can be obtained from your Dharma teacher.
Preparing for Jukai
Taking Refuge or receiving Jukai is the ceremony of officially becoming a Zen Buddhist and taking on the practice of the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts. The time it takes to prepare for Jukai varies from a minimum of six months to several years. Each person is encouraged to go at their own pace and fully explore each part of this process.
A Japanese Dharma name is determined by the teacher and revealed to the student as part of the Jukai Ceremony. This name captures the qualities and aspirations of the student observed by their teacher. There is no obligation to actively use one’s Dharma name, though many in the community do.
Minimum of two years of practice with the community and ZCO membership
Practicing with the community clarifies the basic teachings, gives time to find stability in practice, and provides opportunities to connect with teachers and community members.
ZCO membership is a major source of financial support for the community. There is no minimum contribution level required to take Jukai, though members are encouraged to select a level that matches resources.
Complete the Five Precepts Ceremony
Jukai extends commitments beyond the five precepts for ethical living, which are included in and elaborate on the sixteen precepts. Hence, the completion of the Five Precepts Ceremony is a requisite for Jukai.
Have a Sazen Relationship with a ZCO Teacher
Zen practice requires a relationship with a teacher, who offers specific guidance and support in deepening practice. A student clarifies with their teacher an intention to take Jukai over time. and when ready, guides them through the process. Requesting permission from a teacher is a formal requirement of Jukai. The teacher typically is present for or presides over in the Jukai ceremony. Scheduling for the Jukai Ceremony is done through their teacher. If you do not have a specific teacher, you can learn more about ZCO teachers here. The best way to get to know teachers is by attending the regular Dharma offering through the calendar page.
Have a Home Practice
Consistent meditation is the cornerstone of Zen practice and a consistent home practice is required to take Jukai. If you are new to practice, guidance on establishing a home practice can be found here. There are daily on-line Dharma offerings to support home practice on the calendar page.
Long Retreat (Sesshin)
Students taking Jukai must participate in at least one week-long sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery. Sesshin is a traditional container for intensive training Zen training. Each month there is a sesshin with a specific theme on the calendar page. Many ZCO teachers lead sesshin offerings throughout the year, which provide an opportunity to deepen the student-teacher relationship.
Created a Lineage Chart (Kechimyaku)
Zen teachings are transmitted from student-to-teacher in a lineage that stretches back twenty-five hundred years. A Kechimayaku is an hand-written document that chronicles dharma transmission from Shakyamuni Buddha to one’s teacher. The document is provided to the teacher, who completes it and returns it to the student as part of the Jukai ceremony. This document has a specific format and typically takes half a day at either Heart of Wisdom or Great Vow. Your teacher will provide detailed information how to complete this document.
Sew a Rakusu
A Rakusu is a miniature version of a priests robe that identifies a student as having taken Jukai. It is a complex garment sewn by hand. It typically takes least two months to complete. The inside of the rokusu is a panel of white linen, where the teacher writes. The student must deliver their rakusu completed at least two weeks prior to the Jukai Ceremony. Sewing groups and individual help are available, so please ask for assistance.
Kits are available through ZenWorks and can be picked up at Great Vow or delivered to Heart of Wisdom. Sewing instructions can be found here.
Create a Vow Plaque
Create a plaque or stone representing the student’s vow to live by the precepts or spiritual aspirations. This can contain a personally relevant message or image to be placed at the Shrine of Vows at Great Vow or the Jizo Garden at Heart of Wisdom.
Complete Required Classes
The following classes are offered at least twice a year at Heart of Wisdom and as part of the residential training program at Great Vow. Check the Calendar for specific dates.
Basics of Buddhism (Series of 5 Classes) or Foundations: These courses provide background on the Buddhist outlook, terminology, historical context and basics of Zen Practice.
Lineage and Robes (One video class): This class offers background on the meaning of robes in the Zen tradition and provides background on the ZCO lineage and various dharma ancestors.
Sixteen Precepts (Series of 6 classes): This course explores the sixteen precepts in a small cohort with a ZCO teacher. This course includes daily Precept reflections and writing assignment described below.
Daily Precept Reflection & Writings
Each person taking Jukai must express their understanding of the 10 Grave Precepts in writing. What does each precept mean to you? There should be 10 distinct paragraphs or pages written in the 1st person. Send these to your teacher for comments on a weekly basis. This is often done while taking the Precept Classes.
All 10 need to be delivered to the teacher at least two week prior to Jukai.
Accommodations:
If there are any questions about completing any of these requirements, please talk with the teacher you are working with or the Precept Facilitator.
When requesting to take Jukai at Heart of Wisdom, please ask the Teacher who you will be working with to complete this process. The Teacher may give permission but will also ask the Preceptor if there are any concerns. The Preceptor and Teacher will work together to prepare you for Jukai and will perform the ceremony. The Preceptor and Teacher could be the same person.