Commitments
Jukai: Becoming a Buddhist
Those who decide to formally “enter the Buddha’s family,” may participate in Jukai, the ceremony of taking the Buddhist precepts. After receiving Jukai (generally offered twice a year) and becoming a formal student, one may then choose to take the step of sewing or, if necessary, ordering a rakusu—the abbreviated “buddha-robe” worn around the neck. It is up to the student to initiate the conversation about receiving a rakusu with one’s formal teacher in dokusan.
Becoming a Formal Student
Members who wish to become even more involved and to deepen their commitment to practice may also explore in dokusan the possibility of becoming a formal student of one or both Windhorse teachers. Once accepted as a formal student, one participates in a ceremony with the teacher. This involves mutual acknowledgement of commitment to the Three Treasures: Buddha—one’s own Original Nature as well as to all who have brought forth and sustained this teaching; Dharma—the teaching and practice of the Buddha Way; and Sangha—specifically the Windhorse community of practitioners, and more broadly the larger community of all who are working to awaken to their deepest nature, and to live in harmony with it. In the fullest sense, sangha refers to all beings.
This New Student ceremony affirms an already existing relationship between teacher and student, one established by working together over time. It honors a felt karmic affinity and trust, and encourages greater honesty and openness in the teacher-student connection.
Lay Ordination
At the heart of ordination in our Zen lineage is the spirit of practice and commitment to the sangha which a person has demonstrated over a number of years. What we are offering at Windhorse is a three-year ordination commitment, with the possibility of extending that by renewing one’s vows.
The first year is a novitiate period, after which a person may choose to withdraw, or to continue for two more years. Following this initial three-year period, one may make another three-year commitment or, in some instances, may then make an on-going lifetime commitment.
The primary consideration for ordination is the spirit and maturity of practice that someone has demonstrated over time. In making decisions regarding a person’s readiness to begin the ordination process, the Windhorse teachers will take into account the following criteria:
One needs to have been a formal, active member of Windhorse for at least two years. This includes various offerings of sangha support and service, and consistent participation in weekly sittings (in-person and/or online) and dokusan.
One needs to be a seasoned participant of Windhorse sesshins, with full-time attendance of at least two 7-day sesshins per year.
As an expression of one’s commitment to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, one needs to have received Jukai.
One needs to be a formal student of one or both teachers for as specific period of time, as determined by the teacher(s).