Lotus Zen Temple provides opportunities for anyone (not only monastics) to take the Precepts and lay ordination, to become a Dharma teacher (Fashi), or an Upasaka (meditation leader). Since Lotus Zen Temple is not a monastery, our teachers and practitioners engage in Zen practice while leading an ordinary domestic life.
Lotus Zen Temple offers various training programs for spiritual growth, personal enrichment or temple related functions. These programs offer practical education, in which students can experience a combination of studies and hands-on training. It is designed for people, who aspire to become more advanced Zen students. Before acceptance into a training program, each candidate is carefully evaluated and, if admitted, will be given a personalized training plan.
Some individuals desire to become meditation leaders, teachers or priests. For some, the motive is for personal empowerment – to gain status, influence, dominance in a group. This is not an appropriate motivation for anyone with spiritual aspirations. Instead, first and foremost there must be a dominant desire for spiritual growth. With sufficient spiritual labor an interest naturally arises to serve others. Such service may include assisting in the temple affairs, performing outreach ministries, and helping others in their spiritual pursuits.
Initial Step
Please ask for an interview with the temple priest. Upon acceptance for an ordination program you need to to present a short Curriculum Vitae or your Résumé, as well as other pertinent background details. For taking the Buddhist Precepts, you only need to present is your identity details.
Taking the Precepts
If not a formal Zen student, a candidate will have been at least an active member with Lotus Zen Temple for an extended period of time
before the Five Zen Buddhist Precepts** (listed below) ought to be taken.
A candidate should have general knowledge about Buddhism, a sincere desire to meditate in the style of Zen, readiness to follow the Five Precepts as best as possible, demonstrate moral integrity.
Though not required, candidates may wish to make a commitment with a monthly pledge or a one-time offering at their discretion. The Khata1 is given to the brief ceremony.
Please note that taking the Five Precepts is not the same as full lay ordination.
Candidates will have demonstrated -- after having taken the Buddhist Precepts -- advanced personal meditation practice and a desire to devote themselves in the service of the Triple Gem: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
This program offers advanced training in Zen meditation and Zen Buddhism for those, who intend to lead Zen mediation groups as an authorized Upasaka (meditation leader). They are often temple assistants or may eventually lead their own meditation groups.
Module The program consists of both personal study elements and practice classes at the temple. Generally, Upasaka training could take between a few months to a year, depending on the student’s prior practice, commitment and spiritual growth. A Certificate of Completion (for personal purposes only) is issued by the temple at the end of the program.
Curriculum
1. Enter the specific training program outlined for Doan or Upasaka. 2. Commit to daily practice of zazen and communicate with the teacher how the practice is progressing (regular Dokusan). 3. Study an assigned number of books, one at a time, as determined and directed by the teacher, and discuss the contents of each chapter with the teacher. 4. Lead a Dharma talk at the temple under the preparation, guidance and supervision of the master. 5. Attend at least two retreats or events (other than regular meditation) per year as offered at the temple. 6. Attend at least one sitting (zazen), including Dokusan, per week at the temple. 7. The teacher may add additional tasks and requirements as deemed useful for the student’s progress.
Completing the curriculum requirements does not necessarily entitle the student to be certificated for Upasaka. All final evaluation, assessment and decision rest with the master and/or the temple council. There is no set tuition for this training. It is appreciated and appropriate when students make a commitment to the program with a monthly temple support at their discretion.
The newly ordained Upasaka will receive either the one-paneled Kesa or a Rakusu during the ceremony. Please see theMembers Area page for details.
