Lay Ordination

Lay Ordination Ceremony, 1999

This year there will be an opportunity at Compassionate Ocean to formally receive the Bodhisattva Precepts (Jukai) from Rev. Genpo O’Neal. This is a practice, a process, and a ceremony often referred to as Lay Ordination.

The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts include the Three Refuges, the Three Collective Pure Precepts, and the Ten Prohibitory Precepts. These are signposts of the Buddha Way as transmitted in Soto Zen. They have multiple levels of meaning, and can serve as a strong support as we navigate our lives in harmony with all beings and things.

Lay ordination involves a number of elements. The first is to meet with Genpo to discuss lay ordination and to formally request receiving the precepts. Over the following months there will be group and individual study of the precepts. There will also be hand-sewing of a rakusu, a small version of Buddha’s robe, in a group with a sewing instructor. Finally, there will be a weekend practice time together that will include the formal Jukai ceremony, a sangha event.

For further information, please contact Genpo.

The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts

The Three Refuges

I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dharma.
I take refuge in the Sangha.

The Three Collective Pure Precepts

I will refrain from cultivating the unwholesome.
I will cultivate the wholesome.
I will save all sentient beings.

The Ten Prohibitory Precepts

I take up the way of not killing.

I take up the way of not taking that which is not given.

I take up the way of not misusing sexuality.

I take up the way of not speaking falsely.

I take up the way of not giving or taking intoxicants.

I take up the way of not speaking ill of others.

I take up the way of not praising myself while blaming others.

I take up the way of not begrudging the bestowal of Dharma.

I take up the way of not indulging in anger.

I take up the way of not disparaging the great truth of the Triple Treasure.