Not everyone wants to take the path of becoming a monk or a Zen priest such as a Sensei or Roshi. However, Genpo Roshi has ordained over 500 men and women to become Zen monks and a number of them have gone on to become a Sensei or Roshi and have established their own Zen Teaching Centers in North America and Europe. 

If this does interest and inspire you we can definitely guide you through the process. For more information on how to go about this contact Bruce here.

We also keep records of everyone who has received various empowerments like Jukai, Shukke Tokudo or Shiho. You can see those records here.

For the vast majority of people, many thousands who have studied with Kanzeon Big Mind, Zen practice is something that they have incorporated into their lives as a way of better appreciating and supporting their lives as parents, co-workers, and members of their local communities. This is a very important way for Zen principles and practices to become embedded in the social fabric of modern Western life to the benefit of all. 

Our regular classes and events are therefore mostly focused on showing how our practice is relevant to, and beneficial for, daily life and not so much on the formal procedures and ceremonies that accompany most Buddhist Monasteries and training centers. You will have opportunities to witness and participate in services and ceremonies if you wish but these are not required to bring Zen into your life as a useful tool. The Buddha is not a God and he is not worshipped but rather is honored for the insights of his enlightenment and for the teachings that have been passed down to us. The ceremonies and services we do are directed toward bringing peace and harmony to all beings through the efforts of all of us, individually and as a community.

Jukai

Literally, "To Receive the Precepts". The student makes vows to uphold the Buddhist Precepts and to enter formal practice. The student sews a garment called a Rakusu which represents the Buddha's robe and symbolizes their commitment. On the back of the Rakusu the teacher will write the Verse of the Kesa, the student's Dharma name and the date of the ceremony. See Rakusu sewing instructions here.

Dharma Name

On the occasion of the student's receiving Jukai, the teacher performing the ceremony will confer a Dharma name on the student.  In our tradition this name (given in Japanese with English translation) reflects the teacher’s sense of the student’s unique qualities and the potential which they may aspire to fulfill through their practice.

Shoken

If a student desires a closer teacher-student relationship they may ask to perform this one-on-one ceremony with the teacher. If the teacher agrees, they make a strong commitment to work together honestly and diligently.

Shukke Tokudo

Literally, "Leaving Home Ceremony," upon becoming a monk. The student renews their vows to uphold the Precepts and vows to support and protect the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The student must sew their Buddha robe called the Kesa.

Hoshi

On the way to becoming a Zen Teacher, Hoshi is an acknowledgement of the student's renewed commitment to practice and to carrying on the lineage.

Shiho

With the Shiho ceremony the student is confirmed and recognized as a Successor in the teacher's lineage and a Zen Teacher in his or her own right. It takes several days and includes a number of different steps and practices.

Inka

This small and intimate ceremony is the granting of final approval by the teacher. The teacher writes a poem acknowledging the students's awakening.