Jukai 2024
Buddhist mindfulness is incredibly powerful. It teaches us to become more present, observing our feelings and all that we perceive through our senses. We carry these non-judgmental observations into our daily lives, accepting events as they are without embellishing them with our opinions or the stories our minds create. We strive to do our best, but as our Sensei reminds us, mindfulness alone is not enough. Hear this: spiritual development requires a moral and ethical foundation; truthfully, it requires a complete embodiment of compassion. Consequently, the Eightfold Path guides us in relieving our suffering and avoiding causing suffering to others. In particular, "Right Speech" and "Right Action" open the doors to meaningful interactions with others. The Sixteen Precepts further describe how a Buddha behaves and how we, as individuals and as a collective, can avoid causing suffering and cultivate harmony. These guidelines are not commandments but are often referred to as "trainings" or reminders.
The first three precepts, the Triple Jewels, are:
- Buddha (within)
- Dharma (Truth, teachings)
- Sangha (community with a shared purpose)
Next come the Three Pure Precepts:
- Do no harm
- Do good
- Do good for others
Then, the Ten Grave Precepts, where refraining from certain actions leads to their opposites, out of respect for all life:
1. Killing
2. Stealing
3. Misusing sexuality
4. Lying
5. Indulging in intoxicants
6. Gossiping
7. Elevating oneself above others
8. Cultivating a mindset of scarcity
9. Harboring harmful anger
10. Disrespecting the Three Jewels
Today, four students have prepared and are crossing a significant threshold. They are publicly proclaiming themselves Buddhists, vowing to continue working with these trainings now and in the future. This has been a long journey, filled with hard work, self-discovery, self-examination, and joy. Each has faced personal challenges but has remained determined and steadfast. Under the guidance of Sensei Shinzan and with the support of one another, this group has studied, reflected on, and integrated the Sixteen Precepts into their daily lives for months, enriching their interactions and deepening their self-knowledge.
As part of their preparation, they each participated in various projects. They sewed a *rakusu*—a bib-like version of the traditional Buddhist robe, originally designed to be concealed when it was illegal to practice Buddhism. These four *rakusus* are precise and identical in their symbolism but unique to each individual, made with their own materials and stitches. While they received some guidance, the effort, labor, and dedication were their own.
They also traced their own lineage charts, following the Buddha’s teachings through his disciples, including Bodhidharma, who carried Buddhism to China, and Dogen, who developed Zen in Japan, all the way to their teacher’s teacher and to themselves today. Additionally, they have traced the lineage of women in Buddhism.
The Jukai ceremony begins as the bell tolls, resonating deeply and calling all friends, family, and fellow Sangha members to gather. Behind the scenes, a ritual is taking place as the bell continues to toll. Soon, the procession starts, the sounds of bells, a clapping stick, and a drum gradually becoming louder as they approach. The group marches in measured steps.
The atmosphere is solemn and silent as Sensei Shinzan, Jisha Shoryu, Taikan, Anzan, and the participants—Barbara, Mark, Rebeca, and Mike—take their places at the altar. Incense burns, bells chime, and chants are made as colors and robes form a deep, ancient ritual that we are now part of. The participants pass through the gate, one by one, in an act that represents all the Precepts. Each Precept is recited three times: "Will you maintain this?" To which the answer is, "Yes, I will." There is repetition, solemnity, and even moments of lightheartedness as Sensei Shinzan offers a smile or a chuckle.
Finally, the *rakusu* is bestowed upon each participant, with Sensei placing it on their heads, followed by the chant. It is worn around the neck for the first time, marking their formal commitment. New Dharma names are revealed: Barbara becomes Seido (Clear Way), Mark becomes Fuzan (Fruitful Mountain), Mike is Daiko (Great Light), and Rebeca is Seiju (Sacred Jewel).
This marks the first bilingual service we’ve held, with Sensei delivering parts of the ceremony in both Spanish and English. iQue allegria! Moreover, those who have taken this step before are given the chance to renew their vows alongside the new Buddhists.
As the ceremony ends, rose petals are showered over the new Buddhas, and the silence is broken with cheers and joy. Photos are taken, and everyone moves to the potluck feast, much of it prepared by previous Jukai Bodhisattva, John Kando. Gathered in small groups, people share food, hugs, and conversations, meeting new friends and relishing the happiness in the air. Smiles and tears mix as everyone celebrates together.
