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JUKAI - CEREMONY OF TAKING REFUGE AND RECEIVING THE PRECEPTS
The Jukai ceremony is an essential stage in the life of a Sôtô Zen practitioner. It involves receiving the precepts (Kai) of the Bodhisattva and, in so doing, taking refuge in the three treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
Important! These teachings on the theme of ‘Jukai’ are for everyone, even those who have already received the precepts.
Practical information
Ryumonji temple organises two Jukai ceremonies each year (see the programme). Various rituals are associated with this ceremony, making it a particularly powerful occasion:
- Write a letter to Master Wang-Genh expressing your wish to receive the precepts and describing your background.
- A one-to-one meeting with the Jukai master.
- Symbolically cutting the first lock of hair during the ceremony
- Receive a rakusu and a Dharma name
- We strongly recommend that you sew the rakusuyourself . Alternatively, you can buy it at the temple (please ask the temple for the cost). Sewing a rakusu takes time. So if you wish to receive the precepts, please allow at least one week to sew the rakusu (allow €20 for the sewing kit). The sewing is supervised by senior monks: Anette Seigyo Beck and Walter Eko Krepulat.
The sesshin, during which the various ceremonies will take place, will be preceded by days of instruction in the precepts.
HOW ?
Please write an e-mail to info@meditation-zen.org
For who ?
This ceremony is open to anyone wishing to receive the sixteen precepts of the Bodhisattva.
IMPORTANT : if you have already taken part in the Jukai ceremony, or if you wish to do so at a later date, you are welcome to attend the teachings.
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Dates and proceedings
The Jukai ceremony takes place twice a year, in January and July. Please consult the annual calendar.
The session is divided as follows:
- The first four days : preparation and teachings on the precepts.
- Three and a half days of sesshin: during which the Jukai ceremonies take place.
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