Commitment and Leadership
at the Puget Sound Zen Center
Membership and Practice
The first step toward a greater commitment is to become a member of Puget Sound Zen Center, to practice on a regular basis with us, and consider joining one of the Zen Center committees that are such a vital part of the life of our centers.
Committee Chair and Board of Directors
If you enjoy helping on a committee and would like to deepen your commitment to the center, you might consider letting the committee chair know that you would be willing to serve as a committee chair. Most Chairs take a three-year term, and are chosen by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee also recommends members to the Board of Directors. If you would like to make yourself available for consideration by the Nominating Committee, let a current board member know.
Jukai
As you settle into the sangha, you may want to consider taking Jukai -The Five Precepts.
The taking of the Five Precepts is the traditional way to commit to the Buddhist path.
The Five Precepts we take:
There are two sides to the precepts, personal and public. They are a personal commitment to the path and to upholding the precepts, and a public acknowledgement of that commitment, in a Jukai Ceremony. After taking the precepts, if one is a member of good standing at PSZC, a preceptor will be invited to meet with the Abbot and monks at least once a year to discuss the direction of the center as a member of the Abbot’s Advisory Council
Requirements for Jukai:
To be eligible to begin the Precepts Class, you have to have been a member and regular practitioner at PSZC for at least two years. A member must have completed a term of service with all of the service positions – Jikijitsu, Shoji, Densu, Mokugyo, and Tenzo, or have done that by the time the year-long precepts class is finished. A term of service is usually 6 months. We have made exceptions for those who live a distance away and have fewer chances to service in these positions.
In addition, we expect those taking the precepts to have done at least 7 retreat days with PSZC.
If these requirements are met, and the Abbot approves, a student may enroll in the next Precepts Class. This year-long class covers the basic history and teachings of Buddhism, and each of the five precepts. At PSZC this class usually starts in January.
If you are interested in taking the precepts, connect with any of the teachers or ordained. You will receive priority when service positions are offered.
Lay Ordination
If you have been practicing with us for 5 -10 years, and feel you are ready for a deeper commitment to the Dharma, you might consider becoming a lay ordained member of the sangha. This is a lifetime commitment to the Dharma, a teacher, and a center. If you feel moved to take this step, take a look at our Lay Ordination Discernment Process.
Once it is agreed that a Preceptor will be lay ordained, they begin a yearlong Novice Period. The full requirements and expectations for a lay ordained person at PSZC.
Shuso
Upon ordination you may choose to explore Shuso training, a four-year (flexible) course of practice and study which culminates in a Shuso Ceremony. A Shuso is a PSZC teacher, and may give dharma talks, lead retreats, and perform ceremonies. The latest Shuso requirements and curriculum can be found here.
Osho
After having trained as a teacher for many years, it is possible for a lay ordained person to become an osho, or independent teacher.
