Jukai
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.