Ordination Discernment Process
Ordination within the Puget Sound Zen Center (PSZC) and Rainier Zen Sangha (RZS) is a thoughtful and intentional process. Rooted in deep reflection, guidance, and community involvement, the discernment process helps ensure that the path of ordination is aligned with the individual’s readiness, intentions, and the needs of the Sangha.
A preceptor interested in ordination is required to first explore the idea with the Abbot in a series of meetings to build an initial understanding of what ordination entails. The Abbot would then provide some council to preceptor as to whether they think ordination is an appropriate step for them to pursue at this time.
1
If the Abbot and the preceptor agree that ordination should be explored, the preceptor is then required to speak with each of the other teachers at PSZC and RZS (currently Eko and Shingen), and two or more lay ordained members of the two centers, in order to learn about the roles they play and their thoughts on what ordination means.
2
The preceptor is required to prepare a statement to be presented to the Abbot explaining why they wish to be ordained.
3
The Abbot will share the statement with the other teachers and monks at the Center. These teachers and monks will provide the Abbot with their thoughts on whether the preceptor should pursue ordination.
4
The Abbot must consult with the board of directors of the temple that will become the ordained person’s home temple. The board is in a consultative role, and may not block the ordination, but the Abbot must consult with them. It may be that they have information or a perspective that affects the Abbot’s decision.
5
The Abbot will then make the final decision and discuss the outcome with the preceptor.
6
If the Abbot decides that ordination is appropriate, a date will be set to begin a year-long Novice Period. The curriculum for this novice period will be determined together with the Abbot, and may differ from one to another. The novice may for instance study certain texts on their own and with a teacher or member of the ordained, attend occasional monks meetings, memorize a text, or sew some of their robes.
7
During the novice period, a date will be set for the ordination.
8
