Getting to know this year's jukai participants

Jukai (literally "to receive precepts") is a ceremony we offer at Red Cedar Zen as the final event in our annual study group. 

Students who have received permission from one of our teachers make a commitment to living by the ethical guidelines of Zen and to enter more deeply into the practice. 

It's a process that's not required or essential for a fulfilling practice of Zen, but to those for whom it's the right step it can be a deeply meaningful process.

To learn more check out next year's study group: 2025 Zen Precepts Studies - True Freedom Through Ethical Conduct!

This year, at the conclusion of our Fall Sesshin at Samish Island on November 10th, 2024, 6 sangha members received Jukai, taking the Bodhisattva Precepts. They each sewed their own rakusu garments and received a new name as well as the documents showing our ancestral lineage. 

This is always an emotional, heartfelt ceremony and this year's was no exception. 

Below are participant responses to the question:

"How has this journey of studying the Precepts, sewing a Rakusu, and taking Jukai informed your life?"

“Practicing with the sewing, study and ceremony of the RCZC Jukai tradition over the past several months was both a deeply personal and a public affirmation of my commitment to this path. Effort, intentionality and the experience of helping hands as we moved together through this process has been nourishing and inspiring. Deep bows of gratitude to teachers and mentors for never-failing support.”

Catherine Jones; new dharma name: Tetsuren Gyokusan
Iron Lotus, Jade Mountain

"My dharma journey with the precepts began many years (eons?) ago. I was introduced to the Bhagavad Gita, meditation and yoga practice in New York, 1971. Later in the San Francisco Bay Area, I began years of exploring the various Buddhist traditions. At long last, I was finally led home to the Red Cedar Zen Community and my teacher Kanho Chris Burkhart in Bellingham, WA. Studying the bodhisattva precepts with my teacher and precept cohorts, sewing my rakusu, taking vows with the rituals and ceremony of Soto Zen have been a life changing experience for me. I am honored with the sangha's support, love and compassion. I vow to firmly follow the compassionate path. 

With love, gratitude and deep bows,

Pamelia"

New dharma name: Hoin Wado Dharma Seal, Harmonious Path

"I am finding that my practice has widened and deepened during precepts study; I noticed it especially during the chanting of the precepts at the jukai ceremony. I felt a deep sense of connection to the world and a gentle accountability for myself--it's time to grow up and start taking your life seriously, Kata! The rakusu is a reminder that we are all always navigating what it means to be in right relationship with each other and with ourselves, and that practice is not something we can do alone."

Katarina Gombocz; new dharma name: Sokuzō Kakuzan Present-Moment Treasury, Crane Mountain

"This was my third round of focused precepts study. I can see the ways I've grown and the places where I'm still working (always!). Sewing was much more enjoyable than I expected. It helped to have a teacher and cohort. I learned a lot about my mind.

When I first walked into the zendo (Red Cedar on N. Forest), even though the place was totally foreign, I felt a deep sense of home. I felt this way again during the jukai ceremony. Joy, relief, and wonder. Safety and belonging. Yes!

During this unstable time, I'm so grateful to have these ethical guidelines and to take refuge in Buddha, dharma, and sangha. May our practice be of benefit to all beings."

Carolyn McCarthy; name dharma name: Shokon Shinmon Bright Spirit, Deep Listening

"I asked to receive precepts as a deepening commitment to align my life more closely with the Mind of the Buddha. The precepts represent to me a path that I find and lose and find and lose again many times a day! The experience of studying with a cohort was enriching, supportive, and also warmed my relationships with my teacher and peers. I am so grateful for the generosity of so many on this journey!"

Mary Dubrow; new dharma name: Daijin Kanki Great Compassion, Complete Spirit

"I was deeply humbled and struck by the meaning of all that I had done. From two wonderful Precepts classes, sewing my Rakusu, working on incorporating the precepts into my daily life, practicing, sitting before my family, my teacher, and my Red Cedar family. Tears were flowing! I appreciate the wonderful changes this brings to my life every day. With bows."

Chris Blake; new dharma name: Shoko Myoho True Renewal, Luminous Release

Big smiles as teachers and jukai recipients share in the joy of practice.