Jukai Study Program
The Jukai
Study Program involves a close study of the precepts. Each student wishing to
Òtake the preceptsÓ begins by writing a letter to Margaret and Stefano with a
request that he or she may study them with them, also saying why he or she
wishes to receive the precepts, thereby officially becoming a Buddhist. Upon
completion of Jukai
study, there will be a special Ceremony. Details of the study program are below.
Roughly it takes between one and two years to complete the program. Students
who have made a personal commitment to Margaret and Stefano as their teachers,
and have sat with the sangha for about one year are eligible for the Jukai Study Program.
The Precepts
Three Treasures
I vow to be one with the Buddha.
I vow to be one with the Dharma.
I vow to be one with the Sangha
The Three Pure Precepts
I vow to cease from evil
I vow to do good.
I vow to do good for others.
The Ten Grave Precepts
I vow to take up the Way of not killing.
I vow to take up the Way of not stealing.
I vow to take up the Way of not being greedy.
I vow to take up the Way of not telling lies.
I vow to take up the Way of not being ignorant.
I vow to take up the Way of not talking
about othersÕ errors or faults.
I vow to take up the Way of not
elevating myself
and blaming others.
I vow to take up the Way of not being stingy.
I vow to take up the Way of not being angry.
I vow to take up the Way of not speaking ill of the
Three Treasures.
Additional Precept
I vow to take up the way of non-violence.
Syllabus of Jukai Study Program
Memorize
the precepts.
Work with each of the precepts as a meditation
subject, presenting your understanding in daisan to Margaret or Stefano.
Write
an essay on your understanding of each of the precepts. Where do you take your
stand in relation to the precept you are working on? Write about your
understanding of the precept under consideration and how it affects your
personal life.
Write an essay on the ÒBasic themes
in BuddhismÓ and your understanding of these.
Memorize
the ÒHeart SutraÓ in English.
If
possible, memorize the ÒHeart SutraÓ in Japanese. (Not a requirement.)
Memorize the names of the Buddhas (Nenju) and be able to chant them.
Familiarize yourself with the White Plum Lineage. If
possible, memorize the Lineage and be able to chant it. (Memorization is not a
requirement.)
Read and study Dogen Zenji's, ÒInstruction on the
Precepts.Ó
Read and study Master Bodhidharma's, ÒOne Mind Precept.Ó
Read
and study Dogen ZenjiÕs, ÒMerit of a Kasaya.Ó
Complete
your Lineage Blood Chart.
Make your own rakusu. The rakusu
is a bib-like garment symbolizing the BuddhaÕs robe. It is worn by those who
have completed Jukai study and
have formally received the Precepts in a Jukai Ceremony officiated by an ordained Precepts Master.
Do weekly bowing practice.