Vow

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Jukai and Precepts

An outward commitment to supporting others on the path

The sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts of Soto Zen are the guiding principles for our daily conduct in the world. The sixteen precepts are grouped into three categories, which are the Three Refuges, the Three Pure Precepts and the Ten Major Precepts.

The Three Refuges are:

  • Refuge in Buddha, the fully awakened nature of mind

  • Refuge in Dharma, the teachings of interdependence and selflessness

  • Refuge in Sangha, the community of practice

The Three Pure Precepts are:

  • Embracing and sustaining standards of conduct

  • Embracing and sustaining all good

  • Embracing and sustaining all beings

The Ten Major Precepts are to refrain from:

  • Taking life

  • Taking what is not given

  • Misusing sexuality

  • Lying

  • Intoxicating body or mind of self or others

  • Slander

  • Praising self at the expense of others

  • Being possessive of anything

  • Harboring ill will

  • Disparaging the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha)

Full Moon Precepts Ceremony

We offer a monthly Full Moon Bodhisattva Precepts Renewal Ceremony where we renew our commitment to practicing this way of life, in harmony with all beings. The ceremony involves bowing, if possible, and chanting. Everyone is welcome to attend; please see the calendar for upcoming dates.

Jukai

Receiving the Precepts (jukai), is a ceremony wherein those who have been practicing at SCZC formally and publicly commit to live ethically and with awareness toward the above precepts, for the benefit of all. The precepts must be requested from a teacher as ordinands become part of our Soto Zen lineage. They are presented with a rakusu, or small version of Buddha's robe which they have sewn; a dharma name; and a lineage document.