Jukai Study Program
The Jukai Study Program involves a close study of the precepts. Each
student wishing to “take the precepts” begins by
writing a letter to the Teachers 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 the Teachers, and have
sat with the sangha for about one year are
eligible for the Jukai Study Program.
Syllabus of Jukai Study Program
- Memorize the precepts (following this section).
- Work with each of the precepts as a meditation subject,
presenting your understanding in daisan toone of the teachers.
- 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 “Basic themes in
Buddhism” and your
understanding of these.
- Memorize the “Heart Sutra” in English.
- If possible, memorize the “Heart Sutra”
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, “Instruction on the
Precepts.”
- Read and study Master Bodhidharma's, “One Mind
Precept.”
- Read and study Dogen Zenji’s, “Merit of
a Kasaya.”
- Complete your Lineage Blood Chart.
- Make your own rakusu. The rakusu is a bib-like garment
symbolizing the Buddha’s robe. It is worn by those who have
completed
Jukai study and have formally received the Precepts in a Jukai
Ceremony.
- Do weekly bowing practice.
The Precepts
The 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
others’
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.