2026 Jukai: “Receiving the precepts”
The Jukai ceremony culminates better than half a year of reflection, regular meetings with Sensei and visiting dharma colleagues who’ve been through the same in years before. They completed projects including the sewing of one’s own authentic rakusu, the short bib form in lieu of a traditional robe. Finally, then a detailed lineage chart, showing all from The Buddha himself to his student who became the trusted, proven teacher of authentic Dharma, to the next, through all, then Shinzan to me.
One moves from the “mere froth” of the powerful looking in of Mindfulness, in isolation to include “substance,” (author Kevin Griffin’s words.) As compassion grows, we look out, and more around, cultivating ethics. There are 16 Precepts such as not killing, out of a respect for life, not lying or stealing and a full array of “non-harming” Best understood as what they are not- commandments that breaking any leads one to dire punishments. They are descriptive, not prescriptive., showing up in the ways a Buddha interacts with others, as we “inter-be” with all as one.
The day begins with the joyous energetic arrival of old trusted friends, new acquaintances, family and friends. Soon a bell tolls us to silence, calling us all to choose our seating positions. The tolling resonates through many minutes of time. Removed in back. in a shrine created for this occasion a private ritual ensues, of dedication and purification to prepare this sacred, serious yet joyful step with our Sensei. Three of our senior members join co- facilitator, dear dharma friend, Shoryu, who has returned from New Mexico, a source. Here, the silence continues. Finally, sounds emerge: the high ting of a tiny bell, the thump of a drum. a clack, now the steps form a deliberate, heartbeat cadence. Soon, they circle around in ever slow deliberate steps through the door, a crescendo of bells, drumming announces the arrival of our Sensei, the fellow assistants, each of whom have been here themselves. Finally, our new, ordaining Buddhas are here.
Together, and one at a time the four bow and, in call and response, pledge to take each Precept to heart through all actions as their life moves ahead. They kneel before Shinzan, while the cofacilitators assist with the items and parts in the ritual. There’s fire, the aroma of incense, droplets of water, Amid an abundance of solemn bows, and repetitions. Among them, “Will you maintain this”? Then again. “Will you maintain…” And “Will you REALLY maintain…” now with a chuckle, in the midst of this solemn occasion. One by one, Shinzan places their rakusu over their head. Their rakusu now bears authentication and Shinzan’s individual message to each.
Chris Ariante now has the name, Kenshin (seeing the mind)
Erica Echavarria is Yushin (courageous truth)
Jen Stiff is Myozen (awakened truth)
Jeremy Schmall is Jakuzan (silent mountain)
The ceremony rises to a gallant celebration. We all take part in praising the three, who bow and circle within our large surround, and we all shower them with rose petals exclaiming our love. We have all combined in one body of pure joy.
