Receiving the Precepts
Our sangha continues to grow, season after season, as remarkable new friends join and bring their unique energy into our community. For some, the journey deepens into a wholehearted commitment to ethical and spiritual development. Kevin Griffin, author of Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, writes that practice eventually brings us to a moral foundation, reminding us, “Without integrity and kindness, any spiritual work is simply froth with no substance.” Sensei Shinzan often tells us that this maturing together is part of our path. Recently, one man and one woman—each arriving from very different walks of life—have stepped across that threshold, embracing this next stage of their journey.
Robin came to us with many years of practice, having sat with the late Joko Beck at San Diego Zen Center and later at Dharma Bum Temple. Her experience and maturity have been a gift to our sangha, as has her ability to draw in other committed Dharma friends. Now, she has chosen to root her practice here at Open Gate.
Quince, meanwhile, carries with him the discipline and responsibility cultivated through a career in the Navy. He first joined us in the spring of 2022—on the “Opening Day” of our Chula Vista home after the pandemic—attending regularly and studying closely with Shinzan. Though he briefly left for work in Seattle, he soon returned, realizing that true nourishment was here. We welcomed him back warmly, grateful for his thoughtful questions, sharp insights, and warm humor that enrich our collective wisdom.
For nearly a year, both Robin and Quince immersed themselves in the study of the Precepts. In Soto Zen, these sixteen ethical guidelines are not rigid commandments but “trainings”—ways to live in harmony with the universe and to relieve suffering. Their preparation included study, self-reflection, sewing their rakusu, and tracing our lineage name by name back to the Buddha himself. At last, they arrived at Jukai, the ceremony of formally receiving the Precepts and declaring before the sangha: “I am a Buddhist.”
The ceremony was moving and profound. As the great bell tolled and the procession entered, each precept was received with bows, incense, and vows. With humility and joy, both Robin and Quince were given their Dharma names: Robin as Kori (“I am home, now”) and Quince as Genko (“Original Light”).
Robin Kori reflected:
"I found my way to Open Gate Zen Collective several months ago, at the end of my search for a new sangha to call home. I am so grateful to have found this open, loving, and authentic sangha, which is my new family, and Shinzan as my teacher. I made my commitment to my Buddhist path in my Jukai ceremony on July 19th. The Dharma name that was given to me by my teacher is "Kori," which means being at home in the now. I am truly at home."
Quince Genko shared:
"My Jukai experience with the precepts is of an encounter to be recommended. It was second to none up to this point. In the beginning of my practice, my emotions were not settled. To be frank, there were moments when I became rattled. It’s hard work disentangling from old ideals and beliefs instilled by lessons from my prior generations. Notions about the person whom I thought I was were not all true. The true me walks in this body on an upright path. Sitting in meditation, I catch thoughts, observing them before I release them into space.
The Precept, “Not Creating Evil,” speaks loudly. As I started practice, I will admit to intentions around what I’m going to get out of it. Now, in the moments before I perform any good deed, I ask myself, “What are my intentions?” I’m not surprised when I see some residue of the desire for something in return. I talk with my inner child to assure that I’m OK and nothing or no one will hurt me. I AM OK! Just be still…
As I sit and listen to the language of all my emotions, I have a better understanding. I realize that nothing is permanent. This applies to anger, which has caused me to damage myself due to ignorance. Now that I have a better relationship with anger, I can set boundaries. The ceremony was wonderful. Of my name, Genko, Original Light, I’m very appreciative. I have not attached myself to it, nor have I really put much consideration into it yet. As I continue my practice, I will know more of the honorable name: Genko."
The celebration afterward was filled with elation—rose petals showered, laughter and tears shared, hugs all around. In the back garden, our potluck feast overflowed with food, conversation, and the warmth of community. Together, we honored Robin and Quince’s step into this new chapter, while renewing our own vows to practice with integrity, kindness, and joy.
