Bodhisattva Precept Initiation Ceremony

Sometimes called “jukai”, the bodhisattva precept initiation ceremony is a chance to take refuge in Buddha (awakened mind), dharma (Zen teachings) and sangha (Zen community) and to vow to try and follow the Bodhisattva precepts.

Unlike some groups, we are happy to offer this ceremony to new Zen students once they have competed a short instructional program that introduces them to how to work with the precepts. Email us at Qweniden@gmail.com if you are interested in getting started.

Our take on the Bodhisattva Precepts are:

• I take refuge in Buddha
• I take refuge in Dharma
• I take refuge in Sangha
• I vow to cause no harm
• I vow to do good
• I vow to save all beings
• I vow not to kill
• I vow not to not to take what is not given
• I vow not to misuse sexuality or intimacy
• I vow not to refrain from false speech
• I vow to not get caught up in escapism
• I vow not to slander
• I vow not to praise self at the expense of others
• I vow not to be greedy or stingy
• I vow not to harbor ill will
• I vow not to misuse the Three Treasures