Jukai (Japanese: literally “receiving precepts”) is a celebration of the realization that this Zen practice is the way.  One formally takes as vows: refuge in the Three Jewels, the three Pure Precepts, the eleven Hollow Bones Zen Precepts, and the Four Awakened Vows.  These are also referred to as Stream Enterer’s Vows.  

Jukai in the Hollow Bones Zen tradition entails these commitments:

• Live the precepts
• Embody the Five Training Elements
• Attend one sesshin or retreat annually
• Participate in ongoing sangha activities
• Perform the Morning Service once a week
• Pledge annual dana to Hollow Bones Zen or an affiliated local Sangha or both
• Deeply commit to developing Mondo Zen™ skills 

The ceremony is traditionally conducted by the Hollow Bones Zen Abbot, another Dharma Heir active in Hollow Bones Zen practice, or an empowered Priest.  Usually the ceremony is held at a retreat or other gathering where the sangha witnesses and supports the candidates who receive a rakusu and a dharma name. 

In preparing for Jukai, we ask practitioners to participate in three fundamental Zen trainings:

• Sutra Book Study
• Precepts Study– Both the Pure Precepts and the Hollow Bones Zen Precepts
• The Hollow Bones Zen Five Elements which includes the practice of Mondo Zen with a Priest or advanced practitioner.

It is also expected that one participates in Dokusan with the Abbot and Daisan with a Priest if one is engaged in a Sangha or practice group being led by a Priest.

The purpose of this training is primarily to encourage a deepening inquiry into one’s practice.  This is in the spirit that all are on the path of awakening and ultimately one’s own teacher.

We have traditionally offered each training online once each year – Sutra Book study in the winter, Precepts study in the mid to late summer, and Five Elements training in the fall.  Although there is a nominal fee requested for the training, we have a commitment to work through any financial barriers one may have.

If you are contemplating Jukai, please communicate with the leader of your Sangha or practice group and then contact Taiso taiso@hollowboneszen.org.