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Ceremonies
of Ordination
There are a number of
different ceremonies in the Japanese and Jodo Shu tradition for
followers to become devotees as well as formal priests or nuns.
In Buddhism, one is not forced to take part in these ceremonies
to be considered a follower. The ceremonies for becoming a priest
or nun, however, are mandatory for receiving that status. The
ceremonies for lay followers are optional and are generally taken
by those with sincere and earnest commitment.
Taking Refuge in the
Triple Gem (kikyo-shiki)
This is a common ceremony
in all of Buddhism in which a follower first enters the Buddhist
path by taking refuge in the Buddha, his teachings (the Dharma),
and the community of followers (the Sangha). This ceremony marks
a person's initial entrance into Jodo Shu.
Taking the Precepts (jukai-e)
This is the ceremony
of taking of the five basic Buddhist precepts (kairitsu)
[no killing, lying, inappropriate sexual conduct, stealing, or
intoxication]. In Jodo Shu, these precepts are seen as Miscellaneous
Practices (zogyo) in support of the Rightly Established
Practice (shojo no go), the chanting of the nembutsu.
The Fivefold Transmission Retreat
(goju-soden-e)
This is an important
training activity for Jodo Shu lay followers. It is regarded as
advanced training for Jodo Shu followers. The fivefold transmission
refers to the five aspects of Jodo Shu practice: 1) understanding
oneself as an ordinary, defiled person (bonpu); 2) the
practice of the nembutsu; 3) understanding the teachings; 4) seeing
the proof of the results of the practice; and 5) gaining faith
in the practice.
The Ordination Ceremony (tokudo-shiki)
This is the formal ordination
ceremony that a follower takes in becoming a priest or nun. It
only takes place after several years of intensive study by the
follower. At this time, the follower receives tonsure (teido),
the ceremonial shaving of his/her hair. The follower also receives
a dharma name (kaimyo). A dharma name generally symbolizes
a person's entry into the Buddhist path. It is usually conferred
on three different occasions marking three different stages in
a follower's spiritual maturation.
a) Taking the Precepts
- a dharma name may be given to a lay follower upon taking the
lay precepts at the jukai-e.
b) Ordination - when
a follower ordains as a priest or nun a dharma name is given.
c) Death - a dharma name
is given at the time of death symbolizing the deceased's final
entry into the Buddhist path and his/her Birth in the Pure Land.
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