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Zen Precepts and Jukai
Self-Paced Course
Register at any time
Online
The Zen precepts are the lifeblood of Buddhism. The precepts are the awakened functioning of the Absolute, the source of all creation and manifestation.
Traditionally the precepts are presented as prohibitive. Mugen Roshi has drafted a set of “generative precepts”. These precepts are intended to orient the practitioner towards the fullness of each precept to take up much like one would work with a Zen koan. For example, the traditional first precept is “Do Not Kill”. In the generative precepts Mugen drafted, the first precept is “Preciousness”.
In this self-paced course you will hear teaching on the probative and generative precepts, engage in meditations helping to further delve into each precept and its meaning to you.
We are learning how to engage each precept, explore how and where each precept resides in our life, and orient our perspective and behavior to more close comport to the generative heart of each precept.
This course is a prerequisite for Jukai.
Some students attend this course and don’t receive Jukai which is perfectly fine too.
What Is Included
- 15-minute one-on-one with Mugen to either discuss questions on this course or Jukai
- 20+ modules and 70+ lessons
- Readings including different versions of the Zen Precepts and excerpts from books. Mugen’s drafts of the precepts are available as downloads.
- 300+ minutes of video including both lectures and guided meditations. Several of the videos are available on YouTube (mainly from this playlist). This course organizes them nicely and also includes videos not found on YouTube.
- 1080p HD Video Quality.
- Meditations include:
- Innate Goodness Meditation
- Shikantaza Meditation
- Guided Meditations on the Precepts
- Writing Prompts and Discussion Forums
Jukai
Jukai is a ceremony where students receive the precepts and commit to living by them to the best of their ability. Students also receive a Dharma name, and formalize the student/teacher relationship with Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi.
Students who want to participate in jukai should:
- Sign-up for and complete this course including participating in the discussion forums by answering the prompts.
- Communicate with Mugen their interest in jukai
- Sew their rakusu (students who are unable to sew a rakusu for some reason can purchase one already sewn).
- Practice with Mugen outside of this course by either attending an in-person retreat and/or completing at least 6 months of a mentoring program. Mugen needs to get to know you to be able to choose a Dharma name for you.
Jukai is only for students who feel moved to do it. Some students aren’t moved even if they’ve worked with Mugen a long time, and that is perfectly fine.
Example: Preciousness and Not Killing
A lesson might introduce a precept such as “Not Killing” and present both a prohibitive and generative version of the precepts. There is usually also a video and discussion questions.
Prohibitive version
The Absolute is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the pure unconditioned, not acting on destruction of life is called the precept of Not Killing.
Generative version
The Absolute is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the pure unconditioned, cherishing life is called the precept of Preciousness.
Discussion Prompts
1) What does preciousness mean to you?
2) What is preciousness?
3) What resistances do you see to preciousness?
4) What is good about these resistances?
You will read how other students have responded to these prompts and offer your own response.
Generative Version of the Bodhidharma One Mind Precepts
How Long Does this Course Take
We recommend working through the material slowly over several weeks or months. For example, there are 16 precepts and spending a week on each one would give enough time to really let yourself be impacted. During the week you could meditate on the precept, look for the functioning of the precept in your life, and spend 1-2 hours on course content.
Investment
Sliding scale: $100 Subsidized / $150 Sustaining / $200 Supporting
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