Five Mountains

Picture
There are Five aspects to training in the Five Mountain Order. Practioners are encouraged to focus on at least three of these areas  which would include either 1 or 2 and 5, and include an additional category chosen as an option for the practitioner. 


  1. Academic – College of Zen Buddhist Studies
    1. Associates or Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Philosophy (A.Phil or B.Phil)
    2. Traditional Priest Higher Education Path
  2. Liturgical – Community/Spiritual – College of Zen Buddhist Studies
    1. Associates or Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Philosophy (A.Phil or B.Phil)
    2. Traditional Priest Community Path
    3. Ceremonies and Celebrations
    4. Mantras
  3. Meditation Practices
    1. Associates or Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Philosophy (A.Phil or B.Phil)
    2. Formal Meditation
    3. Guided Meditation/Stress Reduction
    4. Martial Arts, Yoga, etc
    5. Art Practice (calligraphy e.g.)
    6. Tea Ceremony
  4. Service – Applied Practice
    1. Associates or Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Philosophy ( A.Phil or B.Phil)
    2. Zen Group Management & Administration
    3. Social Services
    4. Prison Outreach
    5. Hospice/Chaplaincy
    6. Interfaith Mission
    7. Zen Peacemakers
  5. Insight – Wisdom – Prajñā
    1. Associates or Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Philosophy (A.Phil or B.Phil)
    2. Kānhuà Chán
    3. Giving Dharma Talks
    4. Coaching-working closely with a teacher
    5. Interconnected Sangha
    6. Attending Retreats