Ordination Path
| ENGLISH TITLE | PRECEPTS / CEREMONY | KOREAN TITLE | SANSKRIT / HANJA TITLE | VESTMENT / ROBE | TIME PERIOD | EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS | FACILITY | EXAMINATIONS QUALIFICATIONS |
| Lay Practitioner | Three Refuges,
Five Precepts |
Ú Ba Sae (UBS) | Upasaka | Infinite Blue
(Won Gasa) Lay Clothing |
6 months | Attend to a regular practice schedule and engage with a local group or with the College | Affiliated Center or Buddha Dharma University | None |
| ORDINATION | ||||||||
| Novice Monk | Ten Precepts | Sami Sunim (SS) | Sramanera | Spring Green
(Ban Gasa) Long Robes |
15 months (or more depending on involvement in College Curriculum) | Graduate with Associates Degree | Buddha Dharma University | Novice Certification Test |
| Bodhisattva Monk | Bodhisattva Precepts | Bosal Sunim (Dharma) | Bodhisattva Monk | Summer Brown
(Ban Gasa)
(Full Gasa) Long Robes |
2 years (or more depending on involvement in College Curriculum) | Graduate with Bachelors Degree | Buddha Dharma University | Bodhisattva Monk Certification Test |
| Monastic | Full Vinaya Precepts | Sunim (Dharma) Thich | Buddhist Monk | Summer Brown
(Ban Gasa)
(Full Gasa) Long Robes |
2 years (or more after Bodhisattva Monk Ordination while living as a monastic) | Graduate with Bachelors Degree (with a Minor in Vinaya Study) | Buddha Dharma University | Bhikku Monastic Certification Test |
Ordination
Postulant - (Haeng Ja Nim)
To become a Postulant, you are required to maintain an ongoing relationship with your Guiding Teacher. In addition, you should attend at least two regular retreats each year. If not enough group retreats are available, or if you are in a financial situation that will not allow you to attend our retreats in a particular location, solo retreats are permissible. The retreat requirement is waived for prisoners. Finally, you should continue to be an active member of the Zen community, as determined by the Guiding Teacher.
To enter into the ordained path, the postulant should enroll in the Buddha Dharma University and follow the traditional liturgical path of a Bodhisattva Monk. This path leads to an Associates and a Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Studies.
The Postulant should additionally practice giving Dharma talks, and learn to teach meditation and practice forms to others. Read additional books as recommended by their guiding teacher and stay current with the Seminary dues and training.
If a Postulant should resign or is dropped from the training program, in order to become active again the student must receive the permission of their guiding teacher and retake the ten precepts at a ceremony. A Lay Practitioner may apply to become a Postulant after a minimum of one year of active participation. This option may be waived at the Guiding Teacher’s discretion based upon the practitioner’s previous training in another Zen Lineage.
The Ten Precepts:
The Sixth Precept: I vow to be kind and to encourage others, and to refrain from discouraging others including myself.
The Seventh Precept: I vow to be kind to others and refrain from being boastful and self-centered.
The Eighth Precept: I vow to be generous, to be grateful for what I have, and refrain from yearning for things that do not belong to me.
The Ninth Precept: I vow to promote harmony and refrain from acting in anger or hatred.
The Tenth Precept: I vow to affirm and uphold the three jewels (the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma).
NOTE: The Ten Precepts are additions to the previous Five Precepts.
There are two important aspects of becoming a Postulant:
The first is demonstrating an intention to live in a clear, generous, and compassionate way through the example of the student’s everyday life.
The second is realizing the responsibility and relationship to the Sangha by giving back to the Sangha. This is fulfilled through giving talks, instruction and helping the Zen community with unique skills and energy.
When a lay practitioner becomes a Postulant, he or she must obtain a Spring Green Bangasa. In addition, the Postulant must purchase the Duramagi Short Grey Robes. (See the local Zen center Guiding Teacher to arrange the purchase of your gasa and robes).
To become a Postulant, you are required to maintain an ongoing relationship with your Guiding Teacher. In addition, you should attend at least two regular retreats each year. If not enough group retreats are available, or if you are in a financial situation that will not allow you to attend our retreats in a particular location, solo retreats are permissible. The retreat requirement is waived for prisoners. Finally, you should continue to be an active member of the Zen community, as determined by the Guiding Teacher.
To enter into the ordained path, the postulant should enroll in the Buddha Dharma University and follow the traditional liturgical path of a Bodhisattva Monk. This path leads to an Associates and a Bachelors Degree in Buddhist Studies.
The Postulant should additionally practice giving Dharma talks, and learn to teach meditation and practice forms to others. Read additional books as recommended by their guiding teacher and stay current with the Seminary dues and training.
If a Postulant should resign or is dropped from the training program, in order to become active again the student must receive the permission of their guiding teacher and retake the ten precepts at a ceremony. A Lay Practitioner may apply to become a Postulant after a minimum of one year of active participation. This option may be waived at the Guiding Teacher’s discretion based upon the practitioner’s previous training in another Zen Lineage.
The Ten Precepts:
The Sixth Precept: I vow to be kind and to encourage others, and to refrain from discouraging others including myself.
The Seventh Precept: I vow to be kind to others and refrain from being boastful and self-centered.
The Eighth Precept: I vow to be generous, to be grateful for what I have, and refrain from yearning for things that do not belong to me.
The Ninth Precept: I vow to promote harmony and refrain from acting in anger or hatred.
The Tenth Precept: I vow to affirm and uphold the three jewels (the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma).
NOTE: The Ten Precepts are additions to the previous Five Precepts.
There are two important aspects of becoming a Postulant:
The first is demonstrating an intention to live in a clear, generous, and compassionate way through the example of the student’s everyday life.
The second is realizing the responsibility and relationship to the Sangha by giving back to the Sangha. This is fulfilled through giving talks, instruction and helping the Zen community with unique skills and energy.
When a lay practitioner becomes a Postulant, he or she must obtain a Spring Green Bangasa. In addition, the Postulant must purchase the Duramagi Short Grey Robes. (See the local Zen center Guiding Teacher to arrange the purchase of your gasa and robes).
Novice Monk — (Sami Sunim)
The requirements for entrance into the ordained community of the Five Mountain Zen Order are rigorous and the ongoing responsibilities of ordained members are demanding.
Monastic ordination represents the highest commitment that one can make as a lay student through the realization of the Buddhadharma and to live out of that clear understanding for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Ordained member work with the Zen teachers to develop training forms and lead the Sangha in spiritual practice at their local center. In addition to their own personal practice duties, ordained members lead ceremonies and may be asked by the Guiding Teacher to answer questions at Dharma talks.
Monastics also make themselves available to perform wedding ceremonies, birth dedication ceremonies and memorial ceremonies for the general public as their faith moves them. Ordination in the Five Mountain Zen Order involves a lifelong commitment to the practice and realization of the Dharma. The Novice Monk ordination is an opportunity to deepen the commitment to practice and to live the vow to help others. It encourages its members to widen their focus from being largely a questioner and receiver, to being also able to guide, inspire, and educate others. As a Novice Monk, the relationship to the teacher and the Zen center will have the opportunity to mature.
After a member has been actively participating at the center for a minimum of nine months as a Postulant, and has completed three full quarters, 9 classes, in the Associates degree program from one of the College of Zen Buddhist Studies programs. Additionally, the Postulant must take and pass the Postulant Certification Test to become a Novice. If both the applicant and the Zen center’s Guiding Teacher feel that the Postulant has the acumen and the right commitment to a lifelong dedication to Zen practice, he or she may apply to become a Novice Monk at a precepts ceremony. The Postulant will take the Sixteen Precepts at this ceremony, and this publicly marks an entry into the Ordained community.
The Guiding Teacher’s approval attests to the Postulant’s ability to lead practice, knowledge of the teaching and its forms, and a willingness to take more responsibility at the center or group. Because all students are not interested in ordination, it is never assumed that a member will become a Novice Monk; therefore, it is necessary to submit an application to the Guiding Teacher to clarify the situation regarding one’s aspiration towards a path of service with the local Zen community.
When a Postulant becomes a Novice Monk, he or she will continue wearing their Spring Green Bangasa. In addition, the Novice Monk must purchase the long ceremonial grey robes. (See the local Zen center Guiding Teacher to arrange the purchase of your gasa and robes).
If a new member is transferring from another Buddhist organization and was recognized as an equivalent Novice Monk, the Guiding Teacher may waive the requirements for this position in the Five Mountain Zen Order. Even though the requirements are waived for installation as a Novice Monk, the requirements for education and liturgy should be completed in at most forty-eight months following ordination.
The Ten Precepts:
The Sixth Precept: I vow to be kind and to encourage others, and to refrain from discouraging others including myself.
The Seventh Precept: I vow to be kind to others and refrain from being boastful and self-centered.
The Eighth Precept: I vow to be generous, to be grateful for what I have, and refrain from yearning for things that do not belong to me.
The Ninth Precept: I vow to promote harmony and refrain from acting in anger or hatred.
The Tenth Precept: I vow to affirm and uphold the three jewels (the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma).
NOTE: The Ten Precepts are additions to the previous Five Precepts.
Monastic ordination represents the highest commitment that one can make as a lay student through the realization of the Buddhadharma and to live out of that clear understanding for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Ordained member work with the Zen teachers to develop training forms and lead the Sangha in spiritual practice at their local center. In addition to their own personal practice duties, ordained members lead ceremonies and may be asked by the Guiding Teacher to answer questions at Dharma talks.
Monastics also make themselves available to perform wedding ceremonies, birth dedication ceremonies and memorial ceremonies for the general public as their faith moves them. Ordination in the Five Mountain Zen Order involves a lifelong commitment to the practice and realization of the Dharma. The Novice Monk ordination is an opportunity to deepen the commitment to practice and to live the vow to help others. It encourages its members to widen their focus from being largely a questioner and receiver, to being also able to guide, inspire, and educate others. As a Novice Monk, the relationship to the teacher and the Zen center will have the opportunity to mature.
After a member has been actively participating at the center for a minimum of nine months as a Postulant, and has completed three full quarters, 9 classes, in the Associates degree program from one of the College of Zen Buddhist Studies programs. Additionally, the Postulant must take and pass the Postulant Certification Test to become a Novice. If both the applicant and the Zen center’s Guiding Teacher feel that the Postulant has the acumen and the right commitment to a lifelong dedication to Zen practice, he or she may apply to become a Novice Monk at a precepts ceremony. The Postulant will take the Sixteen Precepts at this ceremony, and this publicly marks an entry into the Ordained community.
The Guiding Teacher’s approval attests to the Postulant’s ability to lead practice, knowledge of the teaching and its forms, and a willingness to take more responsibility at the center or group. Because all students are not interested in ordination, it is never assumed that a member will become a Novice Monk; therefore, it is necessary to submit an application to the Guiding Teacher to clarify the situation regarding one’s aspiration towards a path of service with the local Zen community.
When a Postulant becomes a Novice Monk, he or she will continue wearing their Spring Green Bangasa. In addition, the Novice Monk must purchase the long ceremonial grey robes. (See the local Zen center Guiding Teacher to arrange the purchase of your gasa and robes).
If a new member is transferring from another Buddhist organization and was recognized as an equivalent Novice Monk, the Guiding Teacher may waive the requirements for this position in the Five Mountain Zen Order. Even though the requirements are waived for installation as a Novice Monk, the requirements for education and liturgy should be completed in at most forty-eight months following ordination.
The Ten Precepts:
The Sixth Precept: I vow to be kind and to encourage others, and to refrain from discouraging others including myself.
The Seventh Precept: I vow to be kind to others and refrain from being boastful and self-centered.
The Eighth Precept: I vow to be generous, to be grateful for what I have, and refrain from yearning for things that do not belong to me.
The Ninth Precept: I vow to promote harmony and refrain from acting in anger or hatred.
The Tenth Precept: I vow to affirm and uphold the three jewels (the Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma).
NOTE: The Ten Precepts are additions to the previous Five Precepts.
Bodhisattva Monk - (Bosal Sunim)
In the early 1980's Zen Master Seung Sahn created the role of “Bodhisattva Monk,” an ordained practitioner who makes a larger commitment to the development of Zen practice as well as helping others, yet may marry, have a career and remain engaged in the world.
Bodhisattva Monks make the ultimate visible commitment to the teacher, the teachings and practices of the Sangha. This position signifies that they are a senior elder having fulfilled the additional requirements of passing the Advanced Seminary program for Monastics and receiving the Bachelor degree in Buddhist Dharma (B.Dh).
Bodhisattva Monks have the additional responsibility to perform some of the advance Buddhist ceremonies (ie: Precepts at the behest of their Guiding Teacher), and are encouraged to enter the service of the community in an interactive role.
To become a Bodhisattva Monk, the applicant must have been actively practicing as a Novice Monk for at least twenty-four months, have graduated from the Seminary Program with a Bachelors Degree and taken and passed the Bodhisattva Monk certification test.
The first requirement is that they should dedicate all of their extra energy to helping the Zen community by volunteering in every capacity required there; and must have the approval of the Zen center’s Guiding Teacher.
Monastics wear a Summer Brown Bangasa as well as a Summer Brown Full Gasa for ceremonial wear.
The Precepts which a Monastic takes have their origin in the Pômmang Gyông (Brahma Net Sūtra) and have been handed down since at least the time of the Great Indian Ancestor Kumarajiva..
The Fifty Eight Precepts:
11. I vow to respect my teachers and friends in the Dharma
12. I vow to abstain from entering into intoxicating situations or consuming substances intended to distract from this moment.
13. I vow to be conscious of what I consume, the way in which it was produced, and what harm might result from my consuming it. I vow to bring awareness to the impact of what I ingest and take care not harm myself or any other beings in the process.
14. I vow to maintain the integrity and sanctity of the teacher/clergy to student relationship by never entering into a sexual or otherwise inappropriate relationship and thereby violating the trust of the student as well as the entire sangha.
15. I vow to encourage others to view past mistakes as learning opportunities that enable them to make better choices in the future.
16. I vow to always request the Dharma and make offerings to visiting Sangha members
17. I vow to attend Dharma talks and events that will open my heart and mind; thus enabling my practice to grow stronger and allowing me to be of better service to others.
18. I vow not to divide the Dharma into separate vehicles or doctrines by placing one classification as higher or better than another.
19. I vow to always give care to the sick and the needy
20. I vow to abstain from the storing of weapons used to intentionally take away life.
21. I vow to abstain from serving as an emissary of the military, except in non-violent roles such as Chaplaincy, Medical Positions, and other roles that do not directly engage in the violent expression of military service.
22. I vow to conduct my livelihood in a way that that is helpful to myself and others and refrain from business practices that limit the freedom or happiness of others.
23. I vow to communicate in a way that is true, accurate and helpful and to refrain from speech meant to plant seeds of doubt, misinformation, or gossip.
24. I vow to support life by behaving in a way that respects and protects the environment as well as all beings and to refrain from activities that may cause harm.
25. I vow to teach the Dharma in a manner that inspires awakening and well-being for myself and others.
26. I vow to fully understand the Dharma so that I may teach it in a manner that is true, accurate, and helpful.
27. I vow to share the Dharma as freely as I have received it, with no personal gain as my motive.
28. I vow to serve others with commitment, kindness, and integrity.
29. I vow to communicate in a direct and compassionate manner that promotes harmony and to refrain from speech that contains hidden or implied messages meant to cause harm or unhappiness.
30. I vow to liberate all sentient beings from suffering and the causes of suffering.
31. I vow to treat others with respect and to refrain from behaving in a manner that violates, harms, or imposes revenge on others.
32. I vow to conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the Dharma: to remain humble and accessible and to refrain from arrogant or self-important behavior.
33. I vow to teach the Dharma with generosity and an open heart
34. I vow to put the teachings of the Buddha-Dharma into practice in my everyday life and to teach others how to do the same.
35. I vow to be a Sangha member that acts with integrity and accountability.
36. I vow to share all offerings made to the Dharma or the Sangha
37. I vow to accept invitations given equally to all others and refrain from accepting invitations that exclude anyone based on gender, race, religion, physical condition, age, or sexual orientation.
38. I vow to be inclusive and to invite all people equally regardless of gender, race, religion, physical condition, or sexual orientation.
39. I vow to conduct my livelihood in a way that that is helpful to myself and others and refrain from business practices that limit the freedom or happiness of others.
40. I vow to give all Sangha members equal consideration and respect and to refrain from engaging in any actions that might cause division or conflict.
41. I vow respect all clergy members and Dharmic objects.
42. I vow to extend loving-kindness indiscriminately to all sentient beings, and to greet all experiences with openness, curiosity, and acceptance.
43. I vow to approach all beings with respect and dignity and refrain from objectifying others.
44. I vow to always keep a clear and open mind.
45. I vow to make great vows
46. I vow to make firm resolutions
47. I vow to keep myself safe whenever possible and to refrain from putting myself or others in environments where harm is more likely.
48. I vow to respect all members of the Sangha equally.
49. I vow to cultivate wisdom and good judgment.
50. I vow not to unfairly discriminate against others when conferring the precepts.
51. I vow equanimity in teaching the Dharma and will not to enter into teaching arrangements for the sake of profit.
52. I vow to offer the precepts only to those that wish to take them with an sincere and open heart.
53. I vow to uphold all of these precepts.
54. I vow to value the Sutras and the ethical guidelines set forth by the Buddha.
55. I vow to teach and serve all sentient beings in ways that are appropriate for who they are.
56. I vow to teach the Dharma in ways that are appropriate and helpful and to refrain from teaching in ways that cause harm.
57. I vow to consistently support the Dharma in my daily life.
58. I vow to keep the Dharma fresh, alive, and vibrant and to refrain from any actions that might cause its destruction.
NOTE: These Sixty-Four Precepts are additions to the previous Sixteen Precepts.
Bodhisattva Monks make the ultimate visible commitment to the teacher, the teachings and practices of the Sangha. This position signifies that they are a senior elder having fulfilled the additional requirements of passing the Advanced Seminary program for Monastics and receiving the Bachelor degree in Buddhist Dharma (B.Dh).
Bodhisattva Monks have the additional responsibility to perform some of the advance Buddhist ceremonies (ie: Precepts at the behest of their Guiding Teacher), and are encouraged to enter the service of the community in an interactive role.
To become a Bodhisattva Monk, the applicant must have been actively practicing as a Novice Monk for at least twenty-four months, have graduated from the Seminary Program with a Bachelors Degree and taken and passed the Bodhisattva Monk certification test.
The first requirement is that they should dedicate all of their extra energy to helping the Zen community by volunteering in every capacity required there; and must have the approval of the Zen center’s Guiding Teacher.
Monastics wear a Summer Brown Bangasa as well as a Summer Brown Full Gasa for ceremonial wear.
The Precepts which a Monastic takes have their origin in the Pômmang Gyông (Brahma Net Sūtra) and have been handed down since at least the time of the Great Indian Ancestor Kumarajiva..
The Fifty Eight Precepts:
11. I vow to respect my teachers and friends in the Dharma
12. I vow to abstain from entering into intoxicating situations or consuming substances intended to distract from this moment.
13. I vow to be conscious of what I consume, the way in which it was produced, and what harm might result from my consuming it. I vow to bring awareness to the impact of what I ingest and take care not harm myself or any other beings in the process.
14. I vow to maintain the integrity and sanctity of the teacher/clergy to student relationship by never entering into a sexual or otherwise inappropriate relationship and thereby violating the trust of the student as well as the entire sangha.
15. I vow to encourage others to view past mistakes as learning opportunities that enable them to make better choices in the future.
16. I vow to always request the Dharma and make offerings to visiting Sangha members
17. I vow to attend Dharma talks and events that will open my heart and mind; thus enabling my practice to grow stronger and allowing me to be of better service to others.
18. I vow not to divide the Dharma into separate vehicles or doctrines by placing one classification as higher or better than another.
19. I vow to always give care to the sick and the needy
20. I vow to abstain from the storing of weapons used to intentionally take away life.
21. I vow to abstain from serving as an emissary of the military, except in non-violent roles such as Chaplaincy, Medical Positions, and other roles that do not directly engage in the violent expression of military service.
22. I vow to conduct my livelihood in a way that that is helpful to myself and others and refrain from business practices that limit the freedom or happiness of others.
23. I vow to communicate in a way that is true, accurate and helpful and to refrain from speech meant to plant seeds of doubt, misinformation, or gossip.
24. I vow to support life by behaving in a way that respects and protects the environment as well as all beings and to refrain from activities that may cause harm.
25. I vow to teach the Dharma in a manner that inspires awakening and well-being for myself and others.
26. I vow to fully understand the Dharma so that I may teach it in a manner that is true, accurate, and helpful.
27. I vow to share the Dharma as freely as I have received it, with no personal gain as my motive.
28. I vow to serve others with commitment, kindness, and integrity.
29. I vow to communicate in a direct and compassionate manner that promotes harmony and to refrain from speech that contains hidden or implied messages meant to cause harm or unhappiness.
30. I vow to liberate all sentient beings from suffering and the causes of suffering.
31. I vow to treat others with respect and to refrain from behaving in a manner that violates, harms, or imposes revenge on others.
32. I vow to conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the Dharma: to remain humble and accessible and to refrain from arrogant or self-important behavior.
33. I vow to teach the Dharma with generosity and an open heart
34. I vow to put the teachings of the Buddha-Dharma into practice in my everyday life and to teach others how to do the same.
35. I vow to be a Sangha member that acts with integrity and accountability.
36. I vow to share all offerings made to the Dharma or the Sangha
37. I vow to accept invitations given equally to all others and refrain from accepting invitations that exclude anyone based on gender, race, religion, physical condition, age, or sexual orientation.
38. I vow to be inclusive and to invite all people equally regardless of gender, race, religion, physical condition, or sexual orientation.
39. I vow to conduct my livelihood in a way that that is helpful to myself and others and refrain from business practices that limit the freedom or happiness of others.
40. I vow to give all Sangha members equal consideration and respect and to refrain from engaging in any actions that might cause division or conflict.
41. I vow respect all clergy members and Dharmic objects.
42. I vow to extend loving-kindness indiscriminately to all sentient beings, and to greet all experiences with openness, curiosity, and acceptance.
43. I vow to approach all beings with respect and dignity and refrain from objectifying others.
44. I vow to always keep a clear and open mind.
45. I vow to make great vows
46. I vow to make firm resolutions
47. I vow to keep myself safe whenever possible and to refrain from putting myself or others in environments where harm is more likely.
48. I vow to respect all members of the Sangha equally.
49. I vow to cultivate wisdom and good judgment.
50. I vow not to unfairly discriminate against others when conferring the precepts.
51. I vow equanimity in teaching the Dharma and will not to enter into teaching arrangements for the sake of profit.
52. I vow to offer the precepts only to those that wish to take them with an sincere and open heart.
53. I vow to uphold all of these precepts.
54. I vow to value the Sutras and the ethical guidelines set forth by the Buddha.
55. I vow to teach and serve all sentient beings in ways that are appropriate for who they are.
56. I vow to teach the Dharma in ways that are appropriate and helpful and to refrain from teaching in ways that cause harm.
57. I vow to consistently support the Dharma in my daily life.
58. I vow to keep the Dharma fresh, alive, and vibrant and to refrain from any actions that might cause its destruction.
NOTE: These Sixty-Four Precepts are additions to the previous Sixteen Precepts.
Buddhist Monk (Full Vinaya Precepts)
Buddhist Monk (Full Vinaya Precepts)
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
