The Teaching Path
Within the Five Mountain Zen Order, ordination with the formal taking of precepts (pratimoksha) denotes the entering of monastic life, which constitutes a life of focused practice, service
Outside of the structure of ordination and precepts practice (sila)
1. Accepting the responsibilities for commitment (to the processes of practice; being present daily, for retreats; financially, etc.)
2. Gaining basic control of one’s kárma
3. Developing and expressing a genuine compassion for all living things.
4. Illustrating a basic cognitive mastery of the essentials of the Zen path (dharma–talks, Kongàns, etc.)
5. Becoming proficient in the skills of teaching (Zen interviews, answering questions in the public arena, etc.)
6. Manifesting natural leadership by gaining the trust of the other students in the Sangha.
7. Finding “one mind” with the teacher and attaining a deep connection based in mutual loyalty.
8. Attaining experiential insight into one’s “original nature.”
9. Maintaining a life that evokes the mystery that is present in each moment rather than cultivating a dependence on answers (any kind of cookie cutter answers.)
