Daoren - Dharma Rain Zen Center
The Daoren Circle
of Dharma Rain Zen Center
Daoren means “person of the Way.” In Soto practice, “the
Way” is always right before you, the way you are facing.
Daoren seek to practice the Way wholeheartedly especially within the concrete
details of their everyday lives and activities. Daoren rigorously nourish
this intention through exploration and commitment to the Mahayana practice
of vow.
Vows in common and personal vows are put in place as everyday markers for
practice opportunities. Each Daoren must deeply consider how to meet these
commitments
in their lives.
Although spending most of their time outside of the supportive context of
the Dharma Rain residential community, Daoren are full and active members
of the
temple and are deeply inspired by the rigorous tradition of Zen Buddhist
monastic form.
Daoren constantly seek to convert personal preference and habit energy
through the daily practice of zazen and the precepts, simple ritual and
dedication.
Eligibility
Full members of Dharma Rain, who live primarily
outside of the Zen Buddhist residential community, have taken the precepts
and who have participated at the temple in at least one
session of the Term Student program, are eligible to join.
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Application
The application begins with a statement of intention to the Daoren Guiding
Teacher by July 1st, followed by an interview and exploration of intention
and work on personal vows, finishing up at the end of August. The Daoren year
begins September 2nd with a zendo ceremony and ends in June. See contact information
below.
Vows and Group Meetings
Daoren commit to vows and
practice principles in common as well as individual
vows. Vows may be taken for a specific period of time and may continue for
repeated years and eventually be taken for life. An opportunity for review
and revision is taken between terms in February, halfway through the practice
year. Summer traditionally allows for flexible and less formal practice.
The Daoren Circle members meet face-to-face at least three times during the
year, most often in each others’ homes. Monthly check-ins, mondo and
daisan are practiced online.
Relationship with Dharma Rain
Daoren
- are not usually residents within the temple community, yet they remain
one with the Sangha while continuing to carry out their vows and
the duties of their particular lives and occupations, wherever they may be
in
the world.
- are guided and inspired by continued spiritual association with
a Dharma Rain Teacher and with the Sangha.
- seek transparency in temple relationships and are open to
being mentored on occasion by the Daoren Guiding Teacher and
by each other.
- involve themselves visibly and fully in the life of the
Dharma Rain sangha, follow the temple calendar and take ownership
and responsibility
for the Sangha jewel to the extent that they are able.
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Practice Principles
Daoren recognize that their success as positive examples
of zen practice depends primarily on the practice of zazen. They keep
their own
meditation
practice constant and vital.
Daoren fully commit to the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts and
continue to deepen their relationship with the Precepts through regular
recitation,
recollection and contrition. They practice the spirit of the Precepts
by making the living use of material things, by cultivating gratitude
for what is given, and by caring
for life
in all its forms.
Daoren cultivate trust in the Dharma and try to see the practice opportunities
within challenge and constant change. They practice patience and good
humor within the sufferings and difficult conditions that come to everyone.
Daoren practice giving and seek to be friendly and warmhearted to all
beings, especially those suffering in body and mind, young children
and the aged,
and those who are lost or unprotected.
Daoren seek simplicity, respect and clarity in relationships, as
they fulfill the duties of their lives, especially with regard
to the care
of their
families and dependents.
Daoren seek guidance and instruction when they are in doubt or
troubled.
If you think you might want to become a Daoren, please feel free to contact
the Center or the Daoren Guiding Teacher, Jill Bukkai
Washburn: [jllbwashburn at yahoo.com].

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