What a lovely cohort. Such a pleasure to witness "receiving the precepts" with our 7 participants! These 7 underwent our jukai training process for most of 2025. They participated in the annual 8-month study course, met with their teachers, and sewed their own rakusu (the bib-like representation of a formal Buddhist robe they receive in the ceremony). In addition to vowing to follow the precepts each person received a Buddhist name from their teacher and a spot on the formal Zen lineage charts.
Interested in learning more? Consider signing up for the 2026 Zen Precepts Studies - True Freedom Through Ethical Conduct program and speak with the teachers. You are warmly invited to study with the year's cohort whether or not your interested in this formal ceremony.
Here are the names received by this years lay ordainees!
Jeff McKenna: RyuSui SoSu 竜水 祖崇 Water Dragon Honoring the Ancestors
David Clark: ShiChi KuZen 地獅 空全 Earth Lion Boundless Completion
Heather Cunningham: SuiTo YuShin 水兎 勇 心 Water Rabbit, Courageous Heart
Aidan Fay: EnKa JiSeki 猿 風 地石 Fire Monkey Earth Stone
Kandis Susol: FuRi ToEn 風鯉 渡 川 Leaping Carp Crossing River
Colin Goggin: FuJan Inwa 風雀 因治 Sky Sparrow Root of Peace
Ariel Paulenich: MyoSen Zenki 妙川全機 Wondrous River Total Dynamic Functioning
Some thoughts from the participants...
"I was fasting for Sundance and the Cedar Tree spoke to me--"all living things on this planet make their living from Mother earth--from the smallest one cell creature to vast ecosystems all from the generosity of their Mother. No wonder Buddhist precepts say "a disciple of Buddha is generous and not possessive of anything" ~RyuSui SoSu
"I was overwhelmed by Nomon Tim's joy" ~ David Shichi Kuzen
"Water shows me how to be still and deep, but also swift and steady...The humble rabbit, sustainer of the food chain, teaches me of impermanence, interbeing--and--how to transform into an eagle! A symbol of luck, rabbit reminds me of my great, good fortune to receive these teachings and practice with all of you. In gratitude for being alive, I offer my courageous heart to stand upright, speak the truth, create connection, and spread kindness and healing throughout my community and beyond." ~ Heather Suito Yushin
"Ok--quite a surprise--"Aidan" means "little fire" in Irish and I was born in the year of the monkey!! The Jukai was wonderful--the anticipation was intense and I got quite jittery! The ceremony itself felt very alien in a good way and not at all like I expected. The sense of responsibility transmitted was very noticeable" ~ Aidan Enka JiSeki
"I was very overwhelmed by my name! I know that Kanho Chris worked some zen magic to bring so many things that are powerful and meaningful to me and in our work and study into just a few syllables--and I don't need to digest it all at once. But it definitely feels a little intimidating--and like an invitation. I guess I mean I feel humbled grateful and...maybe honor? reverence? --for the practice and the sangha and the lineage. Lots to sit with and percolate on." ~ Ariel Myosen Zenki
