Today we held the Tokudo Service for Shami Jisho. This is the initial taking of vows by a novice as they begin the training to become a priest.
The following is the text of my Dharma Talk given at the beginning of the Tokudo Service.
——–Begin Dharma Talk Text————-
Good afternoon, thank you all for coming to the temple today. Thank you to the visiting Nichiren Shu priests, Ryuoh Shonin from Boston and Myokei Shonin from Houston. Also thank you to all of the friends and family of Allen Rogers for being here to celebrate and witness this special occasion.
Today Allen Rogers will be taking his Tokudo. This is the first step a person takes if they decide to begin training to become a priest. Today we will ritually shave Allen’s head, present him with his robe, beads and the garment of the Buddha, the wagesa. During the ceremony he will attest to his willingness to abandon his family and personal life to begin a life as a priest dedicated to learning and teaching the Dharma. Of course he will continue to honor and respect his family and friends but his entire focus should be directed towards study and practice in preparation for achieving his goal of ordination.
Tokudo Group Photo After Service
It is not uncommon for people to abandon their efforts when faced with any number of obstacles that may arise. There may be times when the demands seem too hard or too unreasonable, or too unclear. There may be people met along the way with whom they disagree with. But in all cases the primary reason why people do not complete the process of becoming a priest is because their intentions were impure or unclear.
It is important for the Shami to always maintain within their heart the reasons why we become a priest. It is not for fame or glory. It is not for riches or a life of ease and comfort. It is solely so that we may fulfill the mandate of the founder of our order, Nichiren, to spread the Lotus Sutra throughout the world in the Later Age of Degeneration. Nichiren said that we should even go without food, shelter, or rest; sparing no effort to ensure the spread of the Dharma.
When we think of the hardships Nichiren underwent how is it even possible to compare our efforts to his.
It will be critical for Allen as he progresses along this path to know clearly what is in his heart. If he forgets or does not know what his intentions are then he will truly struggle.
Today, in many ways, is the easiest part of Allen’s journey, but it is the most important. The causes he makes today will set the stage for the causes he will make in the future.
Today, let us all offer our prayers in support of Allen and in praise of the Lotus Sutra.
Let us begin the Tokudo.
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo
—————–Photos From Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150168201275731&id=170387075730&aid=344183
