In this introductory lesson, Meido Roshi gives an overview of the course and talks about the importance of taking refuge and formally entering the Zen Buddhist path.
In this lesson, Meido Roshi talks about the surface and deeper meanings of taking refuge in the Buddha (enlightened one), the dharma (teaching), and the sangha (community). These are also known as the Three Jewels or the Threefold Refuge.
In this lesson, Meido Roshi talks about the five lay precepts: to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants. Just as with the refuges, the precepts have several layers of meaning. Here, Roshi points out what is the deeper function and the more profound meaning of each of these precepts.
To finish off the first half of this course, Meido Roshi talks about the Bodhisattva aspiration and vows. As he states: “The four vows are something you can take yourself if you have the aspiration in your practice for it not simply to be of benefit to you but to encompass all beings you’re practicing to become liberated, not so that you can be safe from suffering, but so that you can actualize and manifest the inconceivable, endless, skillful means to help all beings”
In this lesson, Meido Roshi chants the Jukai ritual recitations and explains their meaning.
In this lesson, Meido Roshi talks about preparing for the Jukai ceremony.
In this lesson, Meido Roshi explains and demonstrates the manner of bowing during the ritual.
In this video, Meido Roshi conducts the Jukai Ritual for viewers. encourages everyone to participate. Though it is preferable to participate in the ritual face-to-face, Roshi explains that there is no barrier to taking refuge and beginning to work with the lay precepts from a distance in this way.
In this final short session, Meido Roshi talks about what means to have gone through this ceremony, renewal of vows, and other parting thoughts.
