On March 8, 2026 - after a year of monthly meetings with the teachers for discussion of the Bodhisattva precepts and of hand-stitching their rakusu (Buddha’s robe) - nine members of the Mountain Rain Zen sangha were witnessed formally receiving the precepts in a Jukai ceremony.

STANDING L to R:

Susan Steudel: Seiko Shinsei (Quiet Lake / True Voice), Onsen Kerr – MRZC Priest, Mike Roth: Kangyō Hōfū (Complete Practice / Dharma Wind), Karen Shklanka: Enka Zenpō (Flame Flower / Complete Release), Lily Eskandari: Rengetsu Kōzan (Lotus Moon / Bright Mountain), Jonathan Walker: Fugan Egaku (Universal Vow / Wisdom Peak), Myoshin Kate McCandless – MRZC Guiding Teacher, Shinmon Michael Newton – MRZC Guiding Teacher, Emily Briggson: Jisen Jundō (Compassionate Spring / Pure Way), Casey Miller: Hōrai Busshin (Dharma Thunder / Buddha Heart), Adair Manning: Byakko Myōshin (White Fox / Shining Faith)

SITTING L to R:

Zayn Hammoud: Yōzan Yūjō (Nourishing Heart / Vast Love-Mercy), Mice Albano*: Taidō Jinen (Peaceful Path / Compassion Blaze), Myosen River Shannon (MRZC Priest)

*(guest from Beacon Zen Temple from Rev.Tenkū Ruff)

The root of all Buddhist practice is sila or ethical conduct. Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts supports ethical conduct. Individual students of Zen may choose to deepen their relationship with the precepts and make a public statement of their intention to do this practice at a Jukai ceremony. This is a lay ordination ceremony in which one receives a Dharma name, simple robe (rakusu), and lineage paper tracing all the way back to the historic Buddha.

Deep bows of gratitude to everyone who supported the cohort’s commitment to the path of wisdom and compassion - particularly in these troubled times.

Preparing for Jukai includes the hand-stitching of a rakusu, a small, bib-like garment worn around the neck by Zen Buddhist practitioners. It is considered a small informal version of the Buddha's robe. The cohort was supported in this process by Ninen Susan, Kakuko Kaye, Myosen River, and Onsen.

Gesture of Respect

Folded Rakusu

Roshin Carmen Mills demonstrates placement of rakusu for Lily Eskandari

Fancy Rakusu

Stitching teacher, Nin-en Susan Elbe

Pine Needle Stitch

A big thank you to the sangha, friends, and family for coming to witness these individuals as they formally took their bodhisattva vows.

Thanks goes to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple for once again allowing us to use their beautiful hondo for our jukai ceremony. And also, most of these photos were taken by Unmon Jacob Butula- blessings to his keen eye!