Practice-Study Program

The PPE of the CSZCM It is structured in six progressive cycles, focused on introduction, deepening and transmission of Zen.

Presentation

On behalf of the Soto Zen Camino Medio Community (CSZCM), I want to express our deepest and sincere gratitude to the Soto Zen Buddhist Community (CBSZ) y, very especially, to the teacher Dokusho Villalba roshi, for their invaluable work and dedication over more than 30 years in the development and promotion of a practice and study program that has served as inspiration for the creation of our own program.

I want to make special mention of the work carried out in the Serena Light Temple and in the urban centers assigned to the Soto Zen Buddhist Community, spaces where so many have been able to begin and deepen the practice of Zen. The structure of our program reflects the same values ​​of respect for tradition, commitment to the Dharma and dedication to the Sangha.

This program that we now present, and which develops over six cycles, It has been carefully designed to continue the work of disseminating and practicing Zen in the context of our community.. Like the program promoted by the CBSZ, Our program is focused on cultivating the practice, rigorous study and relationship with the teacher Dharma, essential elements in the Way of Zen.

Finally, We reiterate our gratitude and we commit to continue with the work of disseminating and practicing Zen. May our actions and teachings be worthy of this lineage and contribute to the awakening of all beings..

We trust that this map offers a clear vision of the spiritual and human journey we follow in the CSZCM and guide all practitioners to correctly position themselves on the path of awakening.

Daizan Soriano. Master of Dharma.

FIRST CYCLE

1. Goals

  • Introduction to the Way of Zen.
  • Transmission of the spirit of Budismo Mahayana.
  • Study in a clear and systematic way the essential principles of Buddhism, from its origins to its global expansion, with a doctrinal and historical approach that facilitates the understanding and appropriate use of Buddhist vocabulary and concepts in Western culture.
  • Read and analyze key texts from different Buddhist eras and schools, in order to promote the knowledge and application of Buddhism in personal growth and its practical application to daily life.

2. Practice

The First cycle begins with the introduction to the practice of Zen and concludes with the Bodhisattva ordination.

3. Requirements

No initial requirements are required, salvo:

  • Respect for the Zen Tradition and the teachers of Dharma.
  • Respect for the rules of coexistence of the CSZCM and the Zen urban centers attached.

4. Contents

  • Initiation to Zen.
  • Zen Days (1 day or weekend).
  • Retreat to approach the practice of Zen.
  • Basic Introduction to Buddhism Course I.
  • sewing a rakusu and/or the kesa man-e (For those who wish to receive the Precepts of Bodhisattva).
  • Bodhisattva Ordination.

5. Commitments

When starting, there are no formal commitments. However, those who wish to deepen and receive the Precepts of Bodhisattva They must meet the requirements to advance to the next cycle.

6. Development

The First Cycle begins with the introduction to the practice of zazen, either in a Conference or an introductory Retreat, whether in a retreat, or participating in another activity, directed by the teachers of the CSZCM.

Zen Days

They are practice and study meetings of the Way of Zen that take place on weekends. (some in residential regime). Its purpose is the theoretical-practical approach to Zen meditation.. Different activities are energized for learning and developing the cultivation of attention. Time is also dedicated to flexibility and stretching exercises that allow you to adopt the posture of zazen more easily.

Approach to Zen Retreat

These retreats are open to all those who want to have a first contact with the Way of Zen. To participate in these retreats there is no requirement, except the natural respect for the place and the practice that takes place there. In these retreats the practice of meditation is taught (zazen), ritual recitations, the practice of conscious work (find) and everything that concerns the Zen way of life. Participation in these retreats does not imply any type of commitment to the Community, not even with the teacher Dharma. All those who want to continue delving deeper, must necessarily participate in one or more of these retreats, regardless of your previous experience in this or other Zen communities.

Bodhisattva Ordination

To receive the Bodhisattva Ordination these requirements are needed:

With the Bodhisattva ordination The First Practice-Study Cycle is considered to have been completed. Those who do not wish to access the Second Cycle, nevertheless, They can stay as long as they want in the First Cycle.

7. Certification and Competencies

This First Cycle does not have any special certification, except in case of concluding it, drifts in the ORDINATION OF BODHISATTVA. Practitioners who have satisfactorily completed it, They have the possibility of accessing the Second Cycle as long as they feel it in their heart and formally request it from the teacher in a private interview. (dokusan).

SECOND CYCLE

With the Second Cycle begins a practice truly committed to the Dharma and with the Sangha

1. Goals

  • Delve into the practice-study of Zen Buddhism.
  • Establish connection with the Lineage of Transmission through a disciplic relationship.
  • Commitment to the Sangha through involvement in organization and maintenance.
  • Training in practice through sesshin.

2. Requirements

3. Contents

  • The disciplic relationship
  • Deepening Retreats
  • Presence and participation in the practice center to which you are assigned.
  • Course II (PEB)

4. Commitments

The practitioner undertakes to:

  • Follow the spiritual guidelines of your teacher Dharma.
  • Practice retreats with your teacher Dharma.
  • Dressing un kesa man-e
  • Attend the Annual Community Assembly.
  • Participate in the bond renewal ceremony with the teacher.

It is understood that a practitioner has satisfactorily completed this level when he or she has fulfilled all the commitments made..

5. Development

In this cycle Discipleship begins when a teacher of Dharma accepts the practitioner's request bodhisattva. If accepted by the teacher, From that moment on the disciple can continue the II Cycle as a disciple and member of the CSZCM.

Deepening Retreats.

To participate in the Deepening retreats you need these requirements:

6. Certification

Document accrediting the spiritual bond that the teacher grants to the DISCIPLE during a private ceremony.

7. Skills

Those practitioners who maintain the disciplic relationship, They will have the right to participate with voice and vote in the general assembly of the CSZCM.

THIRD CYCLE

1. Goals

  • Deepen the practice of Zen Buddhism.
  • Deepen the discipleship relationship.
  • Take Training as a Zen Meditation Assistant

2. Requirements

  • Establish a disciplic relationship with a teacher Dharma of the CSZCM.
  • Have the authorization of a teacher Dharma to access the Third Cycle.

3. Contents

  • Retreats organized by CSZCM
  • Zen Meditation Assistant Training Course
  • Course III (PEB)

4. Commitments

The practitioner undertakes to:

  • Practice on retreats with your teacher Dharma.
  • Take the Zen Meditation Assistant Training Course.
  • Attend the Assistant-Instructors follow-up seminar.
  • Attend the Annual Assembly of members of the CSZCM.

5. Development

The practitioner must ask his teacher, through a personal interview, your admission as a third cycle practitioner. During the Third Cycle, The practitioner will perfect his training in the practice of Zen by attending retreats organized by the CSZCM and the completion of the Zen Meditation Assistant Training Course. A close relationship with the teacher is essential.

6. Certification

A practitioner who has successfully completed the Third Cycle, You will receive an accreditation document to practice as a Zen Meditation Assistant.

7. Skills.

A practitioner who has received the ZEN ASSISTANT certificate, has the ability to:

  • Lead sessions zazen in the dojos.
  • Use ceremonial instruments.
  • Perform the functions of assistant in the sesshin and conferences organized by the CSZCM.

FOURTH CYCLE

1. Goals

  • Deepen the practice-realization of the Way of Zen through the Training of Zen Instructors.

2. Requirements

  • Have satisfactorily completed the Third Cycle and have the Zen Meditation Assistant certificate.
  • Have the authorization of a teacher Dharma to access the Fourth Cycle.

3. Contents

  • Retreats organized by CSZCM
  • Zen Meditation Instructor Training Course.
  • Follow-up seminar Assistants-Instructors.
  • Course IV (PEB)

4. Commitments

  • Practice on retreats with your teacher Dharma.
  • Complete the Instructor Training Course.
  • Receive a kesa 7 bands at the end of the Cycle.
  • Dress a Samue summer brown and winter brown.
  • Attend the Assistant-Instructors follow-up seminar.

5. Development

Practitioners who have completed the Third Cycle and want to access the Fourth, You must request it from your teacher. Dharma. With the consent of this, begins a year of specific training on teaching within the CSZCM.

6. Certification

Practitioners who have successfully completed the Fourth Level will receive the ASSISTANT ZEN MEDITATION INSTRUCTORS certificate.. For the delivery of this Certificate, the Council of Dharma will value the disciple's abilities, taking into account, preferably:

  • The assimilation of teaching content.
  • The correct understanding of Dharma.
  • Ethical behavior in accordance with Dharma.
  • The correct and regular practice of zazen, both in sesshin, like in everyday life.
  • The mastery of the liturgy of the CSZCM.
  • The capacity in resources and human relations.
  • Knowledge and practice of the rules of the CSZCM.

7. Skills

Practitioners who have obtained the Zen Meditation Assistant Instructor certificate, will have the following powers:

  • Lead Introduction to Zen Conferences.
  • Function as teaching managers of the Zen Centers.
  • Give introductions to the practice of zazen in urban centers.
  • Organize and disseminate CBSZCM activities in your city of residence, as well as in other locations.
  • Access the Fifth Cycle.

FIFTH CYCLE

1. Goals

Experimentation of the teaching function of the new Assistant Instructors.

3. Requirements

  • Certificate of aptitude to access the Fifth Cycle.
  • Have the authorization of a teacher Dharma to access the Fifth Cycle, obtained during a personal meeting.

4. Contents

  • Practice on retreats with your teacher Dharma.
  • Assumption of responsibilities in the organization of the Sangha.
  • Teaching practice zazen.
  • Follow-up seminar Assistants-Instructors.

5. Commitments

  • Deepen commitment through greater involvement in the organization of the CSZCM.
  • Lead at least one Introduction Day per year and/or accompany the teachers of Dharma in the sesshin as assistant instructor.
  • Participate in the Annual Monitoring Seminar.
  • Participate in the Annual General Assembly of the CSZCM and in organization and maintenance work.

6. Development

In the Fifth Cycle, the Assistant Instructor experiences the work of a teacher, both practically and theoretically, while continuing to deepen his responsibility and commitment as a disciple of his teacher. So, These experiences are contrasted with the teachers of Dharma and with the other instructors during the Annual Follow-up Seminar. On the other hand, the commitment of the Assistant Instructors with the organization of the CSZCM gets even stronger, which allows them to get to know closely, participate and learn from the organizational functioning of the Sangha.

7. Certification

A practitioner who has successfully completed the Fifth Cycle will receive the ZEN MEDITATION INSTRUCTOR Certificate..

8. Skills

Practitioners who have obtained the Zen Meditation Instructor certificate, will be supervised by teachers Dharma or other older instructors. They will have the following powers:

  • Give introductions to the practice of zazen in the centers.
  • Direct conferences and Sesshin Approach.
  • Direct the Zen Centers integrated into the CSZCM.
  • Organize the Zen Center of your city of residence according to the rules of the CSZCM.
  • Organize and disseminate the activities of the CSZCM in your city of residence and in other locations.
  • Participate in the media as representatives of the Community.

SIXTH CYCLE

1. Goals

  • Experience the practice of Dharma in the continued presence of the teacher.
  • Prepare the disciple for the Transmission of the Dharma.

2. Requirements

  • Have the authorization of a teacher Dharma to access the Sixth Cycle, obtained during a personal meeting.

3. Contents

  • Zuishin (follow the teacher).
  • Learning the task of transmitting the Dharma.
  • Learning the task of leading a Zen community and a sangha.
  • Intensive practice both in everyday life, as in the periods of sesshin.
  • Hôssen-shiki.
  • Transmission of Dharma.
  • Ceremonial Officiant Apprenticeship.

4. Commitments

  • Dedication, as a student and as a teacher, to the activities of the CSZCM, both religious and administrative.
  • Perform the ceremony Hôssen-shiki.
  • Perform the Transmission ceremony Dharma.
  • Receive a kesa 9 bands at the end of the Cycle.

5. Development

The Sixth Cycle is intended for those disciples who feel in the vocation and in the disposition to receive the Transmission of the Dharma. For this, especially in this cycle, the teacher-disciple relationship is fundamental. It is about the disciple sharing most of the time with the teacher, both in daily practice and in periods of Sesshin, Buddhist Studies seminars, organizational meetings, social projection, human relations, teaching, etc.

In this cycle, the future teacher of Dharma comes into full contact with the role of the teacher, learning from his doing, assisting him and imbuing him with his spirit in all the circumstances of his life.

This Cycle begins with the ceremony of Hôssen shiki (Dharma fight) in which the practitioner will be presented to the Sangha as an Aspiring Disciple for the Transmission of the Dharma (shuso).

In the event that the teacher considers that the Disciple Aspiring to the Transmission of the Dharma is ripe for it, Transmission of the Dharma during a private ceremony between the disciple and the teacher, just as it has been done in our tradition.

Our hope is that each cycle of this program inspires, guide and support practitioners on their path to awakening, always in tune with tradition and the values ​​that have been transmitted to us. May it be for the good of all beings.

Reset password Create account