Jukai 2010

Tonight I served for the first time as preceptor at our sangha's fall Jukai.  This was my first Jukai since taking the precepts at my ordination.

Taking the precepts again tonight, I am further resolved to follow the path, no matter what it means for my life as I have lived it up until now.

Śāntideva's lines come to mind:

Today my life has borne fruit;
Having well obtained this human existence,
I've been born into the family of Buddha
And am now one of Buddha's Sons.

Thus whatever actions I do from now on
Must be in accord with the family.
Never shall I disgrace or pollute
This noble and unsullied race.

May all of us live up to the dignity of our birthright!