Becoming a Minister
The membership of the Order consists of Buddhist Laity who have been ordained as ministers and take upon themselves the responsibility to teach the Dharma.
The Dharma is not a dogmatic faith, but a teaching of self-responsibility that encourages the cultivation of morality, wisdom, and limitless love and compassion for all living beings.
WHO MAY BECOME A BUDDHIST MINISTER
Any interested and dedicated individual may apply for admission into the Order. Primarily, they must be willing to accept the following principles for the application process:
-Be committed to mindfulness practice, have knowledge and respect for the various Buddhist traditions, and the willingness to apply Buddhist teachings to help society when and where it is needed.
-Be willing to live by the Precepts as well as the Ten Guides to Behavior of the Order and continually develop their character.
-Have an adequate history of personal practice
-Be willing to serve the needs of the Buddhist Community, regardless of the tradition.
Becoming a Buddhist Minister:
Having met character qualifications, candidates for the Ministry must demonstrate a background in dharma study, a strong desire to propagate the dharma to the Buddhist community and an agreement to work within the parameters established by their Sangha masters. Selection is determined by a panel composed of ministers and Sangha who are charged with that responsibility. A course of study is prescribed candidates found wanting in Dharma Education. Upon receiving favorable consideration candidates are informed of their selection and scheduled for ordination; conducted by a minimum of three preceptor Monastics from the Sangha Council of Southern California.
Ministers may wear approved robes and/or other vestments to identify their status and create recognition. They are registered through the Los Angeles Buddhist Union and are conferred the title of Reverend. All work performed is under the direction of Sangha members. Ministers agree to assist in all ways and without regard to any specific school or tradition. Their performance is periodically reviewed and if for any reason it is not up to the expected standard, or there is any unacceptable behavior, they will be excluded from the Ministry. Periodic evaluations are conducted automatically every two years for the first six years of service.
Among Ministry achievements to date: five ministers now preside over active Buddhist Centers in New Jersey, Arizona, Missouri, and in two California areas. Two former ministers have subsequently gone on to become ordained Monastics: Ven. Dao Yuan of the Bodhidharma Meditation Center, and Ven. Hui Cheng of Rosemead Buddhist Monastery. Others have assumed various responsibilities in teaching dharma classes, making public appearances, and writing articles on Buddhism. One recent ordainee, has the honor of becoming the first Buddhist Chaplain in the U.S. Army, ministering to members of the Armed Forces. Another recently ordained minister, is in training to become a U.S. Naval Chaplain. A group of graduate students from University of the West, now engaged in Buddhist Studies will be ordained in the near future and most will enter other Chaplaincy programs.
