Ordination

The Ordination itself:

May 3, 2011
Rev. Sean H. Thompson

Please check the photos page for examples, each ordination ceremony is unique, depending on number of those beiong ordained and the number of onlookers and monastics in attendance. This is a tentative schedule, for 2011 we have newarly a dozen ministers being ordained.

The schedule of events: 2:30
-Seating of public
- Seating of Ministers
-Entry of Candidates (carrying insence for offering
      -offering of a flower as given by layperson of cadnidate's choice.
      -offering of candle as given by layperson of candidate's choice.

-Entry of Masters, Preceptors, (public and ministers and candidates all stand).
     -Offering of incense
     -Chanting, this officially begins the ceremony.
            (Candidates follow masters in prostrations, palms up to the Buddha, palms down for the Masters.)

-Introduction of ceremony and candidates by 'MC'.
-Refuge under the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha,
-Acceptance of the 10 precepts by candidates, as read aloud by the 'MC' the candidates will respond in unison with 'I accept'
-Acceptance of the rules of conduct: as read aloud by the 'MC' the candidates will respond with, 'I accept'
-The candidates will step forward to the Masters one at a time, receiving a folded robe, it should be accepted bowing, walk backwards back to your spot so that the next candidate will receive their robe (or stole).
-Candidates will leave the hall, and don their robes or stoles. (you will be helped into your robe by current ministers as available)
-Candidates will return to the ceremony space, and prepare for prostrations, as ministers.
-The ministers make three prostrations to the masters, (Mahayana)
-Each Minister receives their pin and certificate.
-Offerings made to the masters by each minister (red envelope) suggested, $300.00
- The new ministers are given a chance to speak, publicly.
- Masters give closing blessing and chanting.
Photograph of group, and individuals.
End of ceremony, and on to reception, (Tea and cookies in another room.)
afterward, the ministers will be given their Dharma names, which will be in Pali or Chinese, depending on choice of candidate.