Receiving the Precepts
In the Zen tradition, the Buddhist Precepts are entered into as life-guiding principles based on the experience of no-self.
We take refuge in the three treasures:
BUDDHA | our awakened nature
DHARMA | all the phenomena of existence, witnessed clearly
SANGHA | the harmony of all beings and phenomena in awakenedness
You can make this commitment at varying levels of depth. You may simply set an intention to take refuge in your practice; you may formally take the Buddhist vows and receive the precepts through a Jukai Ceremony; and you may commit to a specific teacher, lineage or practice for the rest of your life. Or it may be something in between.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to be true to your heart.
A 3-session Precept Study class is offered each year for anyone who desires to explore and discuss the Precepts. See details below.
Practitioners wishing to receive the precepts and take the Buddhist vows formally through the Jukai Ceremony must meet with Gyodo Sensei to discuss their interest. The Precept Study Sessions are mandatory for those who are interested taking Jukai.
The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts
THE THREE TREASURES
I take refuge in the Buddha
I take refuge in the Dharma
I take refuge in the Sangha
THE THREE PURE PRECEPTS
Not Creating Evil
Practicing Good
Actualizing Good For Others
THE TEN GRAVE PRECEPTS
Affirm life; Do not kill
Be giving; Do not steal
Honor the body; Do not misuse sexuality
Manifest truth; Do not lie
Proceed clearly; Do not cloud the mind
See the perfection; Do not speak of others errors and faults
Realize self and other as one; Do not elevate the self and blame others
Give generously; Do not be withholding
Actualize harmony; Do not be angry
Experience the intimacy of things; Do not defile the Three Treasures
Precepts Study Series
The Fall 2026 Precepts Study Series includes 3 live class sessions online over zoom led by Practice Leaders Geoff Shōun O’Keeffe, Lisa Gakyo Schaewe, and Charlie Jodo Meerts-Brandsma, with readings and a chat group between sessions.
The contribution to attend is $75. Sliding scale / scholarships are available if needed - write to us at staff@eonzen.org.
Please plan on attending all three classes. All are welcome, even if you have attended in the past. Each session is recorded in case you miss one due to illness.
Fall 2026 Precepts Classes
Session 1 | Sept 30th 6:00-7:30pm MT
Geoff Shōun will offer an overview of our sixteen Precepts and Charlie Jodo will introduce the cohort chat group process for the Ten Grave Precepts.
Session 2 | Oct 28th 6:00-7:30pm MT
Lisa Gakyo will lead a discussion on The Three Treasures.
Session 3 | Oct 28th 6:00-7:30pm MT
Charlie Jodo will lead a discussion on the Three Pure Precepts.
Throughout these weeks, we will study the Ten Grave Precepts via the chat group and readings shared by email.
Precepts Study is required for all who would like to receive the precepts in the Jukai ceremony. Please discuss your interest with Gyodo Sensei.
3-session Precept Study Series for anyone who desires to explore and discuss the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts.
The Fall 2026 Precepts Study Series includes 3 live class sessions online over zoom led by Practice Leaders Geoff Shōun O’Keeffe, Lisa Gakyo Schaewe, and Charlie Jodo Meerts-Brandsma, with readings and a chat group between sessions.
Please plan on attending all three classes. All are welcome, even if you have attended in the past. Each session is recorded in case you miss one due to illness.
3 SESSIONS | ONLINE 6:00-7:30pm MT
2026 Class Dates:
Wednesday September 30
Wednesday October 28
Wednesday December 2
The zoom link will be provided to those who register.
The full series is required for those interested in receiving the Buddhist Precepts through the Jukai Ceremony.