Lotus in the Flame Order
The bliss of the religious life is attainable
by anyone who walks the Noble Eightfold path... Whatever people
do, whether they remain in the world... or retire from the world
and devote themselves to a life of religious meditation, let them
put their whole heart into their task... and, if they are like
the lotus, which, although it grows in the water yet remains untouched
by the water... if they live in the world not a life of self,
but a life of truth, then surely joy, peace, and bliss will dwell
in their minds.
—Shakyamuni Buddha
The Lotus in the Flame Order is a Zen Buddhist religious order
that has been developed at the Lotus in the Flame Temple. One
may ordain in the Lotus in the Flame Order as either a layperson
or as a priest. These two streams of ordination are equal in commitment
to the practice and realization of the Dharma, but represent different
vocational aspirations and lifestyle, as detailed below. The requirements
for entrance into this order are rigorous and the ongoing responsibilities
of ordained members are demanding. Membership in the Lotus in
the Flame Order represents the highest commitment that one can
make at our temple to realizing the Buddha Dharma and to live
out of that clear understanding for the benefit of all sentient
beings.
Members of the Lotus in the Flame Order work with Roshi to develop
training forms and lead the Sangha in spiritual practice at the
temple. In addition to their own personal practice duties, ordained
members lead ceremonies and may be asked by Roshi to give Dharma
talks and lead shosan as appropriate to their development.
Lay Ordination
The Way of the Teacher does not require one
to go into homelessness or resign the world unless one feels called
upon to do so; but the Way of the Teacher requires each individual
to free themselves from the illusion of self, to cleanse the heart,
to give up the thirst for pleasure, and lead a life of righteousness.
—Shakyamuni Buddha
Lay ordination in the Lotus in the Flame Order involves lifelong
commitment to the practice and realization of the Dharma within
the context of the life of the householder. A detailed description
of lay ordination, including entrance requirements, ongoing lifestyle,
and duties can be found in the library. Any formal student of
Roshi who has been a practicing member of the Center
for a minimum of three years and is participating in the Monastery
Without Walls (except in those cases where such participation
is impossible due to one's circumstances) may take up the question
of lay ordination with Roshi. One should contact Roshi regarding
lay ordination at least six months before the Jukai/Lay Ordination
ceremonies.
Priest Ordination
All monastic ordination involves the spirit
of worldly renunciation or home leaving, wherein one leaves one’s
personal household that one may more easily embrace the entire
world as one’s home and all beings as one’s family.
—Danan Henry Roshi
Priest ordination in the Lotus in the Flame Order involves a
lifelong commitment to practicing and realizing the Dharma as
one’s vocation. Priests may work exclusively within the
context of temple life, may hold a career in a community service
profession, or some combination thereof. Priests may be celibate
or in a committed relationship, and may live in or out of the
temple. A priest’s duties may include such things as temple
administration, counseling, officiating at weddings, funerals,
memorial services, and Jukai; development of liturgy, translation
and preparation of Buddhist texts, and assisting Roshi in Dharma
teaching.
Any formal student of Roshi who has been a member
for five or more years, is participating in the Monastery Without
Walls program, and has no major life commitments that would interfere
with priestly vocation, may take up the question of priest ordination.
