July 2nd 2005 is the day I will always remember. This marked the ending of many stages of my personal, spiritual journey and the beginning of another as I was ordained into the Tendai Buddhist sect.
I had been studying the Buddhism of Tendai and Buddhism in general for almost 8 years with the last two years being under the guidance of Jion Prosser Sensei as a personal Deshi (student). It was due to his recommendation that I was accepted as suitable for Tendai's Shukke Tokudo ordination.
Jion Sensei was at the time, based at the Tendai Hawaii BetsuIn under the direction of Dai Shojo Ryokan Ara Sensei. I arrived one week before the ceremony along with three other students from the United States. We spent the preceding days receiving instruction, reviewing aspects of Tendai philosophy and preparing for the ceremony as well as attending daily services and doing temple work.
Shukke Tokudo is an important ceremony. The importance of the ceremony was further heightened by the news that it was to be lead and attended by very senior priests from Hieizan (Mt. Hiei) the ancient home and headquarters of Tendai in Japan. A very great honour indeed.
Tendai was also celebrating its establishment over 1,200 years ago which meant there was a lot of additional temple activity and which we, as aspiring priests, were expected to attend.
The day was suddenly upon us. It started normally with Asa Shingon (morning service) followed by temple work. Grounds had to be cleaned and swept before our honoured guests were due to arrive. Food had to be prepared and tables and chairs set ready for the Sangha meal after the ceremony.
The ceremony began and lasted for an hour. There were four for ordination and each part was repeated four times so that we each understood the importance (a real test for those familiar with Seiza). We were each given a Homyo or Buddhist name, I was given Jiryo (fullness of Compassion). There was a wonderful sense of focus and presence throughout. Suddenly, we were no longer aspirant priests, but junior trustee priests of a long, rich Buddhist tradition.
Through its long history, Tendai has, by choice, made little in-road to spreading its teaching and philosophy outside of Japan. As a result, very few westerners know of Tendai. However, Tendai's view is changing and is now in the process of establishing what will become a Western Tendai tradition. Under the guidance of our teacher, Jion Sensei and his master Dai Shojo Ara Ryokan Sensei, we four new priests are to play an important part in the formulation of a western approach to Tendai.
I had hoped that with my ordination I could begin the task, in some small way, of establishing the rich tradition of Tendai in Australia. Now, I am a part of a much greater vision. Something I could not have even begun to think about. I feel both humbled and honoured.
I had been teaching Buddhism and Tendai philosophy on an informal basis before going to Hawaii. I intend to continue on a more formal basis with regular classes/ services. There will be further workshops and the addition of week-end camps. The immediate focus is to establish a Tendai Sangha of Australia. Hopefully out of this will come those who wish to embrace the Tendai Buddhist way or perhaps even take the road I have taken myself.
Persons interested in Mahayana Buddhism and the Tendai way are encouraged to contact through this website.
Thank you for visiting our website.
May you receive many Blessings and much Merit.
Gassho
(Reverend Jiryo Moxon)
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Jiryo Moxon (Shukke Tokudo)
