Ordination Ceremony

Last Sunday, the Chicago Zen Center bore witness as one of its long-time members was ordained as a Zen Buddhist priest. The man we once knew as Marek Prejzner renounced worldly life and took the 16 Precepts from Sevan Sensei. To begin his life as a priest, he was given the name Sthaman (pronounced sta' - mun). This is a Sanskrit word that shares roots with the English word "stamina." Sevan Sensei spoke about the difficulties one can expect on this path, but also about the sense of true fulfillment it can engender. Our Center is deeply enriched by Sthaman's commitment.

45 members, family members and guests attended the ceremony.

Sensei offers incense


3 Prostrations


Sthaman receives priest's robe


Changing


Spreading Zagu


Receiving rakusu


"Wondrous is the robe of liberation..."


All bow


Sensei & Sthaman