Precepts Application

Thank you for your interest in wishing to “take refuge” in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha through Zen Center Regensburg e.V. The decision to take refuge is not a light or inconsequential one, as it means a public expression of your devotion to walking the path of waking up, and carrying the burden of the suffering of all beings. This commitment has incalculable spiritual merit, which strengthens our affinity for the Buddhadharma, and enhances our powers of love and compassion for all living things.

Taking the Precepts is not some sort of binding commitment to an organization or church, or even a philosophy or religion. However, it does offer the Preceptee the chance to practice more deeply with a Sangha of fellow committed souls who are also striving sincerely to develop their wisdom, to deepen their insight, and to perfect their tools of service to this world.

It is customary, in Asian Buddhist societies, for the temple to receive a modest donation for the privilege of receiving the blessing of the Precepts. You also commit to a monthly Membership in Zen Center Regensburg (Membership Form). This is just one small way you can support us arranging these teachings and events through this calm, meditative space in a too-noisy world. (Monthly membership in Zen Center Regensburg also grants you discounts for retreats!)

The minimum suggested donation (Dana) for Five Precepts Ceremony itself: 150 EUR (mostly, this covers the cost of the traditional Kasa, brought from a Buddhist temple in Korea). One is always welcome to offer the temple higher donation, as is customary. In Germany, all donations to Zen Center Regensburg are fully tax-deductible, by law.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: No later than February 5, 2024.

We congratulate you on your aspiration to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This is an important step which lights to way for countless beings to find a way out of this burning house of existence. In this darkening world full of war, political confusion, climate fear, and concerns over AI and delusive disinformation, it is absolutely critical to our survival as a species — to all life itself! — that this world be filled with ever more lanterns of light, of wisdom and love and compassion that really only the Buddha’s teachings most optimally manifest.