Morality, Awakening and Meditation -- that is, good character, prajna wisdom and daily zazen -- are what is looked for in a Zen teacher.

Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.

All the other precepts we take at Jukai flow from our taking refuge in Buddha (realisation), Dharma (truth) and Sangha (harmony).

Various sources.

Some background on why we receive the sixteen precepts at Matariki. The importance of attending to our often harsh inner speech, and seeing through it.

Source(s): Advice Not GIven by Mark Epstein, Hay House 2018

Some reflections on why we have ceremonies and rituals, and look at some of the legends behind the bathing of the baby Buddha.

A Dharma talk by Sensei Richard von Sturmer.

Texts used: Crooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teachings of Shunryu Suzuki by David Chadwick; To Shine One Corner of the World by David Chadwick.

A first-hand case study in working with reactive states of mind.

Source(s): A Fire Runs Through All Things: Zen Koans for Facing the Climate Crisis by Susan Murphy, Shambhala 2023

Comments on ten zen pointers on the practice of welcoming

Source: Article by John Tarrant "How to welcome the end of the world" in Lion's Roar November 2016.

Just calmly see that all is one and by themselves false views will go.

Sources: RZC translation of Affirming Faith in Mind, in Chants and Recitations, Rochester Zen Center, 2005 and  Faith in Mind: A Guide to Zen Practice by Master Sheng-Yen, Dharma Drum Publications, 1987.

These dreams are merely flowers of air.

Sources: RZC translation of Affirming Faith in Mind, in Chants and Recitations, Rochester Zen Center, 2005 and  Faith in Mind: A Guide to Zen Practice by Master Sheng-Yen, Dharma Drum Publications, 1987.

The wise do not strive after goals.

Sources: RZC translation of Affirming Faith in Mind, in Chants and Recitations, Rochester Zen Center, 2005 and  Faith in Mind: A Guide to Zen Practice by Master Sheng-Yen, Dharma Drum Publications, 1987.