Shingon Discipline – Tokudo (Novice Ordination)
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There are those who may wish to receive higher training or intensive discipline. Before one embarks on this stage, it is very important for the student to consider one’s intention and goals.
Take for instance drawing a perfect circle on a piece of paper, but not having the compass there to help guide you. To go right into drawing the circle, you may find that the circle may not be perfect; the line might be broken at one end, and it may not even look like a circle and more like an egg. (It is fitting to note that if your circle is an indeed an egg, you may not be ready to break out of your shell and start drawing circles!)
With this in mind, finding a qualified teacher who can help guide you on a gradual pace plays an important role in one’s discipline, for your teacher will be your guide and master for life. Teachers may have certain instructions for you to follow, or give you homework for practice at home or at the temple when necessary.
As a novice, you will not only practice and learn the teaching with your master, you will also learn the basic etiquette that is expected of a priest. Some examples include:
Walking, sitting, kneeling and bowing
Handling one’s robes, beads, sutra texts, and instruments
Chanting sutras and mantra pronunciation
Shomyo (hymnals in Sino-Sanskrit language)
Meditation and basic visualization instruction
Those who aspire to learn under a teacher are then considered novices, but not before participating in an ordination ceremony, known as Tokudo-shiki (得度式); the word “Tokudo” literally means to “obtain the degree”; it is the foremost moment in the life of a Buddhist to undertake because it is the symbolic point where one becomes part of the Buddha’s sangha, obtaining the life of a practitioner who strives to liberate oneself and others from samsara.
The ceremony itself calls for the ceremony to be on an auspicious day according to the Agrarian (Lunar) calendar. You will also need your own set of robes (this can be organized with Rev. Asahi) and beads.
In the ceremony, one takes refuge in the Triple Gem, undergoes tonsure (except females), receiving the ten Shramanera precepts, receiving the robe to wear during service functions, and a new Dharma name.
In the Koyasan Shingon sect, it will be necessary to register with the headquarters in Japan as a novice as well to have an official standing. Registration requires an application (which will usually not be refused so long as the teacher is recognized), a form of identification (ID or birth certificate), and a registration fee.