Shukke Tokudo

I enjoyed the Super Bowl, but for me the most powerful and moving event last Sunday was Catherine's (see Catherine's Hands) priest ordination ceremony (shukke tokudo). Image above shows Susan Jion Postal and Dennis Myozan Keegan cutting the last strand of hair (shura) from Catherine's head. As the ceremony continued, she received inner and outer robes, a bowing cloth (zagu), an okesa, rakusu, kechimyaku (lineage papers), and a set of oryoki bowls (see Just Enough). She also received two new names, Chikudo and Shuho. It was a joyful day.

[NOTE: Catherine was a member of my jukai class at EHZC several years ago. I am grateful to and deeply proud of my jukai sister for taking this step. For the benefit of all beings. Gassho].