UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR TAEGO CLERGY 2016
PRIVILEGES & EXPECTATIONS of clergy in the Taego North American / European Parish:
Senior Dharma Teacher: (title: Reverend / Bup Sanim)
- Provides Dharma missionary work in local community.
- Provides spiritual support to Sangha when no Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni is available.
- May open a temple or center under the guidance of a Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni (and with approval of Bishop).
- May perform ceremonies including blessings, weddings, memorials and special services when no Bhikkhu is available.
Associate Dharma Teacher: (title: Reverend / Bup Sanim)
- Provides dharma missionary work in local community.
- Provides spiritual support to Sangha when no Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni is available.
- May perform ceremonies including blessings, weddings, memorials and special services when no Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni is available.
Dharma Student: (Hengja)
- Support the temple center through weekly attendance, financial support, upkeep and working with the guiding teacher.
Requirements for each level of ordination:
Associate / Senior Dharma Teacher:
- Must complete 4 years as a Hengja (acolyte), at an established center or temple, under the guidance of a Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni or Dharma Teacher (Dharma Teacher only with approval by the Bishop).
- If a local temple is not available, you must enter a long distance student / teacher program with a qualified Bhihhku or Bhikkhuni (monthly donations to teacher required).
- Must complete (and pass) 2 year IBS seminary program (during the Hengja period).
- Must attend two protocol retreats over the course of training.
- Must be at least 30 years of age before starting program.
- After completing training, ordination of Associate Dharma Teacher will be bestowed with approval of Taego Overseas Parish ordination committee.
- After five years as Associate Taego Dharma Teacher and with continued education, evidence of community outreach and dharma missionary work, can be ordained as Senior Taego Dharma Teacher with approval of Taego Overseas Parish ordination committee.
- Must be in good standing with parish (dues up to date).
- Must complete introduction questionnaire and submit to a background check (at the applicants expense).
Additional:
In some cases special provisions may be given to Dharma Teachers due to age, or previous experience. This is at the discretion of the Bishop.
Taego clergy members that do not actively propagate the Dharma in their community, support an established temple or center, may have their ordination revoked.
All members must be in good standing (dues up to date, in contact with leadership) with the parish to receive further ordination, educational support materials, vote for leadership roles, be part of any leadership committees or have invitations to retreats.
All Taego clergy may not be part of multiple orders or denominations.
Note:
In some cases special provisions may be granted at the discretion of the AE Parish Bishop.
For further information, please contact Bishop Hae Doh Sunim by clicking the link below:
Ordination Information Request
ORDINATION TRACK APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATION