A Member of the Texas Sangha decides to take vows to become a Minister.

Shami Myokei is going to Shingyo Dojo (see below)

Lynda Caine-Barrett decided to follow the path of a minister after becoming a member of Nichiren Shu in 2002. In 2003 she took vows at the Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland with her master Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer. Two others also took vows to become ministers in the future (Shami). From the right ;

Shami Myokei Caine-Barrett of the Houston Sangha

Shami Ryushin Miller of San Francisco

Shami Ryunin Sorenson of Seattle.
The Shami bowing before the Buddha and getting ready to take their vows. This cereomy is called Tokudo. It symbolizes the leaving of home and secular life for that of a monk or nun. They will have to train for several years before being able to complete their training and become Nichiren Shu ministers.
The Shami receiving their certificates.
After taking Tokudo at their masters Temple, the Shami headed for Japan to confirm their vows at Seichoji. This is the Temple where our founder took his first vows to become a minister also.

Shami Myokei waiting for the train in Tokyo. Time for a quick snack.
The Shami at Seichoji in Japan. The next morning they will confirm their vows.
Shami Myokei receiving her certificate and wagesa (Buddhist robe) at the Docho ceremony after taking vows. She is now an official novice (Shami) in the Nichiren Order. It will take several years of training before she will be able to take the final steps and be fully ordained.

After several years of training Shami Myokei is ready to go the final step in becoming a minister in the Nichiren Shu. Currently she is in Shingyo Dojo (Monastery of Faith and Practice) finishing her training. She went to Japan in the fall of 2006 to take her written exams and just finished taking her Oral exam in early March 2007. She will be attending the Shingyo Dojo monastery at Mt. Minobu from May 27 - June 30. There she will complete her training and be ordained as a Nichiren Shu minister. It has been a difficult and rewarding few years for Shami Myokei as she practiced and studied for the priesthood. She has been working hard to learn not only the cerremonial manner of her practice and academic theory but also learn and practice the loving, caring, compassion of a minister. She has been running the Houston Sangha under the guidance of her master, Rev. Faulconer. She started a prison ministry and has been working with inmates in the Houston Texas area. She has attended yearly Shami training at the NBIC in Hayward California and also spent time in the Portland Temple with her Master.

As she enters the final steps to become a minister, she understands this is just a beginning. The monastery is very difficult and will require her to be very strong in her faith. This is a time of very intense introspection. If you would like to write Shami Myokei and give her support with your words of encouragement, please do so. Your words will help her during this time. You will be able to write her while at Shingyo Dojo itself. If you would like to do this please let Rev. Faulconer know and he will provide you with the address to write her. Please remember the dates above as it will take around a week for mail to Japan from the United States.

Much of the expense to becoming a minister falls on the Shami themselves. It is very expensive to become a minister. Shami Myokei had to fly to Japan several times in the last few months and also their are expenses for the Dojo itself, including clothing and fees. After she graduates she will need to buy her new robes. If you would like to make a financial contribution to Shami Myokei's training expenses please push the button below.

Thank you for your help and encouragement.

Pictures of her graduation will be posted here. Please check back after June 30th for updates.

May 27th 2007 The Dojo group on their way to the Founders Hall of Kuon Ji for the opening ceremony. The Monastery stay lasts for 35 days.

Myokei Hosshi. While in Shingyo Dojo the title of Hosshi (Dharma teacher) is used for the students. The Hosshi wear grey robes and yellow Kesa. Recorded history indicates that the grey and yellow are what Nichiren Shonin would have worn. In the time of Nichiren Shonin the gray robe was obtained by taking a white hemp robe and rubbing ash from the incense burner into it. The monks of India wear saffron colored robes as the Japanese ministers did not have saffron a yellow flower was used to produce the color in the Kesa. The Kesa is the holy garment worn by the minister. It is a patchwork of cloth sewn together which represents the rag robe that Shakamuni put on when he became an asetic monk.

The Dojo coming down from Kuon Ji after the opening ceremony. They will climb to Kuon Ji every morning for service. Most of their time will be spent in the Dojo itself. This group is 16 women varying in age from 35 to 67. The teachers wear a darker grey robe and brown Kesa.

Please keep Myokei Hosshi in your prayers.