Join the Celtic Zen Movement



Individual Membership - Upasaka / Upasika

We would love to hear from you if you would like to become a member of the Celtic Zen movement. Please send us a message via the contact form with your wish to become a member and your contact details. We will send you a ritual for your self-initiation as an Upasaka (masculine) or Upasika (feminine). An Upasaka / Upasika is a non-ordained (lay) practitioner of Buddha Yoga. With the initiation you take on the five precepts and become a full member of the Celtic Zen lineage. During retreats you have the opportunity to temporarily take on the eight precepts of an Anagarika. You may also choose or ask for a buddhist name if you wish. Membership is free because we have no monasteries and paid clergy. Fees may apply for courses, usually on a voluntary donation basis (Dana Economy). Double or multiple memberships with other Buddhist traditions and teachers or other religions and spiritualities are no problem for us. We also don't expect members to no longer be allowed to have their own opinions. We don't have gurus at Celtic Zen. We want our members and friends to develop their own potential in freedom, equality and independence. This does not mean that we do not have our own teachers. But we had to realise that they are also just ordinary people.

Zen Druid (Mantri) Ordination

For experienced members in Druidry and buddhist meditation we offer the ordination into the role of a Zen Druid, in Sanskrit called Mantri (minister). A Zen Druid is an ordained non-monastic practitioner who has gathered sufficient experience in Celtic Zen Buddhism and Druidry, so that they can facilitate Celtic Zen groups. Zen Druids commit to the Ten Precepts outlined in the Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta (Theravada), the Bodhisattva Vow (Mahayana), and the Tantric Fourteen Vows (Vajrayana). Modern Druids traditionally wear white robes, by coincidence the same colour as other ordained non-monastic practitioners in Buddhist countries, like in India (Sramana, Samana) and Tibet (Ngagpa, Ngakpa). They usually add additional colours depending on their school of practice (Bards blue, Ovates green, Druids white, DruidCraft green or red) and personal preferences.

Anagarika and Monastic Ordination

The Celtic Zen lineage does not possess an unbroken monastic lineage to the Buddha. Nevertheless it is possible to live temporarily or permanently a life of an Anagarika, Monk or Nun. In the Zen tradition this would include celibacy when living in a retreat or monastic community. After leaving the retreat Anagarikas, Monks and Nuns are allowed to marry and to live in relationships. They commit to live from time to time in a retreat.

Celtic Zen Training

Celtic Zen offers a Training Curriculum as a reading list, which should be accompanied by attending practical meditation instructions. Find out more here.