Statement of
Purpose
Charlotte Joko Beck and
her Dharma Successors have established the
Ordinary Mind Zen School, whose purpose is set
forth in the following statement.
The Ordinary Mind Zen
School intends to manifest and support practice
of the Awakened Way, as expressed in the
teaching of Charlotte Joko Beck. The School is
composed of Charlotte Joko Beck, her Dharma
Successors, and teachers and successors they, as
individuals, have formally authorized. There is
no affiliation with other Zen groups or
religious denominations; however, membership in
this school does not preclude individual
affiliation with other groups. Within the school
there is no hierarchy of Dharma
Successors.
The Awakened Way is
universal; the medium and methods of realization
vary according to circumstances. Each Dharma
Successor in the School may apply diverse
practice approaches and determine the structure
of any organization that s/he may develop to
facilitate practice.
The Successors acknowledge
that they are ongoing students, and that the
quality of their teaching derives from the
quality of their practice. As ongoing students,
teachers are committed to the openness and
fluidity of practice, wherein the wisdom of the
absolute may be manifested in/as our life. An
important function of this School is the ongoing
examination and development of effective
teaching approaches to insure comprehensive
practice in all aspects of living.
May the practice of this
School manifest wisdom and compassion,
benefitting all beings.
December 25,
1995
