RESOURCES FOR PRECEPTORS
On this page you should be able to find all the information and documents you need as Preceptors to carry out your responsibilities.
Ceremonies includes the Private and Public Ordination Ceremonies, in a range of languages, as well as the Kalyana Mitra Ceremony.
Working Arrangements includes the current Public Preceptors’ College working arrangements, along with details of the processes for appointing and reviewing public and private preceptors, particularly useful for the correspondents overseeing the processes.
Information for Private Preceptors includes a couple of documents about the responsibilities of a Private Preceptor; suggestions for proposing an ordinand, along with The Eight Guidelines; and further information also on preparing for the ordination by registering the name, choosing the sadhana, and ordering robes.
Information for Public Preceptors includes the processes you need to follow when preparing for ordinations including ordering kesas and welcome packs, notifying the Order Office to announce the Ordinations, and registering the new Order Members. There is also information here on processing resignations, and your responsibilities as a Public Preceptor.
You should be able to view and download any of the documents by clicking the links embedded below, if you find anything that doesn’t work or is out of place, or, if you have suggestions for other useful information to include here, please contact the College Assistant.
CEREMONIES
Here you will find our Triratna Ceremonies for Public and Private Ordinations, and Kalyana Mitra Ceremonies, in a range of languages and two sizes for printing. Click on the links to view and download.
THE PRIVATE ORDINATION CEREMONY
Private Ordination Ceremonies for Dharmacharinis
THE PUBLIC ORDINATION CEREMONY
WORKING ARRANGEMENTS + PRECEPTOR PROCESSES
Here you will find the Preceptors’ College Working Arrangements, along with the detailed processes for appointing and reviewing both private and public preceptors.
ON THE PRECEPTORS’ COLLEGE
Preceptors’ College Working Arrangements
Here is the current version of the College working arrangements.
APPOINTING + REVIEWING PRECEPTORS
Processes of Consultation and Review
A document detailing the processes by which Private and Public Preceptors are appointed and reviewed, with particularly relevant information for correspondents about how to undertake their responsibility for the process.
Current Active Public + Private Preceptors
CRITERIA + FEEDBACK
Guidelines for Feedback in Preceptor Processes
A document outlining points to help reflection on someone’s readiness to take on the role of Private Preceptor. It is suggested to use these as guidelines in formulating feedback to someone in a Preceptor process for appointment or review. There are also suggestions to guide you offering feedback.
INFORMATION FOR PRIVATE PRECEPTORS
Here you will find information about the responsibilities of a Private Preceptor. There are also suggestions for proposing an ordinand, along with the Eight Guidelines; as well as further information on preparing for the ordination by registering the name, choosing the sadhana, and ordering robes.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PRIVATE PRECEPTOR
Private Preceptor’s Handbook
A handbook on the work of a Private Preceptor, from the point of being asked, to the years beyond the Ordination Ceremony. It serves as an overview of many of the other resources here.
Being a Private Preceptor
A talk given by Subhuti using the framework of the Ordination ceremony to articulate the responsibilities of the Private Preceptor.
Initiation into a New Life
An article based on discussions between Subhuti and Sangharakshita about the key position of the Ordination ceremony.
PROPOSING AN ORDINAND
Writing a Proposal
Guidance drafted by Padmasuri for women preceptors’, updated in 2016.
The Eight Guidelines
A framework for Order members to reflect on a mitra’s readiness for ordination, taking account of the broad themes that are explored in ordination training. There is also a self-reflective version of the Eight Guidelines designed for mitras.
The Eight Guidelines
Eight Guidelines as Personal Reflections, for Mitras
PREPARING FOR THE ORDINATION
Giving a Name
A document detailing the process and principles of registering and giving Dharma Names.
You can log in to the ‘Order Names’ Site with the details sent within your preceptor induction email.
Choosing a Sadhana
Here are some guiding principles on choosing a Sadhana. You can access the Sadhana site with your Order login. ‘Recommended Sadhanas’ are those typically given at the point of Ordination.
You can log in to the Sadhana Site with your Buddhist Centre Online account details.
On Choosing a Sadhana – Dhammadinna (2020)
Guiding Principles for Preceptors – Purna (2020)
Sadhana Extracts from ‘Initiation into a New Life’
Ordering Robes
The Order Office oversee the production and distribution of Order Robes. In plenty of time, please follow the instructions to order your robe, and support your ordinand to do the same.
INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC PRECEPTORS
Here you will find information about preparing for Public Ordinations and the proper processes of administration; as well as information about processing resignations.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PUBLIC PRECEPTOR
The Responsibilities of the Preceptors’ College
This document, drafted in 2017, summarises the college’s responsibilities and the basis on which they are held and carried out.
Sangharakshita conducting a Public Ordination
A recording of a Public Ordination by Sangharakshita, with full explanation. Also features a special Sevenfold Puja with readings from the Dhammapada, one of the earliest collections of sayings of the Buddha.
ADMINISTRATION FOR ORDINATIONS
Ordering Welcome Packs
You need to notify the Order Office of upcoming Ordination Retreats at least three months ahead of time, in order to ensure Kesas can be produced and ‘Welcome Packs’ sent to you. You also need to ensure the ordinands and preceptors have information about ordering robes.
Communication of Ordinations
Before and following the Public Ordination, you need to send out notices via the Order Information Service.
Registering New Order Members
New Order Members need to be registered on the Order Database. It is the responsibility of the Public Preceptor to ensure the ordinands are registered, ideally on the retreat, or to have the information they need to do so on their return home.
You can find all the information about these administration processes in the document below.
PROCESSING RESIGNATIONS
Processing a Resignation
A document detailing the process of accepting a resignation and informing the Order.