Eldership Programme

For those who wish to develop further in practice at the Victoria Zen Centre, we offer the Eldership Programme. To qualify for this year long focused programme of practice and study, a candidate must maintain membership in good standing with the Victoria Zen Centre for a minimum period of one year, and complete a minimum of two five-day intensives with Eshu. For more information on the Eldership Programme, please contact the Centre.

To qualify for the Eldership Programme a candidate must:

  1. Be a Practice Council Member as defined in the VZC Religious Authorization Policy and Procedure(1yr).
  2. Be certified at the standard level of First Aid with CPR. 
  3. Be certified at the basic level of Food Safe. 
  4. Be actively participating in the development and well-being of the Victoria Zen Centre and its Sangha. (ie. Actively involved in Operational Team(s), strategic planning group, board of directors etc.)
  5. Be willing to accept greater responsibility for leadership as assigned within the scope of the Victoria Zen Centre’s programme and activities.

To apply for the Eldership Programme a candidate must complete the written application and essay.

Successful completion of the Eldership Programme is based on the candidate:

  1. Arranging to meet with Ven. Eshu to discuss the programme, and to review practice expectations as defined in VZC RAPP.
  2. Maintain Full Membership for the duration of the programme.
  3. Begin keeping a personal practice journal (for review with Ven. Eshu).
  4. Attend one-on-one practice meetings with Ven. Eshu at least once each month.
  5. Training in Zendo offices; Jikijitsu, Shoji, Densu, and Tenzo.
  6. Begin formal training in Ceremony.
  7. Attend quarterly Practice Council group meetings.
  8. Completing two five-day Zen intensives with Ven. Eshu (at least once each year).
  9. Completing all requirements within two years.

Upon Successful Completion of the Eldership Programme a candidate will:

  1. Commit to fulfilling the responsibilities of an Elder during the Jukai Ceremony. This includes sewing a rakusu.
  2. Assume the position of Elder in the Victoria Zen Centre Sangha. This will include responsibilities to ensure the development and continuation of operations and programmes at the Victoria Zen Centre.
  3. Maintenance of Eldership will require participation in half of all practice opportunities each year, including one five-day intensive.

The Eldership Programme does not include the cost of required certifications, robes or materials.