Hi Guys,
Just running by an idea. I thought of keeping out "Women & Differently Abled" Ancestors Lineage documents and ceremony, and perhaps ADDING something like this to represent all other folks who may have struggled to be included in Sangha in the past (it is just a model I whipped up, click to enlarge) ...
This document would also be presented to everyone undertaking Jukai now and in the future, together with the traditional Lineage and the "Women & Differently Abled" Lineage papers.
We might change the wording, e.g., instead of "For our Treeleaf Ancestors of All Natures ... " to "For All Treeleaf Ancestors ... " unless folks like the "All Natures" wording etc.
Furthermore, we can keep the Ceremony for Women Ancestors, and the Ceremony for Differently Abled Ancestors, and
just ADD a small ceremony or moment to our Rohatsu Retreat to remember and commemorate the folks of other natures who struggled to gain access to Sangha through the centuries.
Would that be good?
Also, one request, would folks offering comments here denote if they consider themselves part of the LGBTQ community because, while we value everyone's opinions, we particularly want to hear from our LGBTQ members (and perhaps any other group that has suffered exclusions in the past) about what they may feel is best. Thank you. If you are not LGBTQ, would you indicate briefly so that we might know where you are coming from?
I hope that is okay to ask.
(Sorry, ran long)
Gassho, J
STLah