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
