Anuj Ansal becomes Soto Zen Buddhist Priest in historic Chicago ceremony

In a historic event for the Indian community in Chicago, 43-year-old Anuj Ansal, who migrated from India to the United States at age five, was ordained as a Soto Zen Buddhist Priest at the Chicago Zen Meditation Community.

Introduction to Buddhism

The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, established the foundational teachings of Buddhism, including the concepts of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These teachings spread throughout Asia, evolving as they encountered different cultures and traditions. Indian Buddhism gradually made its way to China via the Silk Road, where it merged with Chinese philosophy, particularly Taoism, to form Ch’an Buddhism in the 6th century CE.

Ch’an Buddhism emphasized meditation (dhyana), a core practice that traces back to the meditation techniques (samadhi) taught by the Buddha himself. This meditative focus is what would later evolve into the Soto Zen tradition’s Zazen practice. The Ch’an lineage was carried forward by Chinese monks, notably Bodhidharma, the legendary Indian monk often considered the founder of Ch’an, and then by Hongzhi Zhengjue, whose emphasis on silent illumination meditation directly influenced the later Soto Zen tradition.

In the 13th century, Japanese monk Dogen Zenji traveled to China and studied under the Ch’an master Rujing. Dogen’s experience with Rujing’s teachings, especially around silent illumination, resonated deeply with him. He brought this understanding back to Japan, founding the Soto school and formalizing the practice of shikantaza, or “just sitting.” Thus, Soto Zen’s lineage can be traced back to the meditative practices of Indian Buddhism through its transmission to China and then to Japan.

What it Means to Be Ordained

Ordination as a Buddhist priest is a significant spiritual commitment. It involves dedicating one’s life to practicing the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), living by the monastic code, and becoming a representative of the Buddhist tradition. For Anuj Ansal, this journey has been one of deep personal transformation and spiritual dedication.

New Responsibilities

With his new status, Anuj Ansal has undertaken the responsibility of living according to the monastic precepts, which include ethical conduct, meditation, and service to the community. He will now participate in guiding others on the path of Buddhism, helping both new and experienced practitioners deepen their understanding and connection to the teachings. His role will also involve offering spiritual support, teaching, and fostering compassion within the broader community.

Anuj’s ordination is not only a milestone for him personally but also a reflection of the growing diversity within the Buddhist community in Chicago. The event was celebrated by many in attendance, including members of the Chicago Zen Meditation Community, who have witnessed Anuj’s dedication and spiritual growth over the past decade.

This ordination adds to the rich tapestry of cultural and religious exchanges in the city, where traditions from across the globe continue to inspire and influence one another.