This class is to assist those who have received permission from their teacher to sew a rakusu or okesa in preparation for receiving precepts and a robe in Jukai or Shukke Tokudo. People who have already sewn a rakusu or okesa and are interested in learning to assist as sewing teachers are welcome to come and help.
Due to the pandemic and closure of our temples, in-person sewing classes are suspended until our temples reopen. Please contact Steph Blank or Tim Wicks with any sewing inquiries during this time:
stephanie.blank@sfzc.org
timothywicks@comcast.net
Classes for limited numbers of those sewing are meeting at City Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 – 8:30 pm, with prior Covid protocol clearance. To find out more and receive permission to attend, please contact Tim Wicks at timothywicks@comcast.net.
Rakusu Sewing Instructions are available here.
To sew a rakusu for non-SFZC residents: The registration fee for participation in the ongoing sewing classes at City Center or at Green Gulch Farm is $250. This includes materials. The cost of a prepared rakusu sewing kit only is $50.
To sew an okesa for non-SFZC residents: The registration fee for a Head Sewing Teacher's assistance with cutting and sewing an okesa at City Center or at Green Gulch Farm is $1,000. This includes materials.
If students have difficulty meetings these costs, please discuss a sliding scale arrangement with your sewing teacher. Please contact the individual practice centers for sewing class schedules.
Note: There is usually an additional donation made to the temple for the ceremony.