Membership in the Soto Zen Buddhist Association

Currently, Soto Zen Buddhist priests are eligible for full membership if they have received ordination, dharma transmission in a recognized Soto Zen lineage, and meet SZBA Member Standards. A recognized Soto Zen lineage is one that can trace ordination and dharma transmission from teacher to disciple back to a Soto Zen priest recognized by the Soto Shu in Japan, although the lineage may no longer maintain an active standing with the Soto Shu. It is expected that ordination and dharma transmission ceremonies occur in-person and according to the traditions of the lineage.

You can view the full membership application here.

Soto Zen Buddhist priests are eligible for associate membership if they have received ordination in a recognized Soto Zen lineage and are in training with a Soto Zen priest who is eligible for full membership and is willing to sponsor the associate’s membership (the dharma transmitted teacher does not have to be a member) OR if they have received Dharma transmission in a recognized Soto Zen lineage.

Use this link to apply for associate membership or email info@szba.org for more information.

The focus of the SZBA is North America, but membership is open world-wide. Further requirements for full membership are as follows:

1. Submission of an application and registration fee;
2. Payment of annual dues;
3. Agreement to abide by and be held accountable to the SZBA Ethics Statement, and
4. Submission of an Ethics Statement to which the member agrees to abide and be held accountable, and which meets the criteria listed in the SZBA Ethics Statement.

If you are eligible to join the SZBA, please use this form to contact us about becoming a member.

Membership Application Equity Council (MAEC)
The SZBA recognizes that to create equity, proactive ongoing efforts to create a multicultural, inclusive, and accessible community are necessary. As a part of this effort we have created the Membership Application Equity Council (MAEC) to provide support and accommodations to applicants for SZBA membership who are members of marginalized communities such as, but by no means limited to, people of color and people with disabilities. To apply please fill out this form, or feel free to contact info@szba.org with questions.