| Term |
Definition |
| Affiliated Zendos |
Zendos that operate under the guidance and principles of The Order of the Supramundane Way. |
| Chant Master |
Leads liturgical and ceremonial chanting, trains Sangha members, maintains chant instruments and materials, and coordinates with the Head Teacher. |
| Council |
The governing body of the Order responsible for decision-making, conflict resolution, and oversight of operations. |
| Council Members |
Appointed individuals who participate in weekly meetings, vote on motions, and uphold the governance of the Order. |
| Formal Student |
A Sangha member who meets weekly with a teacher, maintains daily meditation, and has served as Chant Master for the weekly Sunday Buddhist Liturgical Service. |
|
| Head Teacher |
Oversees Zendo operations, scheduling, and Sangha teachings; coordinates practice structure and leadership roles. |
|
| Observer |
An individual who attends services remotely in silence; entry-level stage of Sangha participation. |
|
| Ordained Teacher |
A teacher formally recognized by the Council who may take students and perform ordinations with Council approval. |
|
| Ordination |
The formal process of becoming an ordained member of the Order, requiring training, commitment, and adherence to guidelines. |
|
| Recording |
The practice of documenting Sangha events, services, and meditations for protection, teaching, and sharing purposes. |
|
| Resources |
Support for the Order provided through dāna offerings, including contributions for events, services, and operational costs. |
|
| Sangha |
The community of practitioners who support one another in the path of experiencing Supreme Bodhi. |
|
| Sangha Member |
An active participant in Sangha sharing and study, committed to daily meditation and community engagement. |
|
| Senior Teacher |
Spiritual head of the Order, responsible for Dharma transmission and ceremonial leadership. |
|
| Student |
A Sangha member who has taken the 5 Precepts Ceremony and committed to exclusive practice within the Order. |
|
| Supreme Bodhi |
Defined in the Order as “that which continues to have discerning nature, in the absence of sense data.” The central realization and goal of practice. |
|
| Surangama Sutra |
The foundational Buddhist text upon which all teachings, liturgy, and practice guidelines of the Order are based. |
|
| The Founder |
Ann Tjhung, the originator of the Order, serving as guide and Venerated Zen Master with unique authority and oversight. |
|
| The Order of the Supramundane Way |
The Zen Buddhist Order established to uphold and practice the teachings of the Surangama Sutra and the realization of Supreme Bodhi. |
|
| Zendo |
The physical or virtual meditation hall where Sangha members gather for services, meditation, and study. |