Work AS Practice :: Making Rakusu Rings
This practice is but a gift from the universe.
I live outside of Moscow, Idaho. I'm a woodworker and a Zen practitioner. I make wooden rakusu rings as a service project and as my part of my work (samu) practice. My usual and preferred way is to make your rakusu ring with you in mind. Just contact me (will@kestrelcreek.com) with details, including desired wood species, a little about your practice, and most importantly, your timeline. I’ll make a custom-sized rakusu ring in the Soto or Rinzai tradition. The Soto rakusu rings I make are generally 2 ½ OD, 1 ⅜ ID, and a little less than ¼ thick. This process takes about 1-2 weeks. If you are in a hurry or shy, I have an online store that I try to keep stocked with Pre-made Rakusu Rings. If the Rakusu Ring that captures you is marked “Sold Out”, just drop me a note and I’ll make you one like the Rakusu Ring you like. will@kestrelcreek.com
I ship internationally. I work primarily in North American domestic woods, mostly sustainably harvested and sometimes wood supplied by the jukai aspirant, and I've been collecting bits of wood for many years, some with no commercial value but are beautiful nonetheless. I can get and work with any legally available wood species worldwide. Please contact me at will@kestrelcreek.com to question the availability of your desired wood species or if you have special needs. It is important that we connect with a long enough timeline (usually a couple of weeks) to talk about the wood species available and what is desired. I will work with you to get the right rakusu ring that speaks to you.
I have been formally practicing with the Palouse Zen Community for about 13 years. I am a student of one of Robert Aitken's students, Jack Duffy. His home and retreat center is outside of Bellingham Washington. For me it is a rich and rewarding experience to participate with you in your jukai in such a small way. If you accept a ring from me, I'd really like to receive a photo of you with your completed rakusu (possibly taken at your jukai). Tell me a little about your practice, the group and linage you practice in, where and when you might be taking jukai, if you have specific size requirements, and where to send the completed rakusu ring?
It is important you get a rakusu ring that speaks to you. These are made one at a time and their precise dimensions vary a little. Select this link to see pictures of the process, warning “sausage being made”.
Select this button “Custom Rakusu Rings” and you’ll be taken to a page with a description of the simple and quick process producing your special and meaningful rakusu ring of wood. I can and will make you one out of any legally available wood species. I’d love to hear from you either way.
Select this “Pre-made Rakusu Rings” to purchase one of the limited number of rakusu rings already made. If you don’t see the one that speaks to you, email me and I will make you one. I can make you one like any of the ones marked “Sold.” Please consider contacting me and we can working together on making you a custom rakusu ring. I’d love to hear from you in any case.
When doing small bulk orders I need more lead time and I collect the names, email addresses and home towns of the final recipients of the rakusu rings. This is for my database of the homes of the rakusu rings I make. I really like to know where each rakusu ring ends up, where it sleeps at night. I sometimes provide rakusu rings to Roshis, sanghas or jukai classes, but I'd prefer to work with each aspirant directly. I do not make rakusu rings for resale. If you are interested in a few rakusu rings for a group, contact me at will@kestrelcreek.com and we'll talk.
I also make custom sized rings.
The wooden rakusu ring is a nod to how Chinese monks fasten their robes to keep their arms free for physical labor in the fields and kitchens. It is also reminiscent of the shoulder fasteners of the full-length robe called a kesa. The ring has no special meaning. It is just a fashion throwback to a nostalgic time.
https://www.stillsitting.com/blog/the-making-of-a-rakusu/
https://terebess.hu/zen/szoto/ruha.html
References
My virtual mentor Rev. Kobutsu Malone. A fine Rakusu Ring maker. Founder of the Engaged Zen Foundation
Link to information on sewing the Rakusu.
Helpful sewing tips and a precept guide, rakusu pattern and photos of a completed rakusu are available at http://palousezen.org/jukai.html.
Another rakusu ring maker is Zen Buddhist monk Oshin Jennings and they are available at No Barriers Zen Temple.
Rakusu and other zen garments - professional tailor and Zen priest Shuji Valdene Mintzmyer available at http://zenmonkwear.com/
A place to get a pre-made rakusu or rakusu ring at Sitting Still.
Zabu zabu, a source for custom made zen meditation clothing and supplies, including rakusus at http://www.zabuzabu.net/.
Jikan Lucy Brusini propriater at Iki;8 makes custom clothing and rakusus for the lay and ordained Rinzai Zen community http://iki-8.com/
Endless Knot - Zazen Robes and Cushions - https://endlessknotcushions.com/rakusus.htm
Making and distributing the rings has been a service project for me. Many people have asked what they can send me in return and my stock response has been nothing. And that is fine. Rather you are making your own rakusu or making one for someone else, please don't let cost be a factor. The "suggested dana" is $25.00 shipping included, $35.00 international shipping, or donate what moves you.