What is Dokusan?
Dokusan is a formal, private, face-to-face meeting between a formally transmitted Zen teacher and a formal Zen student.* In Japanese Dokusan means “going alone to a respected one”. (* At present Dokusan is limited to formal students)
This private one-to-one meeting is a central and traditional element of Zen training, particularly emphasized during zazenkai (full and half-day meditations), sesshins (extended retreats) and on a regularly scheduled basis.
Seiso Roshi conducts Dokusan in-person on a monthly basis or via Zoom on a mutually agreed on day and time. [*Dokusan is open to all participants during Zazenkai and Sesshin]
Purpose and Content
Dokusan provides individualized teaching and guidance. This offers the student an opportunity to share their understanding and realization directly with the teacher in a private and confidential setting. Content may include:
- Practice: Students can ask questions, share experiences, and receive advice and instructions regarding practice.
- Study: Dokusan can take the form of the study of a scripture, or of a text.
- Strengthen Motivation: serves as a time for the teacher to offer encouragement and help the student navigate challenges encountered on the Path of the True Dharma Eye.
Inside Dokusan:
Dokusan sessions are private, confidential and include a degree of ritual. The meeting opens with a prostration and a shared bow with the hands held in gassho. The student will be invited to take a seat on a zafu or chair. The teacher and student sit face to face. The student will open the dialog by stating their name and their practice. For example: “My name is Adam; my practice is shikantaza. If the student was assigned a text to study, they will add that as well. For instance: “I am studying Fukanzazengi. Meetings are brief ranging from a few moments to 10-15 minutes. Once the teacher signals the end of the meeting, a bow is shared in gassho. When the student reaches the door, the student offers a final bow in gassho before exiting.
How to Register:
At present, Seiso Roshi is scheduling Dokusan with formal students.
If you are interested in working with Seiso as a formal student simply let him know and the process will be explained.
Formal Training Paths:
1- “Ocean & Sky” refer to the depth and the expansiveness of realization and understanding that develop through ongoing study and practice. This Dharma Path requires a daily practice schedule, minimum of once monthly Dokusan and regular ongoing participation in practice events and study of textual materials chosen in consultation with the teacher.
2- Jukai is a lay ordination ceremony, which means “to receive the precepts.” The practitioner makes a formal commitment to follow the ethical guidelines of Zen. It marks a lifelong pursuit of practice and involves receiving a dharma name. The recipient will sew a symbolic robe called a rakasu with the assistance of a sewing teacher.
Each path is conducted on the basis of a mutually agreed upon and signed contract with the teacher. Both the teacher and the student are expected to carry out all provisions of the contract. Students are expected to offer dana (voluntary donations to the teacher.) For an application please contact Seiso Sensei
Logistics:
Dokusan is currently offered one Sunday each month. Roshi meets students on a first sign in basis. The sign-in book can be found on the table in the reception room.
There will be two rounds of zazen. Dokusan will be scheduled during kinhin and during the second round of zazen.
