At the recent Sesshin with Myotai Sensei in New York, I was designated "Shuso" (Head Discple) and offered a talk which is posted at the hermitage heart website http://www.hermitageheart.org/ After the talk, I engaged in "Dharma Combat" with the sangha - unfortunately, the recording of that portion didn''t catch the questions well, so it is not posted.
Myotai Senseis talks from the Sesshin are posted there as well, and I would like to encourage you to have a listen to them for sure!
1 comment:
Here is a webpage with a glossary of Zen terms to give you a better understanding of the term "Shuso":
http://www.villagezendo.org/sections/glossary.htm
and this is a copy of relevent terms from that webpage:
"Shuso--during ango, the teacher may choose to designate one student to serve as shuso, the head student during the ango training period. The shuso serves as a leader and model of practice during this time. At the end of ango, the shuso undergoes an empowerment ceremony known as shuso hossen .
Shuso Hossen is a ceremonial rite-of-passage marking a student's promotion to the rank of Senior. It takes place at the conclusion of the intensive training period of Ango during which the student serves as a model to the sangha or community. The event is both a crucible and an empowerment for the student in that their understanding is tested by the community. As such, it is a participatory and deeply moving experience for all. At shuso hossen, the shuso gives his or her first dharma talk and takes questions from the community in a ceremonial conversation known as dharma dialogue."
back to me (Chuck)-'ango' is similar to sesshin; 'dharma dialogue is the same as 'dharma combat' that Sensei spoke about in his posting.
This is a high honor so please congratulate Chikyo if you have not had the opportunity to do so.
Gassho,
Chuck
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