Becoming a Formal Student


Ven. Jissai Prince-Cherry will begin accepting students following her Zen teacher sanctioning ceremony on August 17, 2025.


People often ask about the difference between joining the Louisville Zen Center as a member and becoming a formal student of Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry, and what each involves.

Becoming a Member vs. Becoming a Student
Anyone interested in Zen practice and training is welcome to participate in Louisville Zen Center activities. Sittings and teachings are offered freely to all—both non-members and members.


Becoming a member is a way to support the Center through regular financial contributions (dana) and active involvement. After attending a workshop, you may sign up as a member at any time. Once you've been a member for at least a year, you may request to become a formal student of Sensei.

In our lineage, becoming a student is a simple process, but is a deeply meaningful step for both the student and the teacher. It doesn’t give you special access to the teachings—the instruction remains the same—but it marks a formal commitment to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha within this particular tradition. Below is an outline of the prerequisites, what the ceremony involves, and what Sensei asks of students afterwards.

Prerequisites

Before accepting someone as a student, Sensei generally expects the person:

  • To have been a Member of the Center for a least a year.
  • To have worked with her through regular one-on-one instruction for a period of time.
  • To be actively involved in Center activities.
  • To have participated in (or be about to participate in) at least one Jukai (precepts) ceremony.
  • To have requested to become a student in one-on-one instruction.


The Ceremony

The new student ceremony formally recognizes the student-teacher relationship—that is, the student’s commitment to practicing within a tradition under the teacher’s guidance.

  • The ceremony is held at a mutually convenient time, typically before, during, or after a sitting. 
  • It lasts about 20 minutes, with the ceremony assistant reviewing the details beforehand. 
  • Most of the ceremony involves Sensei speaking about the meaning of becoming a student.
  • Following Japanese custom, the ceremony also includes a one-time, token, anonymous monetary offering to Sensei from the new student. This is to her personally and is symbolic of the student’s willingness to support the teacher as well as being an expression of commitment, respect, and gratitude. The ceremony assistant presents the offerings on behalf of the new students. 


Ongoing Commitments

  • Addressing the teacher: Sensei asks that you use the name "Sensei" when addressing her to honor the Dharma connection the two of you share.
  • Supporting the Center: This includes making a regular financial contribution if possible, staying actively involved in the Sangha through sittings and events, and being willing to volunteer when needed.
  • Staying in Touch: It's important to maintain regular contact with Sensei, and it's the student’s responsibility to initiate it. Non-local students should do so through phone, email, or remote dokusan, while local students are asked to attend dokusan in person when possible.
  • Wearing a robe: Wearing a robe is generally expected for dokusan, but dark-colored clothing is fine if you don't have one. If you have a rakusu, please wear it during dokusan.
  • Working with other teachers: Like her own teacher, Sensei requests that formal students consult with her before engaging in one-on-one or intensive instruction (e.g., retreats) with other teachers. This helps prevent confusion, as teaching styles vary. Committing to one teacher and tradition fosters trust, clarity, and the intimacy essential for effective practice, while reducing the “comparing mind” that can hinder progress.
  • Ending the relationship: If at any time you no longer wish to be a formal student, please talk to Sensei about it, so there can be a clear parting of the ways, just as there was a ceremony to begin the relationship. This is both a way of acknowledging the gravity of the student-teacher bond and ensuring that there is an opportunity for a degree of closure. Just drifting away can be unhelpful.


Further Steps

As a student, you may request to receive a rakusu (which you sew) and a Dharma name, usually as part of the Jukai (precepts) ceremony.

  • Taking Jukai: Jukai is offered a couple of times a year at the Center and is open to all. Taking it regularly is encouraged as a way to renew your commitment to living in harmony with the Way.
  • Sewing the rakusu: The rakusu is the abbreviated Buddha robe that is worn by lay students and priests as a reminder of their commitment to the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). Wearing the rakusu is, in a sense, a way of “going public” with this commitment.
  • Receiving a Dharma name: Though not used publicly by lay practitioners in our lineage, the Dharma name holds private, symbolic, and often deeply personal meaning. Some students use their Dharma name in correspondence with Sensei.


For questions about the process of becoming a student, please speak with Sensei directly.