Becoming a Formal Student


In our Zen lineage, becoming a student is a simple yet deeply meaningful step. It signifies a formal commitment to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha within this tradition, and under the guidance of this teacher. Although formalizing a student-teacher relationship isn’t required, many of our members find that it helps in deepening their commitment to practice. Below is an outline of the prerequisites, the student-teacher ceremony, and what Sensei asks of students going forward.

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 dokusan 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 dokusan.


The Ceremony

The New Student Ceremony formally acknowledges the student-teacher relationship—the student’s commitment to practice within a tradition under the guidance of a teacher.

The ceremony takes about 20 minutes and is scheduled at a mutually convenient time, usually before, during, or after a sitting. A ceremony assistant will review the details with the new student beforehand.

Most of the ceremony involves Sensei speaking about the meaning of becoming a student. Following Japanese tradition, it also includes a one-time, anonymous, symbolic monetary offering from the student to Sensei personally. This gesture expresses the student's support, respect, gratitude, and commitment to the teacher. The ceremony assistant presents this offering on the student's behalf.


Ongoing Commitments

  • Addressing the teacher: Sensei asks that you use the honorific "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 whenever possible. Wearing a robe is generally expected for dokusan, but dark-colored clothing is fine if you don't have a robe. 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 periods (e.g., retreats) with other teachers. This helps prevent confusion, as teaching styles and emphases 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.


Other 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.