Ink drawing by Gareth Hinds
Dokusan
From Zen’s earliest times, a one-to-one relationship with a teacher has been central to the Zen path. Meetings with a teacher to develop the relationship are called dokusan, which means “going alone to a respected one.”
Working with a teacher is a principal component of Zen Buddhist practice. dokusan is a private one-on-one meeting with a teacher during a sitting practice period.
Sometimes referred as interviews, in our sangha dokusan is a time for offering encouragement and is neither a test nor a summons. It is an opportunity for students to ask questions of the teacher and to share with the teacher what they are experiencing in their Zen practice.
All newcomers are encouraged to come to dokusan.
When dokusan is offered, a senior student will remind you to start by stating your practice. Describing your practice can be brief or detailed. You could talk about your zazen, your mindfulness or work practice, a koan you’re working with, a challenge with practice, or introduce yourself as new to Zen.
There is no need to prepare what you are going to say or ask in advance. Dokusan is a spontaneous, shared expression of Zen between you and the teacher. Simply be present in the meeting, speak your truth from the heart, and pay attention.