Rev. Shokai reflects on the Shuso experience four years on.
On the eve of Rev. Kaishin’s Shuso process culminating in the Shuso Hossen Ceremony, Rev. Zuisei asked Rev. Shokai to share reflects on her memories of the process, her experience with the sangha since, and words of encouragement for Rev. Kaishin.
Rev. Shokai gives Dharma Talk about the Shuso role and process at Sesshin. Watch the recording.
Zuisei: Looking back on your Shuso experience 4 years later, what stands out most in your memory?
Shokai: I remember Do’on’s response when asked how the experience would be different for a home grown Shuso, and for our particular Sangha, when she said that I would have her and Rinsen’s glaring eyes upon me! A little intimidating and yet a beautiful expression of the care and heart that our teachers put into our training - for each and every one of us. And yes, it was hard to always be on the spot and respond in the moment; but hey, that’s life - right? And sometimes you mess up and that’s okay and that’s a great lesson; especially in a society that doesn’t always allow for that or encourage or value the freedom and creativity of vulnerability. It always felt totally organic, as the student teacher relationship does in our Sangha, because of the authenticity and heart (there’s that word again) we all invest in it.
Zuisei: What has surprised you the most about life and practice post-Shuso Hossen as a Senior Student
Shokai: Well, of course, it’s totally ordinary. We say that all the time in Zen and there are moments when that bows to you and you to it. One aspect that has been formative for me is the great space of possibility my teachers allow me. I feel guided, I embrace the training, and the training is in being myself. And there is the serious responsibility of being empowered by the Teachers to give dharma talks within certain guidelines. I carry the fan given to me by the Abbot at the Shuso Hossen ceremony when I give a talk. I don’t take that lightly.
Inevitably there is some shift in relationship with the Sangha post-Shuso Hossen, just as there is when we step into Jukai, Shoken, priesthood, and various leadership roles. Roshi talked a lot about the Sangha Transmission/Blessing as an integral part of being acknowledged as Shuso and as Shuso you feel that in your bones. That heartfelt gift is transformative. Part of the training is in moving fluidly in and out of roles, of meeting the moment skillfully in the context of Sangha. I carry the fan the Abbot gave me and I have the poems the Sangha wrote at the ceremony in a box beneath my altar. Both are reminders that we are on this path of enlightenment for the sake of all beings together. That it is serious business and that it is joyful.
Zuisei: What words of encouragement would you like to share for Rev. Kaishin as he moves into the final stretch leading up to the Shuso Hossen Ceremony?
Shokai: We’ve walked this path together, with this Sangha, for a long time. Kaishin has always been the heart of sincere practice and of deep encouragement for me. I am so honored that we can now contribute to the Sangha together with this level of empowerment and initiation that comes to us through the lineage and our beloved teachers. I would say, keep on being your authentic, beautiful, creative self and don’t forget to give big sis a kick in the butt when she needs it. It’s been such a joy to train under our teachers with you, brother.