Dokusan or daisan are individual meetings with a teacher (dokusan), or assistant teacher/head of zendo (daisan), during which you may discuss practice-related questions. Meetings are brief and to the point, focused on your meditation, practicing in daily life, and deepening understanding. They are not intended for social connection or psychotherapy. Exchanges are confidential (unless danger to one’s self or another is present); however, teachers may consult with each other regarding issues relevant to practice. All are welcome to attend once or twice to get a feel for the experience and a particular teacher; however, if you wish to do dokusan or daisan regularly, we ask that you commit to membership. You may choose the teacher you wish to see. Dokusan and daisan are generally offered during selected daily sittings (see below) as well as zazenkai and sesshin.
If you have not previously attended dokusan or daisan, please arrive at least 15 minutes early and ask the jisha (attendant) for instruction in the forms we use. If you are participating on Zoom and would like to meet with a teacher online, please message the zoom attendant via chat at the beginning of the sitting and include your phone number if your teacher does not already have it.
Dokusan/daisan schedule by teacher:
Karin Roshi: In-person dokusan Tuesday evenings, Thursday mornings and Sunday mornings. Online dokusan offered Tuesday evenings. Exceptions: June 6-9, 13, 16. July 11-14.
Peggy Roshi: In-person dokusan Thursday mornings and Sunday mornings. Online dokusan offered Thursday mornings and also by advance appointment following the Thursday morning sitting at 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (please contact the office for an invite). Exceptions: June 6-9. July 11-14
Assistant teacher Bill Hamaker: In-person daisan Tuesday evenings.
Assistant teacher Geoff Keeton: In-person daisan Thursday evenings.
Assistant teacher Dennis Sienko: Away until Fall 2024
Head of Zendo Merilee Schultheiss: In-person daisan Tuesday evenings.
Dokusan/daisan schedule by day:
Tuesday evenings (7:00 – 8:40 p.m.): In-person and online dokusan with Karin Roshi, and in-person daisan with head of zendo Merilee Schultheiss or assistant teacher Bill Hamaker.
Thursday mornings (6:30 – 7:30 a.m.): In-person and online dokusan with Karin Roshi and Peggy Roshi. Peggy Roshi also offers advance appointments for online dokusan following the morning sitting at 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.; if you would like an invite to the signup, please contact the office.
Thursday evenings (7:00 – 8:40 p.m.): Daisan with assistant teacher Geoff Keeton.
Sunday mornings (8:00 – 9:00 a.m.): In-person dokusan with Karin Roshi and Peggy Roshi.