Attending Dokusan
Dokusan or Daisan are individual meetings with a teacher (dokusan), or assistant teacher/head of zendo (daisan), during a round of sitting, in which you may discuss practice-related questions. Meetings are brief and to the point, focusing on your meditation, practicing meditation in daily life, and deepening your understanding. They are not intended for social connection or psychotherapy. Exchanges are confidential (unless danger to oneself 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.
Our teachers generally follow the schedule below. However, there may be times when they are away on their scheduled day.
Karin Ryuku Roshi: In-person dokusan Tuesday evenings, Thursday mornings and some Sunday mornings. Online dokusan offered after those in person are seen.
Peggy Metta Roshi: In-person dokusan Tuesday evenings, Thursday mornings and some Sunday mornings. Online dokusan offered Thursday mornings and also by advance appointment Thursday morning from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (please contact the office for an invite).
Assistant teacher Geoff Baoku Sensei: in-person dokusan Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings.Assistant teacher Bill Hamaker: in-person daisan Tuesday evenings.