Zen Master Dogen’s Instructions for the Tenzo begins with these lines:
From ancient time communities of the practice of the way of Awake Awareness have had six office holders who, as disciples of the Buddha, guide the activities of awaking the community. Amongst these the tenzo bears the responsibility of caring for the community’s meals. The Zen Monastica Standards states, “The tenzo functions as the one who makes the offerings with reverence to the monks.”
The tenzo team is the sangha of the kitchen, the dharma of tea, and the practice of service to awakening Buddha nature. The practice is open for all members. And if you are sitting and thinking, “I am not a cook,” or, “I do not know how to make tea,” or “I hate doing dishes,” maybe this is the practice for you.
The kitchen is a zendo. We bow to the kitchen altar, wash our hands, and put on our apron. The practice begins with just this kettle of water heating on the stove. Just this spoon scooping tea, a clink against glass. The simplicity of treats and tea. My first day I was nervous and unsure. Francine, our now retired tenzo, looked me in the eye and said, “It is just tea.” Every time we make tea, it is just tea, because that is all it can be or ever will be.
The kitchen is sangha. After tea and treats several of us will feel compelled to stay and help with dishes. All who wish to do dishes are welcome. The kitchen transforms during this time to an intimate place to share. Two people will stand shoulder to shoulder washing each teacup with warm sudsy water. The work lightens the tongue, and a dialogue will begin. My conversations are beyond recounting and range from mixed martial arts, to astrology, to where to find the napkins, to learning we do not get answers; however, we will get the response we need.
The kitchen is most loved when we are in it. The kitchen invites us to be with her. She has a tender heart to hold space for all who wish to deepen their practice.
-Gabrielle Gerlits