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.
Working with a teacher is a principal component of Zen practice. Dokusan is a private one-on-one meeting with a teacher during sitting practice period.
While we sometimes refer to the meetings as interviews, dokusan is for offering encouragement and is not a “test.” Teachers know how difficult challenges with practice can be, including with posture, breath, thoughts, or insights a practitioner may have realized. It is a time for asking questions.
All newcomers are encouraged to come to dokusan.
Ink drawing by Gareth Hinds