Shoe-Sew

Sabbatical just got some structure: Meet the next Shuso, or Head of the Zendo for the downtown program on Thursday and Sunday nights for the next year!

Incoming and outgoing Shusos, Jomon and Rinsan.
Note the gladiolas sprouting from my shoulders -- an apparent side effect of the new role.

The ceremony was quite moving. For the outgoing Shuso, the tradition is to have what is called a Shuso Hosan. This is an opportunity for the Shuso to give a brief talk based on a koan or some aspect of Dharma, then to invite their understanding to be tested by each member of the community. It is a formal time, and includes many cool Zen accoutrements like officiating with a stick, sometimes yelling, or even getting up dancing. By the way, nice job "Singin' in the Rain," Rinsan. A tough act to follow.

Rinsan's Shuso Hosan

Rinsan spoke about the koan Bodhidharma's Vast Emptiness. The talk and questions inspired me to make another altered sardine tin shrine, this one of Bodhidharma in his cave:

Bodhidharma in his cave, an altered sardine tin shrine

The new Shuso installation ceremony is comparatively brief. Here are some of the words:

New Shuso (to Teacher): I realize that the opportunity to meet a teacher of the Dharma and to put the teachings into practice is rare. I ask to be allowed to study with you during this 2009/2010 training period. I vow to work with you to help encourage others to rest in the source of their own deep wisdom. I ask to do this by leading the Sangha through the example of my practice and dedication.
Teacher: This role is one which has been passed down from Buddha to Buddha, teacher to teacher, from me to you. May your practice be fruitful, your joy pure, and your bliss grow eternally. May your example help many people. Realize that it is not your small self which is important in entering this position - but that great light which is expressed through your life and all our lives. That light is what gives encouragement and guidance to all.

New Shuso (to community) : At the request of my teacher I have been asked to fulfill the role of Shuso for the next year. My wisdom and compassion are limited, my skill inadequate. I ask the Sangha to support and teach me how to express compassion and strength to help this community be healthy and strong so it may offer benefit to everyone who comes.
I meant every word. Especially the ones about limitations and inadequacies. This is a quite a visible role, and because of that, feels like a real stretch already. Not to mention how scary it is to think about sitting up there for a Shuso Hosan!!!

I've been feeling the weight of this role, and my dear Dharma friend Erika pointed out to me that I am creating some unnecessary difficulty with a fixed ideal concept of Shuso, rather than the reality of the process that is Shuso, that is everything. She is totally right.

Apaprently each Shuso brings their own unique flavor to the job, and to the Sangha. I know this will change me, too. I am most grateful for this honor and opportunity, and I do hope it will be of benefit to the Sangha as much as I am sure it will benefit me.