Daisan: Going to Interview with the Teacher
Daisan is a brief formal face to face interview with a Zen teacher about spiritual issues and insights. From time to time
there may be other reasons why you may wish to go to daisan.
You may have a serious question about your life and how it affects your practice, you may have questions about your practice like: How do I take this practice deeper? I’m a beginner where do I start? How do I work with the feelings, thoughts and emotions I’m noticing during meditation?
Daisan is an opportunity for a private confidential interview with someone who has done his or her spiritual work, has been empowered and authorized to teach and offer daisan by their teacher and lineage, the White Plum Asanga,
Daisan is brief. It lasts usually only five minutes or so and therefore you should be direct and to the point. It is not a social chat, or psychotherapy. It is primarily about spiritual questions.
Procedure
The procedure for coming into daisan is quite simple. On the right when entering the zendo is the daisan book. Write your name next to your assigned number listed from 1-6, and remember where you are on the list, when the person ahead of you on the list returns, quickly stand, bow to the altar and enter the daisan room. After entering, do a standing or full bow to the teacher, and take your seat. If Sensei does not know you, please say your name and tell him what your practice is. But even if you have been to interview before state what your current practice is. “My practice is counting my breaths or the koan I’m working on is___________,” and then let the dialogue unfold.
Sensei will tell you when the encounter is over. At that time do a sitting bow, and before leaving, at the door offer either a standing bow or a full bow. Return to your seat or cushion and resume zazen. If you have any questions see the practice leader, Joe Egan.
