L i n e a g e  o f  p a t r i a r c h s

from Buddha to Master Kosen

This document is a ketsumyaku, certificate of affiliation to the lineage of the great masters and Buddhas of the past. It is delivered to the monk during his ordination and attests to his membership to the Buddha family. This exceptional ketsumyaku joins together the lineages Rinzai and Soto through Master Dogen, as well as the lineages of Eihei-ji and Soji-ji trough Master Kosen. To be authentic, this document must be signed and stamped by the seal of the master.

Master Deshimaru was saying:" If you want to judge a master, the objective side is of prime importance. Ask him from whom he received the ordination and from whom he received the transmission". It is for this reason that documents are delivered: ketsumiaku for the ordination and shiho for the transmission of dharma.

The ketsumiaku which is presented here is a virgin one. At the occasion of the ordinations of the monks, the names of the master and of the disciple are added by hands, all that is authenticated by official seals. On the ketsumiaku which is presented to you here, you can click only on the names of the soto lineage up to Master Dogen.