Question
Greetings, Kosen. I have practiced zazen for several years at different AZI dojos and attended several sesshins. Although I received bodhisattva ordination from one of the godos, I would like to know whether it is possible to receive monk ordination with you, since I consider it essential to be ordained by a master who follows the transmitted teaching as faithfully as possible. After some reflection, I have concluded that following a large association is not for me when the original spirit of Master Deshimaru’s transmission has been lost, giving way to the politicking, formalities, and hierarchies I dislike so much. Sadly, I experienced this so-called favoritism firsthand a few years ago. I remember being at La Gendronnière in May to spend two or three days and get to know the place. It so happened that the Sotoshu—a delegation of the highest-ranking Japanese officials—was passing through Paris and would visit La Gendronnière for a few hours. All I remember is that what was
supposed to be two or three days getting to know the place turned into a week and a half of hard work in the woods, on the road, and in the kitchen. The most important thing for the godo on duty there and the godos who would arrive later was to quickly complete all the tasks that had been neglected for so long, to make a good impression on the delegation. So that pressure fell on us, all so that the Japanese could spend three or four hours there and quickly leave by bus. I found it quite strange that the godo in charge of La Gendronnière was peacefully enjoying himself with his niece, who was also there, while the rest of us busted our asses. Although I was there at the same time as the godo with whom I had had the most contact from the beginning, and it had made me happy to think I would see him, I hardly had any chance to be near him because he was just passing through and the visit from the blessed Sotoshu was far more important to him. When they arrived, they officiated at the ceremonies—chants, sutras—but did not sit in zazen, which surprised me. They walked around, drank, ate, and left.
For this and other reasons, and because a sincere, deep practice without superficiality or vanity is so important to me, I am considering the possibility, if it is possible, of being ordained with you.
bodhi_viajero
Answer from Master Kosen
It will be possible at the 2009 summer camp.
Kosen