Question
BACKGROUND OF THE EVENTS
(Twenty years ago already, Master Rempo Niwa Zenji, the highest authority in Japanese Zen, who would later become Zenji of Eiheiji temple, founded by Master Dogen Zenji himself,
came in person to transmit shiho (Dharma transmission) to three of Master Taisen Deshimaru’s closest disciples.
Needless to say, this most important of ceremonies was intended not only to authenticate Étienne, Roland, and Stéphane as successors to the Buddha’s Dharma, but above all to authenticate Master Deshimaru’s own mission and work as an educator. On that occasion, Master Rempo Niwa wore a black kesa as a sign of respect and mourning for Deshimaru, and also mentioned Master Kodo Sawaki, his old friend. He was happy that this event would help continue the lineage.
This ceremony was therefore performed in the names of Deshimaru and Kodo Sawaki at La Gendronnière temple and represents Master Deshimaru’s own historical transmission. This in no way excludes all Master Deshimaru’s other great disciples, who were themselves subsequently certified by the greatest Japanese masters.)
Roland’s reply after Stéphane invited him to celebrate this event at his Nice dojo with zazen, a brief ceremony of thanks, burning incense for Niwa Zenji and Taisen Deshimaru, then sharing a drink to their health and the continuation of their teaching.
Dear Loïc,
Shiho seems intimate to me, and celebrating it does not seem right.
Best wishes to Stéphane and your sangha.
Warmly,
Roland Yuno Rech
Roland
Answer from Master Kosen
Dear Roland,
Zazen too is intimate, which does not prevent us from celebrating it together.
However, the shiho we received, apart from being intimate for each of us, had this special feature: it celebrated not only a personal event for Roland, Étienne, or Stéphane, but also, and above all, the certification of Master Taisen Deshimaru and his teaching. Moreover, it was given in his name and in his temple, making it a historical event that has never been repeated and never will be. When my secretary pointed out during summer camp that it had been twenty years since I received that shiho, I said the customary phrase, “Twenty years already,” then spontaneously wanted to contact you to—I don’t know?… At the very least, that calls for a drink…
But I also understand that you make it something personal and intimate, as you say, and I respect your view.
So through this letter I say to you: KANPAI, YEEEEES, CHEERS!!!!!!!
And all my respect and gratitude to Mokudo Taisen Deshimaru Zenji and Rempo Niwa Zenji.
And all my fondest memories to those with whom I shared this event.
Kosen