This Sunday we will be celebrating our first shuso hossen. You may wonder what this is. Shuso (head trainee) is a traditional role in zen training for Zen students of long practice. They take on various responsibilities in order to make the zendo and zen center a peaceful place of practice. You might say that the shuso worries about stuff so that others in the zendo don’t have to. In a sense a shuso is an assistant to the teacher. In the zendo, they, too, face the sangha in order to see if anything needs attention during zazen. They serve as a coordinator and role model. One of the strongest characteristics of the role is its innate awkwardness. Bowing to all conditions is the heart of this role. Grace, humility and willingness is the key to the shuso’s training.
Hossen in the phrase, shuso hossen, traditionally is translated as Dharma combat. In our SJZC culture, though, we rephrase this as dharma dialogue. The shuso will be giving a Dharma talk on two different lines from the Genjo Koan. After his talk, the sangha is invited to question him on his understanding. This is then followed by an offering of congratulations. You can show your support and encouragement to this courageous shuso by attending the ceremony, which will be held at the time of our usual Sunday evening service following zazen.
