Head Trainee Ceremony
A Recapitulation of the Ceremony
Having spent several weeks in the Practice Period, culminating in the deepening of our sangha during sesshin, we meditate once more. We rehearsed this moment, especially on the last day of sesshin, and now Sensei Shinzan, Jisha, Shoryu, Head Trainee Dojin, and others come together to bring the rehearsed parts into action. We fall naturally into our tasks (mindfulness helps) and all gathering in support. Soon, family and friends assemble, making a whole of our separate selves. With strength and authority, the bell tolls, and the stately procession begins.
This long-awaited ritual feels overdue in some ways. A few of us remember the summer of 2018 when, alongside a Jukai ceremony, Dojin was bestowed a gray Rakusu, symbolizing a position that Shinzan described as “rather like a priest without a temple.” Now, after years of countless Dharma talks and leadership as an advanced student, we finally arrive to this day, appropriately placed at the end of sesshin, to welcome Dojin to his well-earned position. As tradition dictates, Dojin has served as Shuso, better yet, head trainee, throughout the Practice Period and particularly during the culminating sesshin. He faced all the surprises and challenges—the scheduling hiccups, the need for flexibility, the unexpected twists—and handled them accordingly. While there were moments to laugh at in hindsight, Dojin, Shinzan, and Shoryu worked together seamlessly, demonstrating their collective experience.
The procession enters with an air of authority. Rooted. Grounding.
Dojin begins at the altar, alongside Shinzan. There are many prostration bows: to Sensei Shinzan, to Buddha, and even to Dojin’s wife, Tamara, who lightens the moment by humorously saying, “Stay down.” Other moments of levity punctuate this otherwise solemn and meaningful ritual, which is strong in its spoken word and, at times, loud in its delivery.
Head Trainee then moves to the center, bows to Buddha, and steps to the front, facing us, to give a thoughtful and wise Dharma talk. In most Head Trainee ceremonies, this would be the person’s first official Dharma talk. However, as we know, Dojin, with decades of practice and years alongside Shinzan, has already delivered countless Dharma talks, edifying and guiding our sangha.
After the talk, Dojin recites the traditional phrase: “Would that the Pacific Ocean were big enough to wash away all my words.”
Next, a poem is recited, written on a banner, as Dojin moves slowly around the zendo, bowing to Shinzan, who ceremoniously hands him the five-foot shaft, the shippei. At this point, a voice calls out about the lion’s roar, and the Head Trainee returns to the front, carrying the shippei in one hand and a fan in the other.
And so, the Dharma Combat begins:
Facing us, with Jisha beside him, Dojin thumps the floor with the shippei and declares:
"This is a three-foot-long black snake. A long time ago, it was a konpura flower at Vulture Peak. At Shaolin, it became a plum blossom… I feel like a mosquito trying to bite an iron bull… Now, in accordance with the order of my teacher, it lies in my hands. I cannot give it away. Dragons and elephants, let us call forth the Dharma: Give me your questions!" —Shundo David Haye, Zen priest
One by one, Dojin is called upon: “Attention Shuso!” Questions are asked, and Shuso responds. If the questioner is satisfied, they say, “I thank you for your answer.” Shuso then replies, “May your life go well.” This exchange continues, with each question receiving a thoughtful, cogent answer.
Each Head Trainee ceremony has its own character. Traditional Japanese ceremonies often feature rapid, shouted exchanges, with sharp, sword-drawn responses. In ceremonies where the Head Trainee is new to the role, the sangha may offer easier questions, fostering a mild tone. Ours, however, featured thoughtful questions from genuine curiosity, and Dojin provided equally thoughtful answers, delivered concisely but with depth. We were given a glimpse of his genuine wisdom.
Following the Dharma Combat, Jisha and Head Trainee bowed deeply, pacing in a tight circle below us all as we bowed in return.
And then it was time to celebrate. We gathered in the backyard for a fiesta, enjoying an abundant potluck, lively conversation, and much joy.
In closing, Dojin’s words echoed: “To be Head Trainee is to realize the commitment to service. In this case, service to the sangha. May I see what needs to be done. May I know what is truly beneficial. May I be a light for all practitioners traveling the path.”
Thank you, Dojin, and deepest of bows our friends, and families, for it is you who support our practice!
