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Dokusan

Dokusan, the private encounter between teacher and student, is one of the three pillars of Zen training. It can be likened to a chick pecking from the inside of the egg and the hen pecking from the outside of the egg, teacher and student working together that the student may break through the shell of delusion and come to self-realization. The purpose of dokusan is to discuss problems directly relating to your practice, to receive instruction in mindfulness training (and to report on the particular mindfulness efforts given), to demonstrate the results of work on your practice, and testing and validation of koan investigation.
-Danan Henry Roshi

Dokusan is offered by Danan Henry Roshi to all members at every sitting during the spring and fall training periods except when there is a teisho or a ceremony scheduled. Associate members and visiting students of other Zen teachers are allowed a few dokusan to get acquainted with the dokusan process and with Roshi, but regular dokusan is only allowed for supporting members. Dokusan is also conducted on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings during the summer and winter training periods, unless Roshi is out of town or a ceremony is scheduled.

Daisan

Daisan is private instruction with an authorized senior student of Roshi. Daisan is for members working on a breath practice, initial koan, or every-minute Zen practice. It is offered on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings of the winter and summer training periods.