The formal student-teacher relationship is
reserved for those who are concerned with "the great question
of birth and death," have a genuine spiritual aspiration to
come to awakening (kensho), are willing to exert themselves
in their practice including sesshin attendance, and feel a genuine
rapport with Karin Sensei, Ken Sensei or Peggy Sensei. Entering into a student-teacher
relationship is not necessarily a lifelong commitment, but nevertheless
represents a deep level of commitment to working together spiritually
on the part of both the student and Sensei.