In place of the weekly lecture,  This coming Wednesday evening we will conduct  a Shosan ceremony.

Shosan, often referred to as “inquiry and response,”  is a centuries-old tradition, held once each month, in Zen monasteries.   In it, each monk comes in front of the abbot, kneels, puts his or her hands together in gassho,  and asks a question related to Zen practice.  The questions are intended to  arise out of the moment, spontaneously, without deliberation or thought.  In this way, they are an expression of “Beginner’s Mind.”

Here are examples of previous Shosan questions asked by American Zen students

If desires are inexhaustible, how may we put an end to them?

What should I do about the fear that causes small mind?

Big mind and small mind are equally without size.  The Buddhist practice is no practice.   Is there any practice which is not Buddhist practice?

How can I behave with my usual mind when my house is on fire?