Shoken means “to see each other” and is the ceremony of becoming a formal student of Sensei Ray. 
After practicing meditation for a time you may feel the need for a clearer direction or wish to further your spiritual practice under the guidance of a teacher. You can do this by writing why you wish to enter Shoken with Sensei. The request should include: 

A general biographical sketch about yourself including what brought you to Zen practice and how long you have been practicing? Why do you feel ready to enter into further study with a teacher and what spiritual issues you are dealing with in your life at this time?

What are you are hoping for from entering Shoken with Sensei? What (if you know) direction and area of practice you wish to pursue (formal koan study, life koans, shikantaza) and any prior student/ teacher relationships?

When the application is completed bring the information to Sensei or Joe Egan and he will get back to you for a private interview.

If accepted it means a commitment to enter into a broader and more formal teacher/student relationship for Zen study and acknowledges Sensei will serve as your principal spiritual guide and teacher. 

Part of becoming a formal student includes an expectation of regular practice (decided on by the two of you) and attending both zazenkai and sesshin. It also includes a commitment to support the sangha in some way to be decided on together. 
Any questions, feel free to ask either Sensei or jikijitsu Joe Egan.

Note: (We’d like to thank the Boundless Way Zen Community for their information on Shoken, some of which we have utilized.)