Daisan: Working in the Room with a Teacher

Daisan, sometimes called Dokusan is a private interview with a teacher. It is central to the practice of Zen and signing up for private interview can be done regularly. 

It is a time to work directly with what you are studying or working with in zazen. It offers the student the opportunity to ask question about their practice or deepen their insight into a koan they may be working with.

The protocol is to enter the room after the teacher rings the bell for you to enter. After a previous student leaves enter, making either one standing bow or one full bow to the teacher.

Then, (as the interaction is direct and short) announce what your practice is; ex: “ my practice is working with koans, the koan I’m working on is” or shikantaza (just sitting) and ask your question or express your insight or your understanding.

Daisan is not a time for sharing personal stories or intellectual pursuits. It is a time for sharing direct experience from your practice.

When you are finished or the teacher bows to announce the time is up, he/she will ring the bell. You should make another standing or full bow and return to your cushion. Upon returning, you may want to sit with or contemplate what was said to you or discovered. All interactions in daisan are about helping you deepen your insight and practice.

If you are interested in working with a teacher more formally, you should directly ask that teacher to take you on as a formal student. If you are accepted, the teacher and you delineate a practice path or offer guidelines for working with them. Traditionally working more formally also means taking a service position in the zendo, ex: cleaning zendo, leading kinhin etc.