TRAINING IN THE OCEAN MIND SANGHA

 
Formal Students and Patrons

The student-teacher relationship is a central aspect of spiritual training in Buddhism. In Zen, this relationship is based on an intimate and mutual commitment to wake up and to serve one another, and it’s nurtured by consistent interaction between teacher and student in group and individual settings. In the talk below, Zuisei speaks to the uniqueness of this relationship and the unconditional trust and love that it’s based on—a love grounded, in turn, in the aspiration for liberation or awakening.

You don’t have to become a formal student to work with Zuisei or to study in the Ocean Mind Sangha. The choice is personal and voluntary, and depends solely on your wish to make a more formal commitment to the path, as well as to a particular sangha and teacher. It’s a step that a student takes once they already see themselves as students on a path of practice and realization.

Those who do choose to make that commitment sit Tangaryo during one of OMS’s Half-day Sits and ask Zuisei for the teachings, implicitly giving her permission to teach them in turn. Soon after, they’re welcomed by the sangha as formal students in a Student Entering Ceremony that takes place during a Wednesday Evening Sit. Subsequently, students sign up for a Patron Membership ( if they have not done so already), which ensures they’ll be seeing Zuisei regularly in private teachings. The membership also includes their monthly student dues, supporting Zuisei’s work and the operations of the Ocean Mind Sangha.

If you’re considering becoming a formal student at OMS, or have questions about the process, please reach out to Zuisei to set up a meeting.

Patrons

Zuisei works with a number of people who haven’t made a commitment to become formal students, yet want frequent contact with a teacher. If you’d like to explore this relationship—particularly as it informs your zazen (Zen meditation) and how it relates to your everyday life—consider becoming a Patron by signing up on the form below. If you have questions about the process or want to find out more about how Zuisei works with students, please reach out to her directly to schedule a free introductory session.

*Please note that we’re unable to give refunds for Patron memberships, but you can change or cancel your recurring donation any time. Thank you for your support and generosity.

*Photo by Alexandra Komyo Brown