Vine of Obstacles

A flowering hedge

Blue Cliff Record Case 39

Calligraphy by Harada Shodo Roshi from Moon By the Window

Overview

This online program offers Zen practice under the guidance of Zen teachers Dōshō Port Rōshi, Tetsugan Zummach Osho (see bios here, listen to talks here), and assistant teacher, Ed Gōshin, a longtime student of Katagiri Rōshi and Dōshō. 

The Vine is designed for those who are determined to awaken (kensho) and actualize the great matter of life and death (post-kensho training). And who aren’t shy about it.

Our primary avenues for cultivating verification are daily zazen, study, and engagement in the Vine forums and in the world. Students who have some history of in-person practice tend to acclimate best to the Vine environment. 

Process

• Zazen: One-hour of daily sitting is recommended, usually focussed on the breath or the keyword method of kōan introspection 
• Practice meetings with one of the teachers
• Weekly participation in the Engagement forums offer us the important opportunity to engage with each other as a practice group
• Study selected works, emphasizing classical teaching sources, through group study practice 

Tuition 

Tuition is $125 and includes the study practice in the Vine moodle, and weekly meetings with one of the teachers.

Application or more information

Contact Dōshō at doshoport@gmail.com for more information and for an application.