Disciple Program, San Jose
Disciple Program is designed to lead students to reveal the nature of self (or enlightenment) as well as to serve the purpose of preparing the center’s future Zen masters.
Students who have been learning and practicing Zen meditation in the Center for more than 6 months are qualified to apply for the disciple program, although some exception may apply. Once accepted by the center’s Zen masters, you will be able to join this training program and even become a formal Zen disciple.
When becoming a disciple, you will be given more intensive training and straightforward teaching in order to advance your Zen level efficiently. The scope of your Zen training will not be limited to the on-cushion sitting meditation but also expand to the off-cushion working meditation. You will be participating in the Center’s day-to-day operations, conducting assigned jobs which you probably have no experience at all, organizing and/or hosting events for the Center, sharing your Zen experience with your fellow practitioners and the public, collaborating with your fellow practitioners, working with your Shifu (your Master) and/or other Shifus (Zen masters) of the Center, etc. You will also develop a personal shifu-disciple relationship with your Shifu(s).
All these on-cushion and off-cushion discipling is not only for the deed of your enlightenment but also serves the purpose of training the Center’s future Zen masters in order to lead more people to enlightenment.
Students in the Disciple Program are required to take the Training Class and Club None Class (mainly on Saturday 8 am – 10 am) continuously, and attend all the Daylong Classes and Retreats that held by the Center.
