Dokusan

Dokusan is a private and confidential meeting with a teacher about your Zen practice. It is a unique opportunity to clarify, share and develop your understanding of Zen.

Doksuan at CERES

Kirk Fisher Roshi offers face-to face dokusan at CERES, during group meditation, usually on the first Tuesday of the month, third Saturday of the month, and sometimes in the last Saturday of the month – please double check dates below.

Upcoming CERES dokusan dates:

  • Saturday 28 June
  • Tuesday 1 July
  • Saturday 26 July
  • Tuesday 5 August
  • Saturday 16 August
  • Saturday 30 August
  • Tuesday 2 September
  • Saturday 20 September
  • Tuesday 7 October
  • Saturday 18 October
  • Tuesday 4 November
  • Saturday 22 November
  • Tuesday 2 December
  • Saturday 27 December

There is no need to book for dokusan at CERES, however people attending dokusan are encouraged to attend the entire sit as a way of supporting other sitters and showing respect to Kirk.

Phone doksuan

Kirk also offers monthly phone dokusan for those who cannot attend sits at CERES. For more information about phone dokusan with Kirk, please contact Colin Briton on mzgpractice@gmail.com

Who can do dokusan?

Dokusan is open to all members of the Melbourne Zen Group. If you’re not a member, but have started attending our group meditation, you are welcome to attend dokusan a few times as part of your initial exploration of Zen practice. If, after three months, you’d like to continue attending dokusan, we ask you that you apply for Melbourne Zen Group membership and contribute more fully to our practice community.

Dana for dokusan

Dana, the first Paramita, is the practice of giving. Teachers offer doksuan freely. When we offer teachers dana, we complete the circle of mutual generosity. Dana can take many forms, including financial. Details of how to offer Kirk dana are available at the dojo on Doksuan days.

Preparation for doksuan

There’s no one way to do dokusan, however it’s best to sit zazen for at least half an hour before going into dokusan. This helps focus your practice and bring a spirit of openness and inquiry to the dokusan room – for your benefit and the benefit of the teacher who is gifting you with their time.