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

Kirk Fisher, Apprentice Teacher in the Diamond Sangha, offers face-to face dokusan at CERES, on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of each month, during group meditation. There is no need to book for dokusan at CERES, however people attending dokusan are encouraged to plan to attend the entire sit, out of courtesy to other sitters and to Kirk.

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

Dana for dokusan

Dana, is the first Paramita, is the practice of giving. Teachers offer doksuan freely. When we offer teachers dana, we support our teachers and complete the circle of mutual generosity. Dana can take many forms, including financial. Details of how to offer Kirk dana will be 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.