Spring Sesshin 2023 (In person at Cloud Mountain)

A message from Susan Murphy Roshi about Sesshin

Every sesshin is special, but our Spring Sesshin this year (September 23-29) will be particularly so, as it will be a Transmission Sesshin for Kynan Sutherland, culminating on Saturday September 30 in the profound Zen ceremony of Dharma Transmission that marks my formal recognition of his full authorization as a dedicated Zen teacher in his own right.

The apprenticeship stage of Kynan’s five-year walk towards this moment has been a thoroughly joyous one:  I think it is by now plain to everyone that Kynan is unmistakeably a true person of the Way – clear of eye, warm of heart, with great powers of creative expression and insight into Dharma that can meet and touch people just where they are, in the most direct and human way.  As with a wedding, it is time to confirm and formalise what is already long apparent!

And so it is with pride and pleasure that we now start on the path with him of preparing the way for the ceremony of ‘Transmission of the Dharma’. A Transmission Sesshin frequently has visiting teachers in the mix, and certainly some will be present to witness and celebrate the ceremony itself.  It is traditional to hear a number of voices offering the Dharma in the dojo across the days – something of a dharma feast!

with a bow

Susan Murphy Roshi