There are two forms of meeting privately with an authorized teacher: practice dicussion, and dokusan.

Dokusan is the Japanese term for “going alone to a respected one;” a formal and private face-to-face meeting with a Dharma-Transmitted Zen priest who has received authorization from their teacher to teach independently. Dokusan is a formal meeting, focused on a particular question or experience in the context of Zen practice.

Practice discussion is a less formal meeting with a dharma mentor. This may be an ordained priest or a lay practitioner, with permission from their teacher (usually the Guiding Teacher or Abbot of the temple) to offer such encounters. All meetings generally take place during zazen and last approximately 30 minutes or less.

A student may bring up practice-related questions, present their understanding of the Dharma, and more generally engage in a discussion of their experience in zazen and its intersection with daily life. It is also appropriate to ask for a teacher to assess your meditation posture.

Neither dokusan nor practice discussion are therapy or coaching, although similar topics may arise. Personal issues are discussed as they relate specifically to one’s practice, on or off the meditation cushion.

Words are not the only expressions appropriate to these meetings. Silence may occur, for example. The focus is on the co-creating of the encounter.

Dokusan and practice discussion are private and confidential within certain limits: 1) when the individual expresses intention to harm self or other, 2) when a teacher seeks peer consultation from another teacher. Teachers and practice leaders do consult each other from time to time, and may consult their own teacher in order to best support sangha members. This is standard practice in major Zen centers. If you ask for a meeting, there is also teh expectation that you will not share the contents of your meeting with others. This ensures mutual trust and is also intended to allow others to experience their own meetings without preconceptions or assumptions.

Dokusan is offered by Guiding Teacher Rev. Choro Antonaccio, and practice discussion by lay entrusted teacher Pat Yingst, and Chris Azbill (former head student). Visiting teachers may also offer practice discussion or dokusan. Both dokusan and practice discussion are available during the weekly zazen schedule and during retreats, and outside the regular schedule by arrangement with the individual teacher. 

If you are practicing regularly at the Austin Zen Center, it is recommended to have practice discussion at least quarterly; ask the teacher about her recommendation. It may also be helpful to develop a connection with more than one teacher or practice leader. Although becoming a student of a particular teacher is something that evolves over time through practicing together, it is good to bring up and discuss your commitment to practice with whomever you speak.

You will receive instruction about the forms for entering the space of the meeting and leaving it when you make your appointment.

To sign up for dokusan or practice discussion you may either speak to the person of your choice, or contact the person directly by email. More information is available in the foyer at AZC.