Informal Teaching
There is definitely no requirement to be a formal Zen student in order to participate with Scudder Falls Zen. Most of our regular members are not formal students, and come to SFZ to meditate with the community and to socialize after. The goal of the sangha is to promote Buddhism within the community and to welcome all who choose to meditate and chant with us. Teaching is independent of Scudder Falls Zen.
Any of the teachers will be happy to meet or speak with anyone regularly or occasionally about meditation, suggested reading, or any other Zen-related topics. You can always receive expert guidance on any part of your practice without becoming a formal student.
Formal Teaching
Formal teaching is more appropriate for people who have some knowledge and experience of Zen, Buddhism, or meditation already, and who suspect they might want to both deepen their experience and also to one day teach others and pass on the Zen tradition. Formal study is more directed, with assigned readings and practices, designed to familiarize you not only with Zen practice but with the textual history and traditions of Zen Buddhism. If you believe that might be your goal teachers of Scudder Falls Zen welcome inquiries about becoming a formal student. Formal study is a significant commitment.
The student-teacher relationship has long been at the heart of Zen practice. We speak of a “transmission outside of the sutras,” a direct experience of Dharma beyond words and concepts. Teachers guide students toward a “sudden awakening,” and then guide them in the “gradual cultivation” of their awakening.
In addition to a commitment to study and practice, formal students who are local should make an effort to attend the weekly sits and quarterly retreats when possible, and should be willing to take on service positions or assignments to help with running the sangha.
What Kind of Commitment Is Required?
Teaching is offered freely. We neither require nor accept payment. However, students who are also Scudder Falls Zen members may donate to the sangha to support its work. Being a formal student can be quite demanding.
Depending on the circumstances, you would meet with your teacher for between 30 and 60 minutes once every two to four weeks, either in person or virtually. During these meetings you might practice koans, ask questions, or discuss your practice since the last meeting. Your teacher will assign or recommend particular texts to read, including sutras and texts by past and present teachers. You will also pursue study according to your own inclinations and interests. Your teacher will also assign or recommend practices, which you’ll do every day.
If you are a local student, then you should take refuge and the first five precepts at Scudder Falls Zen before becoming a student, or at the first opportunity after becoming one. Refuge and precepts are central practices and commitments for students. We can arrange for distance-students to take them as well, or you can take them through sangha closer to you.
The student-teacher relationship is not necessarily a lifetime commitment. The two of you may decide at some point that you should seek another teacher, either just to gain new experiences or because another teacher might serve you better. Of course, you are always free to take a sabbatical or withdraw from study.
Requesting a Teacher
If you want to become a student, approach any of our teachers, perhaps the one you most connect with or are most comfortable with. The two of you will discuss your interests, goals, motivations, and whether you can commit to it at this time. The teacher may recommend you approach a different teacher inside or outside of Scudder Falls Zen who might serve you better, whether because of personality, needs, experience, or anything else. The teacher might also discuss your case with another teacher. If the teacher thinks you might, at that time, be suitable for this work, then take some time to reflect on your decision. If you decide you are ready to commit, approach the teacher again and formally request that he or she teach you. It’s a big deal. Don’t make the decision lightly.
Current Authorized Teachers
See their biographies on the Who We Are page.
- Jonson Miller (jwmiller@mail.com)
- Wayne Bivens-Tatum (scudderfallszen@pm.me)
- Diane Klein (dkleinline@gmail.com)
Scudder Falls Zen 