Formal Teaching
Authorized teachers of Scudder Falls Zen welcome inquiries about becoming a formal student. Teaching is independent of Scudder Falls Zen.
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.
Before Requesting a Teacher
Before inquiring, consider the following:
- Are you, given the conditions of your health and life right now, able to commit to study and daily practice? If not, perhaps it is better to focus on your other responsibilities for now.
- If you are married or otherwise partnered, especially if you are raising children, do you have the support of your partner to make this commitment? If not, then perhaps you need to focus on your children or your relationship with your partner.
- Are you sufficiently committed to Buddhism in particular? If not, then perhaps another religious context would be better for you. Or, perhaps you should continue to come to the sangha or study to see if Buddhism is most appropriate for you.
- You needn’t consider these things on your own; our teachers are happy to discuss these issues with you.
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.
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 either 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@post.com)
- Wayne Bivens-Tatum (rwbtatum@proton.me)
Scudder Falls Zen 