A Distant Visit from Joren
Our dear Joren returned, surprising us with a wonderful visit. Collegial, friendly, and inspirational, she humbly shared her experiences and insights with us. Since moving to Japan, Joren hasn’t just continued her Zen practice; she has significantly deepened it. Having studied and trained at Tosho-ji Monastery—a traditional Japanese center—she returned to us now as a priest. There was a new aura about her, a radiant calmness and humility as she shared her journey. She described the training, which is quite formal by Western standards. The discipline, she said, was akin to military life. Every morning, she was awakened before dawn, working tirelessly throughout the day. It was through this rigorous routine that she truly learned humility, not just in words but through her presence.
But alongside this deepened humility, Joren carries a newfound quiet authority, competence, and confidence. Her energy is more centered, yet her warm, compassionate nature still shines through, with that familiar sparkle in her eyes.
The Japanese lifestyle, she explained, is fundamentally different from ours in the West. There is little room for individual expression; public spaces, such as trains, are silent. People don't interact. In fact, some people are so isolated they literally pay to rent a friend—just to spend time with someone for a while. Any assertion of individuality is, in many cases, considered taboo.
In this environment, Zen is practiced with strictness, silence, and total obedience. The staunch discipline is obvious and adherence to tradition is absolute—quite a contrast to how some temples and centers in the United States approach Zen practice. Here, the traditional hierarchy is less rigid. Shinzan spoke about this on his recent pilgrimage to Dogen’s temple in Japan. He remarked that we couldn't fully adopt their style here; our practice must be different. He even hinted that he prefers our less formal approach and to practice with what is necessary: bare bones with whatever flavoring appears because of location and people.
Shinzan's two primary teachers—Korean Zen Master Samu Sunim and the great Roshi Joan Halifax—were markedly different. While Roshi Joan is strong and commanding, her approach to Zen practice is gentler, though she remains deeply rooted in tradition. Shinzan’s own style reflects this balance: it isn’t severe, yet his commitment and profound understanding are unmistakable. His approachable, “regular guy” demeanor is a big part of what makes him so appealing to us in our small corner of the world.
