All Beings Zen Sangha Guiding Teacher Inryū Sensei and 2020 Shuso (head student) Shōryū Christopher Leader begin the ceremony.
Shōryu following the ceremony wearing the Rakusu which the All Beings Zen Sangha members sewed for him as he holds the ceremonial fan and staff. Sangha members joined the ceremony via the online zendo (as we could not congregate in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic) to pose questions for the Shuso and to offer congratulations and appreciation.
Shōryū and Inryū Sensei pose near the altar following the ceremony.
“I’m thrilled that we were still able to have such a wonderful ceremony — and such lively Dharma Combat! — even though we were meeting via Zoom. I didn’t expect so many people to show up, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to share this afternoon with so many of you.
I have enjoyed getting closer to you all throughout the year, and I am so grateful for the insight and guidance you offered me during my tenure as Shuso. I left every tea feeling as though I learned something, every sit feeling as though my practice was growing, and every round of pass-the-feather feeling lucky to be among such a diverse and wonderful group of people who choose to dedicate their time to further the same practice that I do. I will wear the Rakusu you sewed for me with joy and respect.
I owe a debt of gratitude to our Beji, Alex Langlinais, who handled the myriad things that I was too tired or ill to manage on my own. He handled much of the schedule and communications this Ango, and always ensured that I was prepared for what I had coming up next. I couldn’t have hoped for more support.
Finally, I offer my endless gratitude to Inryū Sensei for offering me this opportunity, for being willing to work out a path that allowed me to navigate through the practice period, and for offering all of the teachings over the years that led me to this point. I’m thankful for the chance to grow in my practice and in my ability to support the community that she provided by asking me to take on this role.
Though my term as Shuso is over, I hope that I can continue to support all of you practice in any way you need. If you ask, I’ll do the best I can for you”
-Tendō Shōryū, December 21, 2020