This past Sunday, March 17, a good half (!) of our Sangha gathered together in the Dirt and Cloud Zendos to celebrate our beloved Jinryu Janna Allgood, who completed her term of service as shuso, Bright Way Zen’s “chief student.” In this role, Jinryu assisted Domyo in making sure the Sangha was able to practice fruitfully and peacefully over the past year. From sending weekly reminders to staff volunteers, to managing many aspects of our sesshin retreats, Jinryu’s service was as seamless as it was crucial.
The shuso hossen ceremony was led by our sacristan, Coral West, who also did a wonderful job gracing the Dirt Zendo with flowers, decorations, and sweet treats in the break room. The service involved ceremonial participation from Domyo, our former shuso Shoketsu Carlin, our visiting teacher Shinati Dungay, and Mark Williams, the shuso’s assistant. Then Jinryu presented a dharma verse of personal significance to her and took questions from all present in the style of Mondo, formal question and answer. After that, Domyo pronounced, “You have done well,” marking the end of Jinryu’s term. At the end, each person was able to give a brief statement of congratulations and gratitude to Jinryu.
Thank you, Jinryu, for your year of service as shuso, and for your continued dedication to our Sangha!
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