Sangha Weekend at Providence Zen Center
Return to Summer/Fall 2002
At the last Sangha weekend the Chogye Zen Center was well represented. In both the Inka and Precepts ceremonies we had reason to celebrate. The Inka ceremony brought another of our senior members up the spiritual ladder a notch to assume the honored position of Ji Do Poep Sa Nim. One year ago Myo Ji Sunim from our sister temple in Queens was given the honor, and this year it was Steve Cohen’s turn. The Inka ceremony began and we all watched with fingers crossed as our own Dr. Steve took the cushion at center stage. Though a shade of nervousness crossed his face, he sat up straight and awaited the challenges to come. Old friends and new approached the cushion with convoluted questions to try to trip up the Doctor. He ducked and blocked, he bobbed and weaved. Through sweat and laughter the questions continued. On and on they went—seeming never to end. The questions covered every conceivable aspect of Steve’s life. Folks dredged up the past to the present. Did he remember when he helped found the New Haven Zen Center 30 years ago and he used to drag so and so out of bed? Was he really in the Olympics? Did he really live on 4 hours of sleep as to never miss morning practice? They asked questions regarding dermatology and his paycheck. They asked why the sky is blue and why the grass grows. Poor Steve- would he pass?? Like a true warrior he fended them off. Each Zen Master and JDPSN had to have a turn- some taking the challenger’s cushion twice! Finally Zen Master Barbara Rhodes —checking off points on the side line- rang the closing bell. He had done it! The match was over and Steve sat victorious! Another JDPSN joins the Kwan Um School of Zen!
Tom Pastor of Las Vegas and Darek Gorzewski of Rhode Island took their turns next to equal bouts of laughter and confusion, both emerging successful. At the end all three were invited back up to the altar and awarded their new kasas by Dae Kwang Sunim and Bobby Rhodes. Ken Kessel offered a congratulatory speech. Following that Steve made a gracious speech to thank all those who had helped him over the last thirty years with his practice and inspired him to persevere. Congratulations to Steve!
At the Precepts Ceremony the next day John Holland, another of our long time practitioners who got his start in New Haven, took the Senior Dharma Teacher Precepts. He will take Steve’s place at home in New York City as one of four who give Senior Dharma Teachers interviews on Thursday Nights. Congratulations to John who has always been an excellent Dharma host and helper to beginner students —now his job is official!
Also taking precepts was Tony Galbraith. Tony took the five precepts. He has not only been attending practice at Chogye International ZC very regularly but has been quite active in helping Myo Ji Sunim at Chogye Sa in Queens. Congratulations Tony!
by Elizabeth DiSalvo