Senior Dharma Teacher - Hwasangnim
Senior Monk/Priest (Skt. Upādhyāya; C: 和尚; Py: Héshang; J. Oshō; K. Hwasangnim; H. 주지스님; KUSZ: Seon Deok Boep Sa). In Sanskrit, a religious instructor or “preceptor.” The Upādhyāya is first and foremost a monk who confers the lower ordination to new novices (Śrāmaṇera) and higher ordination (Upasaṃpadā) to monks (Bhikṣu). Alternatively, after ten years, he was called Sthavira; in Chinese (Zhùwèi 住位), meaning “remaining in the position,” or more commonly “elder monk.” This referred to the fact that the monk was considered able to live without depending on his teacher. The term Héshang is actually an early Chinese transcription of the Khotanese translation of the Sanskrit Upādhyāya, meaning “preceptor.” To act as an Upādhyāya, a monk must be qualified and competent and be of at least ten years standing in the order since his own higher ordination. The relationship of the preceptor to the disciple is like that of father and son. The preceptor is enjoined to teach the dharma and vinaya to his disciple and, as necessary, to supply him with requisites, such as robes and an alms bowl. He should tend to his disciple if he is ill and discipline him if he commits some wrongdoing. If the disciple should begin to entertain doubts about the religion, the preceptor should try to dispel them. If the disciple should commit a grave offense against the monastic rules and regulations, the preceptor is to prevail upon him to go before the sangha to seek expiation. If the disciple misbehaves or becomes disobedient, the preceptor is enjoined to expel him. But if the disciple shows remorse and asks forgiveness, the preceptor is to take him under guidance again. A monk ceases to be an Upādhyāya when he goes away, dies, secedes from the order, changes religion, or expels his disciple.
Great Elder Monk / Priest - Mahāsthavira
Great Elder Monk/Priest (Skt. Mahāsthavira; C: 大長和尚; Py: Dàcháng Héshàng; J. Daichō Oshō; K. Keun Seunim; H. 큰스님; V. Hòathượng;) Definition: m. “Great Elder.” Name of a class of monks as defined in the original Vinaya amongst various Buddhist Orders today. An honorific title automatically conferred upon a bhikṣu of at least twenty years standing. Compare thavira. Keun (큰 big; grown up) Wěidà 偉大 (위 Wi) (대 Dae) (extraordinary, magnificent, great, robust) (big, great, deep) Seunim (스님 Buddhist Monk) Sēng 僧, XiǎOhào 小號 Small Mark (honored monastic).
Dharma Holder - Boepsanim
Bishop–Elect (Skt. Saṃtati/Dharmadhā C: 法主; Py: Fǎlí; K. Boepsanim; Hg. 법주님; V. Huyếtthống Phápủng) A Bishop-elect (Intern Zen Teacher) is a Senior Monk/Priest who has been chosen to become a Bishop, and who has not yet been consecrated. The word “elect” does not necessarily mean “democratically elected.” It simply means “chosen” by a Zen Master to begin as an Intern Zen Teacher with students under the supervision of said Zen Master. In Sanskrit saṃtati means uninterrupted succession, lineage and dharmadhā means Dharma Holder.
Criteria for Inka and Transmission:
1. Accepting the responsibilities for commitment (to the processes of practice; being present daily, for retreats; financially, etc.)
2. Gaining basic control of one’s kárma
3. Developing and expressing a genuine compassion for all living things.
4. Illustrating a basic cognitive mastery of the essentials of the Zen path (dharma–talks, Kongàns, etc.)
5. Becoming proficient in the skills of teaching (Zen interviews, answering questions in the public arena, etc.)
6. Manifesting natural leadership by gaining the trust of the other students in the Sangha.
7. Finding “one mind” with the teacher and attaining a deep connection based in mutual loyalty.
8. Attaining experiential insight into one’s “original nature.”
9. Maintaining a life that evokes the mystery that is present in each moment rather than cultivating a dependence on answers (any kind of cookie cutter answers.)
1. Accepting the responsibilities for commitment (to the processes of practice; being present daily, for retreats; financially, etc.)
2. Gaining basic control of one’s kárma
3. Developing and expressing a genuine compassion for all living things.
4. Illustrating a basic cognitive mastery of the essentials of the Zen path (dharma–talks, Kongàns, etc.)
5. Becoming proficient in the skills of teaching (Zen interviews, answering questions in the public arena, etc.)
6. Manifesting natural leadership by gaining the trust of the other students in the Sangha.
7. Finding “one mind” with the teacher and attaining a deep connection based in mutual loyalty.
8. Attaining experiential insight into one’s “original nature.”
9. Maintaining a life that evokes the mystery that is present in each moment rather than cultivating a dependence on answers (any kind of cookie cutter answers.)
Zen Teacher - Sabunim
Bishop (C: 師父; Py: Shīfu; K. Sabunim; Hg. 사부님; J. Sensei; V. Chủgiáo) A Bishop (Zen Teacher) is a senior clergy member who, having received Inga, presides over one or more congregations. This position includes some supervisory responsibilities over both congregations and leaders in that region. A Bishop serves as a guide and instructor in religious matters; and is often the founder and leader of his or her congregations.
Zen Master - Soensanim
Bishop (C: 師父; Py: Shīfu; K. Sabunim; Hg. 사부님; V. Chủgiáo) A Bishop (Zen Teacher) is a senior clergy member who, having received Inga, presides over one or more congregations. This position includes some supervisory responsibilities over both congregations and leaders in that region. A Bishop serves as a guide and instructor in religious matters; and is often the founder and leader of his or her congregations.