“The Way has nothing to do with knowing and not knowing. Knowing is an exaggeration; not knowing is stupidity. When you enter the Way you see it is as vast and boundless as space. What does this have to do with yes-and-no thinking?”
During practice period, the shuso or "head monk" is a long-time practitioner whose role is to support the sangha by offering dharma talks and Wednesday dharma seminars, along with the teachers, meeting for tea with participants, and cleaning washrooms, a traditional practice of humility. This year, we are happy to welcome Unmon Jacob Butula shuso. He will be assisted by benji (attendant) Miles River.
The shuso is also available for tea. Please book yourself in to the calendar HERE for in-person or HERE for online!
Unmon Jacob’s bio: “After growing up in Vernon BC, I spent my 20s and 30s working and studying across western Canada, before settling into life in the Greater Vancouver area. My Zen interest was piqued at 18 by a Kerouac-carrying beatnik and epee duels. It grew while thrifting Zen books in Kelowna during my philosophy BA. Practice became more than a set of compelling theories when I attended my first 10-day Vipassana retreats in 2007-2008, and became a part of daily life after a series of Rinzai sesshin and a 2.5 month practice period 2010-2014. Soon after my first visit to an inviting ZenYU sit in 2015, I was determined to anchor my practice at Mountain Rain. Since joining MRZC, highlights of my involvement include countless inspiring friends and mentors, Ino-ing a retreat for the first time on two days notice, co-leading ZenYU through the COVID era, 8 months of living at Bright Stream temple, receiving jukai in 2018, four years with MRZC’s board of directors, and ~20 MRZC sesshin (they never cease to amaze).
Beyond the zendo, I am grateful to be working as a clinical supervisor for Fraser Health’s group therapists, slowly improving my rock-climbing practice, and generally appreciating my supportive partner, family, and friends. Amidst the above, I am dedicated to daily morning zazen, knowing in my gut how pivotal it is to navigating the boundless complexities of our era. I look forward to sharing this practice with our community throughout the fall practice period.”
