“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.
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.”
