Members of the Association of Soto Zen Buddhists have decided to continue our rich collaborative relationship with the Japanese Sōtōshu and wholeheartedly invite North American Soto Zen priests who have established themselves in the lineage through a traditional formation process to join together as a denomination called Soto Zen North America (Soto Zen N. A.).
The first step is to invite current kokusaifukyoshi, with an aim toward developing a broader membership of priests and temples in the future. |
Vice Chair Hoko Karnegis gave an update at the 2024 Sotoshu conference in Los Angeles.
|
deep roots Our Soto Zen tradition depends upon its deep roots in Dogen Zenji and Keizan Zenji’s wisdom as carried forward by our ancestors and teachers. Soto Zen N. A. aims to honor this ancient tradition, through caring for these roots and relationships, while blossoming in North American soil. |
Collaborative InvitationSoto Zen models deep teachings of interdependent, intimate relationships and harmony of purpose. We wholeheartedly invite North American Soto Zen priests who have established themselves in the lineage through a traditional formation process to join together as a denomination called Soto Zen North America (Soto Zen N. A.), so that we can care for the tradition and for each other. |
looking to the futureSoto Zen N. A. looks to a future in which a shared love of the Soto school will be continued and grow in many ways. We will maintain a collaborative relationship with the Japanese Sotoshu, and a close supportive relationship with and among members. We are renewing the Dharma through joining past, present and future thus tending our roots while looking forward to new branches and blossoms. |