Frequently asked questions

What is Soto Zen N. A.’s relationship to the Japanese Soto hierarchy or school?

The Japanese Sotoshu has been looking for a way to create a collaborative bridge between the Japanese Soto School and Soto Zen in the United States through a shared understanding of priest training and similar ways of expressing our vocation, such as vestments, ceremony and training.  In this spirit of collegial recognition, Soto Zen N. A. is being created to include and recognize the many priests trained in the United States who meet these criteria but are not registered in Japan.  Sotoshu is not the governing body of the Soto Zen N. A., nor will it be, although it has invested time and energy into helping with its formation.  Soto Zen N. A. is an organization which is independent ​from the Japanese Soto School. ​

Why is Soto Zen N. A. being called a Denomination?

We may think the definition of a denomination is that of an overarching governing body of a particular religious sect, such as the Catholic Church.  Here we are defining denomination as an organization of temple communities and priests that agree to a common approach of caring for the Soto Zen tradition.  In this case, the denomination would refer to the member temples and priests of Soto Zen N. A..

Is Soto Zen N. A. solely for those registered in Japan?

Our first step is to start the organization with those who are already members of the Association of Soto Zen Buddhists (ASZB).  Once we have established the organization, we want to welcome those who are not ASZB members or registered in Japan to apply for membership. 

What will the relationship be between Soto Zen N. A. and the Soto Zen Buddhists Association (SZBA)?

Members of Soto Zen N. A. will share a deep dedication to the Soto Zen tradition with members of SZBA and all others who care for and follow the Soto Zen tradition.  We are all part of the larger mandala of the Soto Zen community.  Soto Zen N. A. aims to contribute one vision of what it means to carry the tradition forward.  In this way, we will seek ways to have a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship with the SZBA and hope that many members of Soto Zen N. A. will also join SZBA.

Why apply for membership in Soto Zen N. A.?

Soto Zen priests with teaching certification from the Japanese Sotoshu have been enriched by membership in the Association of Soto Zen Buddhists (ASZB) for several decades.  Soto Zen N. A. is being established to help carry these dharma relations into the future and to widen the circle of priests and temples who support each other as we have in the ASZB.  To become a member of Soto Zen N. A. is to join a network of priests and temple communities who will cooperate to care for each other and the tradition.

How can I apply for membership in Soto Zen N. A.?

If you are a kokusaifukyoshi appointed by the Shumucho in Japan and/or hold a teaching rank within the Japanese Sotoshu, you should have received an application and invitation to apply for membership.  If you are a member of the ASZB and did not receive these things, please ​see this page or contact Soto Zen N. A. to request an application.  If you are not a kokusaifukyoshi or do not hold a teaching rank within the Japanese Sotoshu, please wait until we have established an expanded application process. You are welcome to ​email Soto Zen N. A. concerning your interest in membership at any time.