Autumn Kessei 2017 week 3

by tendo zenji

Instructions for the Tenzo

I

 Since ancient times this position [tenzo] has been held by accomplished monks who have way-seeking mind, or by senior disciples with an aspiration for enlightenment.  This is so because the position requires wholehearted practice. Those without way-seeking mind will not have good results, in spite of their best efforts.  Regulations for Zen Monasteries states, “Use your way-seeking mind carefully to vary the menus from time to time, and offer the great assembly ease and comfort.”
— Dōgen zenji, translated by Kazuaki Tanahashi in Moon in a Dewdrop, p. 53