Daisan (also known in Zen training as dokusan) is a personal one to one interview with the teacher to discuss dharma practice and to share one’s insight and maturing in the dharma.

Daisan may be used to ask a question about zen practice or the dharma in general or to respond to or report on a specific practice of mindfulness, character work or precept work that the teacher has given. It is traditionally used for koan study which in this school is only given to students who have reached a certain level of maturity in their practice.

It is also okay to come to daisan not knowing what you want to present or how to present yourself. Sometimes this is the best way to enter the daisan room, with “beginners mind” and with the courage of just being as you are with all of your uncertainty and vulnerability.

Through daisan the teacher and student develop a trusting relationship to break down barriers created by self-centred delusion and cultivate a relationship of unconditional presence and open-heartedness that can be extended to others.

There is a ceremonial way of entering and leaving the daisan room that cultivates an atmosphere of mutual respect and reverence for the teaching.

As you enter a standing bow is done towards the Buddha on the altar and then after sitting in front of the teacher, both teacher and student bow to one another before opening the conversation. At the end of daisan the reverse occurs – both teacher and student bow to each other then the student stands and bows towards the Buddha before leaving.