Moving Forward with Bows of Gratitude

The time has come for the next step on my journey as a Zen teacher. I will be leaving Boundless Way Zen to focus on leading Morning Star Zen Sangha and to create a new Zen collective, with co-teacher Bob Waldinger, called Living Vow Zen. 

It has been a blessing and deep learning experience to teach alongside my teachers, Melissa Blacker Roshi and David Rynick Roshi, in Boundless Way Zen. Our eyebrows are forever entangled. My gratitude knows no bounds. 

I am also grateful to my first teacher, James Ford Roshi, who introduced me to mu. We have never separated. 

Deep bows to the sangha of Boundless Way Zen, my extended family, my roots, my dear friends. This is not a good-bye. 

And, it is time for me to cross the river into new lands, though our paths will intertwine endlessly.

Here is the announcement we shared with the Boundless Way Zen Community about this time of transition:

It is with great joy and some sadness that we announce the transition of Bob Waldinger Sensei and Mike Fieleke Sensei from the position of Boundless Way Zen Guiding Teachers to fully independent Zen Roshis.  Bob and Mike have devoted years of their lives to supporting BoWZ, first as dedicated beginning students through countless sesshin and leadership roles, through to their most recent roles as members of the Guiding Teachers Council.  We have come to know them as wonderful and generous human beings as well as determined and wise people of the Way.  While we will miss them as official parts of BoWZ, we look forward to their coming adventures and to staying in close contact with them through the years. 

This evolution to full teaching independence is a tangible realization of the Boundless Way Zen mission to train teachers and cultivate the practice of Zen.  This move to greater autonomy is also in alignment with the Zen tradition of transmitted students leaving their home temple and striking out to establish practice centers of their own.  We honor and celebrate this evolution as a natural progression on the Way. 

In recognition of their senior teaching status, their deep understanding of the Zen Way, and their ongoing commitment to nurturing their respective practice communities, Melissa Blacker Roshi and David Rynick Roshi will be giving Bob Sensei and Mike Sensei Inka Shomei in a public ceremony later this spring.  This is the final ceremony of Zen transmission after which they may be referred to as Roshi (old teacher).

Bob Sensei and Mike Sensei will continue to lead Hank and Morning Star respectively.  Members of those groups will be warmly welcomed at all BoWZ activities and BoWZ members will be welcomed there, like extended family. 

Over the coming months, Bob and Mike will continue collaborating with Melissa and David on the Boundless Way Guiding Teachers Council, in coordination with the Boundless Way Zen Leadership Council, to work out the specific details of the transition.  Please reach out to teachers and sangha leaders with questions and for further clarification.  The Boundless Way Zen Leadership Council and the Guiding Teachers Council will continue to update you on details of the transition.  

In appreciation of the unfolding way,

Craig Dreeszen, President, BoWZ Leadership Council, Melissa Blacker Roshi, David Rynick Roshi, Bob Waldinger Sensei, and Mike Fieleke Sensei