Lotus Heart Zen Offices and Organization
In the daily situations of working and practicing together, we are forced to let go of our opinions about ourselves, others, and Zen so that cooperation is possible. As we learn to cooperate, see clearly, and accept people and situations as they are, our minds become strong and wide. Then it becomes possible to act for other people with no trace of ourselves. So we are stirred together like so many dirty potatoes in a pot of water. As the potatoes bump into one another, they clean each other more quickly than if there was only one.
The regularity of the schedule of working, eating, and practicing together acts as a backdrop for seeing our karma appearing and disappearing. We see clearly how our opinions create problems by coming between us and tie situations in which we find ourselves. When we let go of these opinions, it is possible to live our everyday lives with clarity and harmony. Helping each other is a large part of our everyday living.
It is helpful to know who you can go to with a specific question or problem. These roles are necessary for ensuring the smooth operation of the temple. The actual positions have been handed down since antiquity and have their root in Zen Master Báizhàng Huáihǎi’s (百丈懷海) original Chán Buddhist code, which appears in the Chán yüan Qinggui–Zen Monastic Code of Conduct originally published in 1103 CE and are still largely relevant to the ongoing success of any Temple or Zen Center as well as maintaining the establishment of an authentic Zen Lineage in America.
At Lotus Heart Zen we maintain the following offices:
The Guiding Teacher (Josil Seunim) acts as Executive Director and has overall responsibility for practice at Lotus Heart Zen, in the temple and outside, and is the person to talk to about serious teaching and practice questions. The guiding teacher is in charge of overseeing the office, temple and temple grounds. As Executive Director the guiding teacher is responsible for the long–range planning for the sangha and oversees the other directors to make sure they carry out their jobs. The guiding teacher is responsible for the overall financial matters of the sangha and makes sure that finances are handled correctly through the Abbot and the Treasurer.
The Guiding Teacher of Lotus Heart Zen is Ven. MyoHye Do'an. Working directly for the Zen Master is the sija or attendant:
The sija is the Guiding Teacher’s personal attendant. This has been a very important and respected position throughout the history of Zen Buddhism and it is viewed as a favorable opportunity to serve the guiding teacher. There can be more than one sija depending on the member’s availability to attend all of the teacher’s functions. The current sija are the Oblates and those who volunteer for Lotus Heart Zen.
The Abbot (Juji-Seunim) has overall responsibility for the tone of practice, adherence to practice forms and the upkeep of the dharma room and altars of the temple. The abbot is the person to go to with extremely serious questions about your relationship to the community. The abbot also assists the guiding teacher with long-range planning for the sangha. The abbot acts as the Minister of Clergy by maintaining the rosters for those attending retreats, talks and workshops and assures that all donations required are collected from the individuals that attend each event. As Minister of Clergy the abbot will work with the Kitchen Leader, Facilities Leader and the Communications Coordinator to make sure that each retreat and event is properly stocked with food and supplies and is advertised, and communicated to the membership as well as the local community. The abbot and the other directors together make decisions about the use of money and energy. The Abbot also is responsible for directors’ meetings, making sure that all the temple business is discussed at each meeting. The abbot is responsible for the administration of plans and work for ceremonies and special occasions; also, to fill in for an absent director and helps to see that the job is done.
The Abbot of Lotus Heart Zen is Rev. Anwol Devadipa. Working directly with the abbot is the Altar Attendant and Practice Leader:
The Altar Attendant (Chijŏn) attends to the various altars at the temple. This person makes sure that incense, candles and lighters are always available and in stock. The altar master assures that the altars are always clean and presentable. The altar master attends to the Avalokiteśvara and Kṣitigarbha altars, as required, assuring that cards and candles and incense are available for members whose loved ones are suffering or who have recently passed away. The altar attendant should communicate any special needs that a Sangha member has to the Abbot. The Chijŏn of Lotus Heart Zen is filled by one of the Oblates.
The Pratice Leader assists the abbot by leading meditation and chanting practice by lighting candles and incense and leading the chanting by announcing the chants and using the moktak and other instruments as needed. The practice leader of Lotus Heart Zen is filled by one of the Oblates or a lay member. The practice leader should have an interest in learning and practicing the chants and is responsible for assigning and training other members to the roll of practice leader to act as a substitute. The practice leader works to develop an understanding of the dynamics of chanting as a form of practice and a group function which leads to ‘one mind.’ The practice leader assists newer practitioners in their individual efforts to learn the proper chanting and meditation forms. The practice leader makes available recorded media, printed media, and any other tool that allows the sangha to partake in the ancient and insightful practice of chanting meditation.
The samjik or “office staff” and the Guiding Teacher all work in concert with the Abbot to create a smooth and efficient temple. The samjik are The Membership Coordinator, Treasurer and Communications Coordinator.
The Membership Coordinator (Ch’ŏngmu Seunim) is the director with whom you should discuss your potential membership, your financial relationship, any problems with finances, guests that may be visiting, and registration for retreats, workshops or special events. The Membership Coordinator handles communications with the general membership. The membership coordinator helps to grow the membership of the sangha. This position also oversees opportunities to receive free advertising as well as spending wisely the centers limited budget on advertising to attract new membership.
The Treasurer (Chaemu Seunim) keeps the books for the temple, and distributes the financial reports to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. The Treasurer maintains sound accounting records, updates membership and precepts records, as well as sends out year end statements to all members and donators, and assures that each member is current on dues and training fees.
The Communications Coordinator (Sŏgi) updates the web site and social media accounts with current information and helps expand the content to become a complete teaching tool for those who are seeking the way. The sŏgi oversees opportunities to get free advertising as well as spending wisely the temple’s limited budget on advertising to attract new membership. Working directly with the Sŏgi is the librarian:
The Librarian makes sure that all the publications are controlled and available to the membership and also solicits volunteers to transcribe talks and lectures in electronic form. Also makes copies of talks and lectures available (for free or for sale) for Lotus Heart Zen members. The librarian also maintains the temple’s store.
The abbot, guiding teacher and samjik meet regularly as the “Management Team” to discuss administrative matters; often, a question brought to one of them is considered in the next management team meeting before being answered.
The Board of Directors meets annually and as specific requirements arises. The board of directors consists of the guiding teacher, abbot, treasurer, communication and membership coordinators. The board considers the overall direction of the Lotus Heart Zen’s operation and its financial and legal matters. Members can submit issues to be discussed at the directors’ meeting to the abbot or can come to a directors meeting to discuss an issue by scheduling a time with the abbot.
Other volunteer positions are:
The Kitchen Attendant is responsible for the operation of the temple and studio kitchens. The kitchen attendant makes sure that food and beverages are supplied for practices, retreats and ceremonies by coordinating volunteers. This is the person to talk to about your volunteer duties and any kitchen questions.
The Facilities Attendant (Pyŏlchwa) cleans and arranges the entire temple space and property and makes sure that adequate supplies are available and replenished and that all of the rooms are clean and orderly at all times. The facilities attendant is responsible for the cleanliness of the interview/discussion room, the guest room, the tea room, library and the bathroom. The facilities attendant also makes sure that the studio space is adequately supplied, set up and cleaned when used by the sangha.
The Garden Attendant (Ch’ŏngso) tends to the plants and gardens within and outside of the temple. Through the recruitment of volunteers, the garden attendant, assures that the outside of the facility is presentable and clean at all times. The garden attendant assures that the foliage and the outside facilities represent the Zen ideal of oneness and beauty.
Keeping our correct situation with all of this activity moment to moment is already cutting off all thinking. Keeping clear mind means continually taking care of each of our responsibilities with the understanding that this is Zen practice.
The regularity of the schedule of working, eating, and practicing together acts as a backdrop for seeing our karma appearing and disappearing. We see clearly how our opinions create problems by coming between us and tie situations in which we find ourselves. When we let go of these opinions, it is possible to live our everyday lives with clarity and harmony. Helping each other is a large part of our everyday living.
It is helpful to know who you can go to with a specific question or problem. These roles are necessary for ensuring the smooth operation of the temple. The actual positions have been handed down since antiquity and have their root in Zen Master Báizhàng Huáihǎi’s (百丈懷海) original Chán Buddhist code, which appears in the Chán yüan Qinggui–Zen Monastic Code of Conduct originally published in 1103 CE and are still largely relevant to the ongoing success of any Temple or Zen Center as well as maintaining the establishment of an authentic Zen Lineage in America.
At Lotus Heart Zen we maintain the following offices:
The Guiding Teacher (Josil Seunim) acts as Executive Director and has overall responsibility for practice at Lotus Heart Zen, in the temple and outside, and is the person to talk to about serious teaching and practice questions. The guiding teacher is in charge of overseeing the office, temple and temple grounds. As Executive Director the guiding teacher is responsible for the long–range planning for the sangha and oversees the other directors to make sure they carry out their jobs. The guiding teacher is responsible for the overall financial matters of the sangha and makes sure that finances are handled correctly through the Abbot and the Treasurer.
The Guiding Teacher of Lotus Heart Zen is Ven. MyoHye Do'an. Working directly for the Zen Master is the sija or attendant:
The sija is the Guiding Teacher’s personal attendant. This has been a very important and respected position throughout the history of Zen Buddhism and it is viewed as a favorable opportunity to serve the guiding teacher. There can be more than one sija depending on the member’s availability to attend all of the teacher’s functions. The current sija are the Oblates and those who volunteer for Lotus Heart Zen.
The Abbot (Juji-Seunim) has overall responsibility for the tone of practice, adherence to practice forms and the upkeep of the dharma room and altars of the temple. The abbot is the person to go to with extremely serious questions about your relationship to the community. The abbot also assists the guiding teacher with long-range planning for the sangha. The abbot acts as the Minister of Clergy by maintaining the rosters for those attending retreats, talks and workshops and assures that all donations required are collected from the individuals that attend each event. As Minister of Clergy the abbot will work with the Kitchen Leader, Facilities Leader and the Communications Coordinator to make sure that each retreat and event is properly stocked with food and supplies and is advertised, and communicated to the membership as well as the local community. The abbot and the other directors together make decisions about the use of money and energy. The Abbot also is responsible for directors’ meetings, making sure that all the temple business is discussed at each meeting. The abbot is responsible for the administration of plans and work for ceremonies and special occasions; also, to fill in for an absent director and helps to see that the job is done.
The Abbot of Lotus Heart Zen is Rev. Anwol Devadipa. Working directly with the abbot is the Altar Attendant and Practice Leader:
The Altar Attendant (Chijŏn) attends to the various altars at the temple. This person makes sure that incense, candles and lighters are always available and in stock. The altar master assures that the altars are always clean and presentable. The altar master attends to the Avalokiteśvara and Kṣitigarbha altars, as required, assuring that cards and candles and incense are available for members whose loved ones are suffering or who have recently passed away. The altar attendant should communicate any special needs that a Sangha member has to the Abbot. The Chijŏn of Lotus Heart Zen is filled by one of the Oblates.
The Pratice Leader assists the abbot by leading meditation and chanting practice by lighting candles and incense and leading the chanting by announcing the chants and using the moktak and other instruments as needed. The practice leader of Lotus Heart Zen is filled by one of the Oblates or a lay member. The practice leader should have an interest in learning and practicing the chants and is responsible for assigning and training other members to the roll of practice leader to act as a substitute. The practice leader works to develop an understanding of the dynamics of chanting as a form of practice and a group function which leads to ‘one mind.’ The practice leader assists newer practitioners in their individual efforts to learn the proper chanting and meditation forms. The practice leader makes available recorded media, printed media, and any other tool that allows the sangha to partake in the ancient and insightful practice of chanting meditation.
The samjik or “office staff” and the Guiding Teacher all work in concert with the Abbot to create a smooth and efficient temple. The samjik are The Membership Coordinator, Treasurer and Communications Coordinator.
The Membership Coordinator (Ch’ŏngmu Seunim) is the director with whom you should discuss your potential membership, your financial relationship, any problems with finances, guests that may be visiting, and registration for retreats, workshops or special events. The Membership Coordinator handles communications with the general membership. The membership coordinator helps to grow the membership of the sangha. This position also oversees opportunities to receive free advertising as well as spending wisely the centers limited budget on advertising to attract new membership.
The Treasurer (Chaemu Seunim) keeps the books for the temple, and distributes the financial reports to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. The Treasurer maintains sound accounting records, updates membership and precepts records, as well as sends out year end statements to all members and donators, and assures that each member is current on dues and training fees.
The Communications Coordinator (Sŏgi) updates the web site and social media accounts with current information and helps expand the content to become a complete teaching tool for those who are seeking the way. The sŏgi oversees opportunities to get free advertising as well as spending wisely the temple’s limited budget on advertising to attract new membership. Working directly with the Sŏgi is the librarian:
The Librarian makes sure that all the publications are controlled and available to the membership and also solicits volunteers to transcribe talks and lectures in electronic form. Also makes copies of talks and lectures available (for free or for sale) for Lotus Heart Zen members. The librarian also maintains the temple’s store.
The abbot, guiding teacher and samjik meet regularly as the “Management Team” to discuss administrative matters; often, a question brought to one of them is considered in the next management team meeting before being answered.
The Board of Directors meets annually and as specific requirements arises. The board of directors consists of the guiding teacher, abbot, treasurer, communication and membership coordinators. The board considers the overall direction of the Lotus Heart Zen’s operation and its financial and legal matters. Members can submit issues to be discussed at the directors’ meeting to the abbot or can come to a directors meeting to discuss an issue by scheduling a time with the abbot.
Other volunteer positions are:
The Kitchen Attendant is responsible for the operation of the temple and studio kitchens. The kitchen attendant makes sure that food and beverages are supplied for practices, retreats and ceremonies by coordinating volunteers. This is the person to talk to about your volunteer duties and any kitchen questions.
The Facilities Attendant (Pyŏlchwa) cleans and arranges the entire temple space and property and makes sure that adequate supplies are available and replenished and that all of the rooms are clean and orderly at all times. The facilities attendant is responsible for the cleanliness of the interview/discussion room, the guest room, the tea room, library and the bathroom. The facilities attendant also makes sure that the studio space is adequately supplied, set up and cleaned when used by the sangha.
The Garden Attendant (Ch’ŏngso) tends to the plants and gardens within and outside of the temple. Through the recruitment of volunteers, the garden attendant, assures that the outside of the facility is presentable and clean at all times. The garden attendant assures that the foliage and the outside facilities represent the Zen ideal of oneness and beauty.
Keeping our correct situation with all of this activity moment to moment is already cutting off all thinking. Keeping clear mind means continually taking care of each of our responsibilities with the understanding that this is Zen practice.
