Dear Sangha,
Our annual Spring Ango will start in a few weeks and Shugen Roshi has asked me to serve as chief disciple. It has not been without hesitation that I finally accepted this challenging service position. I didn’t realize that the fear I have encountered was preventing me from appreciating that I was ready to serve in this way. And I also recognized that not accepting the position because of fear and inadequacy was not an option I wanted to take.
Today I feel honored—if a bit apprehensive—to be given the opportunity to offer my practice in a meaningful way. It will also allow me to express my profound gratitude for the teachings, for my teacher Shugen Roshi, for Hojin Sensei, for Hogen Sensei and for all of you, my fellow practitioners and noble friends.
When Fire Lotus moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and after my first few years of practice, it became clear that I wanted to devote my life to the study of the Way and to serve the sangha. Now is the time to take my practice a step further.