Dokusan is a Japanese term used in Zen Buddhism that refers to a private interview between a zen master (roshi) and his disciple. This practice is a fundamental part of Zen training, especially in the Rinzai and Soto traditions, and offers the student the opportunity to present their progress in meditation (zazen) or in the resolution of koans (enigmas or questions that defy conventional logic).
during the dokusan, the teacher evaluates the student's state of understanding and may offer corrections, additional teachings or questions to guide you on your path to awakening. Although brief, this interview is direct and intense, designed for break mental barriers and lead the disciple to experiences of insight or satori (sudden lighting).
The dokusan is not just an intellectual exam, but an intimate encounter in which the teacher, often through gestures, words or even silence, points to the essence of spiritual experience. The sincerity and openness of the disciple are essential for this encounter to be fruitful..
In the Soto tradition, although the emphasis on koans is less, Dokusan remains an important avenue for students to receive personalized guidance on their daily practice and understanding of the Dharma.
This teacher-disciple relationship, based on dokusan, is key to the process of direct transmission of knowledge, which is a central aspect of Zen.