OMZ six ranks

The Seven Levels of Practice of the Open Mind Zen School

1. Member

Members are those who wish to meditate at OMZ and support the Center, but choose not to participate in the specific training methods set up for students. There are no requirements for member status other than completing a beginning orientation class. The requested monthly donation is $40.

2. Practicing Student

Practicing Students are those who choose to begin to engage in the OMZ system of Zen practice. They agree to meditate on a regular basis and to attend Sunday talks and other workshops and programs as they are able. They begin working on the 58 koans of the first group, although alternative practice methods are allowed on a case-by-case basis. Practicing Students also agree to experience the Zen Dialogue Enlightenment Intensive process either in a private or group setting as a prerequisite to koan study. The requested donation for all student levels is $75 per month.

3. Advanced Student

Advanced Student promotion is given to those who finish the first koan collection and show they are willing to commit more time and energy to the Zen Center and to their meditation practice. This commitment takes many forms, but is rooted in the idea that by giving more we receive more. Advanced Students are expected to participate on a regular basis in Zen Center activities, and must complete at least one meditation retreat of 3 or more days to advance to the next level. In addition, an Advanced Student will sit without koans for 2 months before beginning the Mumonkan.

4. Senior Student

To be considered for this level, a student must first finish the Mumonkan (Gateless Barrier) koan collection and have completed at least two longer retreats. At this point, a Senior Student should be experiencing on a deep level how Zen practice can be integrated into daily life. There is a 6 month period of sitting without koans before moving on to the next level.

5. Assistant Teacher

Requirements for promotion to Assistant Teacher are both tangible and intangible. On a tangible level, all Assistant Teachers must have completed the 100 koans of the Blue Cliff Record (including introductions). In addition, Assistant Teachers must demonstrate an understanding of the workings of Zen Dharma in their life and relationships, and must be firmly rooted in the experience of awakening. On an intangible level, both teacher and student must feel that the candidate is ready for the position of learning to teach others. There is no way to determine in advance exactly how long this might take after completion of the required koans. Assistant teachers begin to give interviews on the first list and the Gateless Barrier and attend all longer retreats as possible.

6. Zen Teacher

Zen Teacher status is achieved when study of the Book of Serenity and the Transmission of the Light koan collections is complete and the candidate’s teacher feels that he or she is independent and able to take on their own students if they choose. A Zen Teacher is free to either stay at the main Open Mind Zen Meditation Center or to move on and create an affiliate location. To achieve this level, a student must demonstrate an extremely clear understanding of the function of Zen practice in work and relationships.

7. Zen Master

This rare level of attainment will be recognized when a Zen Teacher has founded a new practice center or retreat center. In addition, a Zen Master must have extensive experience in leading retreats and offering help to students, and should also be able to conduct the Zen Dialogue Enlightenment Intensive for new students.

Other empowerments, which may or may not accompany the above ranks, will be issued for Zen Breathwork and the Enlightenment Intensive. Please note that although we feel the suggested donations listed above are reasonable, Open Mind Zen does not turn away anyone because of lack of money. Should you experience a loss of income on a short term basis and need to adjust your monthly donation, please let us know and we will work something out. Conversely, if you can donate more than the minimum we will gladly receive it and put it to use.