Ekai Korematsu Osho has practiced and taught Zen Buddhism in Japan, the USA and India for over 30 years. He trained with a number of teachers, including Ikko Narasaki Roshi, deputy Abbot of Eiheiji Temple in Japan, his Dharma transmission teacher. Ekai founded Friends of the Lotus the International Zazen Network in 1996. In February 1998 he moved to Melbourne and now lives there with his wife Deniz and young sons Sunao and Shoan.

Ekai is the spiritual director at Jikishoan and is also Zen practice instructor for Antioch University's study program in India and Japan.

Ekai's hard work in establishing Jikishoan in Australia, and ongoing dedication to sharing the Soto Zen Tradition with others, is deeply appreciated by the members and friends of Jikishoan.

Today, the Soto Zen School has developed into a major religious movement which includes about 15,000 temples and some eight million adherents throughout Japan.

The Two Head Temples/Monasteries (Daihonzan)

The two head temples/monasteries of Soto Zen are Eiheiji of Fukui Prefecture - venerable founder Koso Dogen Zenji, (right)

and Sojiji of Kanagawa Prefecture - venerable founder Taiso Keizan Zenji (left).

More information from Soto-shu Japan

Like cogs in a watch, the ryos (or work groups) that carry out the various tasks required for Jikishoan to function, tend to just whir around in the background. However these groups, based on those that exist in traditional Zen monasteries in Japan, are integral to the functioning of the community. Ever wondered what all those ryos are up to? Here is a brief rundown:

The Jiroku Ryo is the reception team at Sunday Sanzenkai. Members of the Jiroku ryo are rostered on every six weeks to record Sanzenkai attendance, the evening's activities and the funds received as Dana or through the sale of incense, books, cards and cushions.

The Shika Ryo's primary task is to take care of newcomers at Sunday Sanzenkai. Shika members, who are rostered on a rotational basis, run a basic orientation class at the beginning of every Sunday Sanzenkai, to introduce newcomers to the format.

The Ino Ryo is responsible for the smooth functioning of the Zendo both at Sunday Sanzenkai and retreats. Ino members set up the Zendo, make the various sound signals that regulate Zendo activities, and lead the chanting. They are responsible for making the experience of sitting as comfortable as possible.

The Tenzo Ryo nurtures everyone's practice in the most practical sense, providing the meals. Tenzo members cook a meal for Sunday Sanzenkai every five or six weeks. The Tenzo Ryo also co-ordinates meals at retreats and other functions, such as one day workshops.

The Kan'in Ryo consists of the executive committee of Jikishoan, the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Membership of this ryo is limited to this core group of committee members.

The Shoji Ryo is headed by the Committee Secretary. This ryo provides administrative and secretarial support to the Committee, undertakes official communications with other organisations and keeps the official membership records. A number of Jikishoan's administrative volunteers operate under the auspices of the Shoji Ryo, including the Membership Secretary, the Library Coordinator and the Jiroku Ryo.

The Fusu Ryo, which is headed by the Treasurer, manages Jikishoan's finances. This ryo collects and banks money, keeps accounts, manages cash flow and budgeting, maintains statistical data and pays bills, all of which requires great attention to detail. It tends to operate quietly in the background, but its work is essential to the smooth operation of every other ryo.

The Shuppan/Koho Ryo produces publications such as Myoju, flyers and manages the website and its content, with material that contains both community news and information about Jikishoan's various activities, which is then shared with members, friends and the wider community.

The Kansu Ryo is responsible for the Ballarat group. In a sense this ryo is a microcosm of all the various ryos that have developed in Melbourne, many of the same tasks are necessary, but on a smaller scale.

The Jisha Ryo has a core membership of ordained members, as well as support members and Jisha Ryo assistants. Members of the Jisha Ryo assist Ekai Osho in his various activities, in particular organising his teaching engagements.

The Shissui Ryo looks after Jikishoan's physical assets, cleaning, fixing and keeping the asset register. It is particularly active on retreat, reflecting the increased importance of its function in a monastic setting.

Becoming involved in the day to day practicalities of ryo practice gives rise to a special kind of intimacy, with the community, with the teachings and ultimately with your self. If you are interested in ryo practice, there are often opportunities to help out on a casual basis, particularly in the Tenzo, Koho, Fusu and Shoji Ryos. But all the ryo coordinators would welcome new members! If you wish to help out in any way, please contact one of the coordinators listed on the calendar of events, and your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

Ekai Korematsu Osho (Abbot)
Vaughan Behncke (President)
Naomi Richards (Vice-President)
Julie Martindale (Treasurer)
Mark Summers (Secretary)
Hannah Forsyth (Ordinary Member)
Jeremy Maher (Ordinary Member)
Kiyoko Taylor (Ordinary Member)
Jinesh Wilmot (Ordinary Member)

Community Positions

Ekai Korematsu Osho (Docho - Abbot)
Vaughan Behncke (Tsusu - President & Kanji - Canberra Secretary)
Annie Bolitho (Ninji - Personnel Affairs)
Lorraine Collishaw (Jisha - Ballarat Teacher's Assistant)
Hannah Forsyth (Jisha - Teacher's Assistant)
Andrew Holborn (Library & Archive)
Gareth Jones (Kansu - Ballarat)
Martin Landolt (Ino - Zendo Manager)
Jeremy Maher (Somu - General Affairs)
Julie Martindale (Fusu - Finance)
Luke Menzel (Chiko Ryo - Merchandise)
Brian Osborne (Retreats)
Richard Myddleton (Assistant Secretary)
Naomi Richards (Kanin - Vice President & Rokuji - Membership)
Mark Summers (Shoji - Secretary)
Kiyoko Taylor (Fukushi - Welfare & Tenzo - Head Cook)
Jinesh Wilmot (Kyoka - Education & Shika - Guest Manager)