On November 7, 2026, All Beings Zen Sangha enjoyed the opportunity to support our guiding teacher, Inryū Ponce-Barger, Sensei as she concluded her 2026 Shuso experience with a Hossenshiki ceremony at the Chapel Hill Zen Center.
Abbot Josho Pat Phalen Roshi oversaw the weekend of ceremonies in their Red Cedar Mountain Temple of which she is the founding teacher and current Abbot.
The high Sotoshu official for the weekend was Sokan Gengo Akiba Roshi. In English, he is referred to as the Bishop of Sōtō shū in North America, covering Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
On Friday, November 6, the Bishop delivered a Dharma talk on the koan selected for this Hossenshiki which is Case 87 of the Blue Cliff Record:
Yunmen, teaching to his community, said, “Medicine and disease subdue each other; the whole earth is medicine, what is your self?”
The Dharma talk was followed by a formal tea ceremony.
Altogether, it was an enjoyable and meaningful experience that brought together priests, teachers and sangha members from across the United States to participate in and support the Hossenshiki. formal tea and Dharma offering by the Bishop and a Dharma Talk on Sunday by Inryu.
One meaningful result of this ceremonies is a deepened relationship with the Sōtō shū across North America and Japan. We are grateful for the experience and look forward to further opportunities to uplift each other and our practice.
