The year 2021 corresponds to the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. While many characteristics are associated with the ox, common among them are diligence, strength, and dogged persistence. And, looking back on the year, those features describe what was required of us at Daikozen-Ji over the last year.

When we purchased the building—a rundown old church— in May 2019, we knew we had a significant renovation project ahead of us. Central to our plans was the use of volunteer labor. And, everything was on schedule until the pandemic started. As a result, we began 2021 far behind schedule in construction, and a few people able to train in person.

How far we’ve come over the year. Through the work of a small but dedicated group led by Kiel Roshi, all channeling their inner ox, we have all but completed the first major phase of our renovation plans. This included building out three offices that provide rental income. And, we have a robust training schedule, which includes morning zazen seven days a week and evening zazen Monday through Friday. We also have weekly training in Hojo, kendo, kyudo, and okyo. In addition, we have recently added a monthly zazenkai and a dedicated workday. And, we have been able to do all this while following public health mandates and guidelines.

When we chose the Mifflin St site for Daikozen-Ji, we envisioned ourselves being integrated into the neighborhood, similar to a Zen temple in a Japanese village. However, the restrictions of the pandemic have made that difficult. But two new developments indicate that that vision may be coming to be realized.

First, we have recently had people from the immediate or nearby neighborhood start training. Most of them are young adults interested in intensive training in Zen and the martial arts. As a result, we had 13 volunteers at our last workday, the most we had since the pandemic began.

The second development is the addition of training in tea ceremony—co-taught by Kyoko Rohde Sensei and Anita Taylor Sensei-- to our monthly training schedule. Most of the tea students are Japanese or Japanese Americans affiliated with Beni Daiko, a local Taiko drumming club. In addition, we hope that we can provide a place for other Japanese cultural events in the greater Madison area. For example, in January, we will be hosting a combined New Year celebration for Daikozen-Ji trainees and Beni Daiko.

The coming year is the Year of the Tiger, a year associated with power and vigor. The foundation for it has been laid by the ox. We are in a much stronger position than we were a year ago, and we’re roaring to go.

Best wishes for the New Year

Ken Kushner