Originally Posted by
Jundo
... Rather, show me someone who is acting with grace and equanimity through the obstacles of the "ups and downs" of this life, and day to day demonstrates their character, and I will show you someone who is truly passing life's tests, life's Koan, the Genjo Koan. My guess is that the old teachers, only after observing their disciple day in day out in the monastery, through passing seasons, sickness and health and all manner of life's trials ... only then ... might take the formal step of approving someone. It has little to do with someone's wit in the dokusan room, but rather The Whole Package.
... What are the tests, if you ask me? How do you handle midnight emergency room visits, funerals of loved ones, sick kids and flat tires, the news of the world, happy days and sad days? Do you manifest acceptance and balance in life's win and lose and in between, good times and bad times and so so times? Do you find yourself less fearful of death and all the rest, with some insight in your heart into non-self, impermanence, the Wholeness of Emptiness such that you feel not so bound to this little frightened self? If someone has been practicing this Path for some years, they are the best judge of their life ... and the true "Dokusan Room" is their own heart.
You know when you know, and I bet those around you will see something too. You know when you know ... beyond just "you" and "knowing."
(As well, if someone is only faking or fooling themselves, that is not hard to see either.)
Gassho, J
STLah