Tenzo kyokun: Instructions for the Tenzo
From ancient times communities of the practice of the Way of Awake Awareness have had six office holders1 who, as disciples of the Buddha, guide the activities of Awakening2 the community. Amongst these, the tenzo bears the responsibility of caring for the community's meals. The Zen Monastic Standards3 states, "The tenzo functions as the one who makes offerings with reverence to the monks."
Since ancient times this office has been held by realized monks who have the mind of the Way4 or by senior disciples who have roused the Way-seeking mind.5 This work requires exerting the Way.6 Those entrusted with this work but who lack the Way-seeking mind will only cause and endure hardship despite all their efforts. The Zen Monastic Standards states, "Putting the mind of the Way to work, serve carefully varied meals appropriate to each occasion and thus allow everyone to practice without hindrance."7
In times past such great masters as Guishan Lingyou,8 Dongshan Shouchu,9 and others have served in this post. Although this is a matter of preparing and serving meals, the tenzo is not just "the cook."10
