I had the most wonderful experience with my first sesshin( several days of meditation, zen chanting & silence) last weekend.
I now have my own beautiful rakusu complete with my new dharma name written on the inside of it by my teacher(Roshi.)
I almost laughed when I heard my dharma name that was chosen for me, "Nenge". It figures that the sound "gay" would be in it. It's really pronounced "geh" but no Americans I know will pronounce it that way.
Oh well. The sound of that word has never bothered me. Besides, I had already become resolved to accept whatever dharma name was chosen for me. I remember about a year ago when I realised to my alarm that all zen dharma names are pretty much Japanese. I made a stupid remark that I'd rather have a Sanskrit name.
My teacher(roshi) replied that it's just that sort of cultural bias that you wouldn't see with Japanese Zen folk.
It was explained to me during my Jukai ceremony that Nenge means "holds out a flower" which is fitting for me as I'm the one who changes the altar arrangements every week. Also my teacher referred to the famous tale of the Buddha holding up a flower without saying a word. Very kind and touching. I'll never forget it.
Good stuff man!
