Dear Sangha,

On Sunday, May 3, Kenkō Volker Ecke was given the role of Dharma Holder (Hōshi ) by me. A Dharma Holder is an Assistant Teacher, empowered to give informal interview. Kenkō will now be available to help in the teaching at Oxbow Zen and here at Village Zendo.Hōshi translates as “teacher of dharma.” In our line, Maezumi Roshi began to use this term for a person who had completed koan study. Here at the Village Zendo, the title is given to one who is well-versed in the teachings, embodies them, and can share them. Our Hoshis continue their training while also offering interview to others.

Kenkō, a retired professor with a Ph.D. in mathematics, began his studies at Village Zendo in 2001 and helped to build the affiliate zendo, Zen on Main in Northampton, Massachusetts in 2002.

He received Jukai with Enkyo Roshi in 2005, with the Dharma Name 建 功  KEN KŌ, meaning “to build, to erect merit, service. To create honor by being upright.” Kenkō served as Shuso at Two Streams Zen in 2011.

He then helped with the group creation and organization of our affiliate, Oxbow Zen, which was briefly hosted out of his and his partner, JoEi’s condo, in 2016.

Oxbow Zen, led by Sensei Soshin Dufour with their collective group, continues today in a dedicated space at First Churches in Northampton.

Over many years, Kenkō has regularly attended our residential retreats, helping to organize behind the scenes, and has served as liturgy master on multiple occasions.

Congratulations to Kenkō Hoshi!

On behalf of the Village Zendo Teachers,

風 咲 Fusho Sensei