“My teacher, Mark Sando Mininberg, Roshi, and I recently completed the recognition/ empowerment ceremony called Inka Shomei. Inka, as it is called, is the final seal of approval. It is offered when student and teacher now see as teacher to teacher with the same dharma eye, with the same clarity of awakeness. It is the most intimate, yet meaningful, ceremony because of its simplicity.
Along with the ceremony I am given the title of Roshi. Roshi is most commonly translated as “Zen Master”. A Zen master is a Master of the Absolute. It is a great honor and a grave responsibility to be a part of the lineage supporting students on the path of authentic dharma and incomparable awakenings.”
— Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi
