Unsui literally means clouds and water. Clouds and water are manifestations of the same element - freely adapting and transforming in accordance with circumstances. Unsui is the traditional Japanese term which refers to a Zen monk or follower of the Way.
Like clouds, the unsui moves effortlessly through the sky, and like water around obstacles. Freedom from attachments enables the unsui to gain access to the wisdom of how the self and the world arise and disappear. This is the teaching of Tathagata Zen.
The quest for such wisdom means to investigate the very foundation of the universe, the process that encompasses the activites of life and death. Fortunate seekers encounter a great Zen master and gather like clouds around a mountain peak. Through formal practice the unsui studies and experiences the very foundation of the Buddhist teachings.
Sitting meditation (zazen), kôan study, chanting, and meditative walking are part of traditional Japanese Zen training in the Rinzai school. North America holds one of the greatest Dharma treasures in the world of Rinzai Zen, namely Kyôzan Jôshû Sasaki, Rôshi who will be celebrating his 101st birthday in April 2008. Jôshû Rôshi is in good health and is conducting many week-long intensive retreats in 2008.
Unsui.org is the web site of Hôun-an, Dharma Cloud Hermitage, Inc., a non-profit organization that has the long-term goal to establish an independent Zen temple in Sasaki Rôshi's lineage in the greater Boston area. We currently practice at the Cambridge Buddhist Association where Kyôon Dokurô, Osho (the abbot of Hôun-an) serves as the Spiritual Director and teacher of the Zazen-kai. Hôun-an is a 501(c)3 organization recognized as a church.