Inka shomei, “mind seal,” is formal recognition as a Rinzai Zen lineage holder. It is one of the requirements for becoming a fully empowered Rinzai Zen teacher, qualified to train students independently.

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Inka shomei is accompanied by documents received from one’s master as proof of transmission. At Tenryuji, the headquarters temple in Japan through which our lineage passed, it has been customary for the shike, or abbot, to display these documents publicly at the New Year. Following this custom, and in the interest of public clarity regarding Dharma transmission, our teachers have directed us to display the images below.

 

These documents show the Rinzai Zen Dharma transmission lineage, Teido Denpo, carried by Korinji’s abbot, together with the recent generations of inka marking the establishment of Omori Sogen Roshi’s line in the West.

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