1 nov 2025

On Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2, 2025, Roshi Sunyana Graef, who has been the teacher of the Casa Zen since 1988, will descend from her position. Ven. Bodhi Murillo, her disciple and soon-to-be Dharma Heir, will then become the new teacher of the Sangha.

The two ceremonies—which take place consecutively when one teacher steps down and another takes their place—are usually referred to as a Shinsanshiki ceremony.

First Ceremony

The first ceremony is on Saturday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. Costa Rica time which is 12:00 noon EDT. At this time Roshi Graef will step down from her position as teacher at the Casa Zen, giving her parting words to the Sangha. The Sangha, in turn, will say their farewell to Roshi since after this trip, she will no longer be coming to the Casa Zen. The ceremony will last about an hour and be followed by a reception.

Second Ceremony

The second ceremony, on Sunday, November 2 also at 10:00 a.m. Costa Rica time which is 11:00 a.m. EST (Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday), is longer and more elaborate, and will take place after Bodhi has received Dharma transmission from Roshi Graef. Although the first part of Dharma Transmission is private, it is closely followed by a public portion in which Bodhi receives acceptance and recognition as a teacher. During this part of the ceremony, there will be offerings of incense and poems at altars throughout the Casa Zen; Dharma combat, or mondo; talks both by Bodhi and Sangha members, friends, and family; and the opportunity for the Sangha to welcome and thank their new teacher, or Sensei, as he will then be addressed. There will be a reception afterwards.

We cordially invite you to attend both of these important ceremonies which in all likelihood have never before occurred in Central America. If you are a member of the Sangha and have a robe, please wear it to both events. To attend via Zoom, please sign up via the Zoom registration button or register here.