''Tenzo'' (Japanese: 典座) is a title given to the chef at a

Buddhist Buddhism ( , ), also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya (), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in northern India as a -movement in the 5th century BCE, and ...

monastery. The word ''tenzo'' is Japanese for "seat of ceremony", similar to the English term " master of ceremonies." From ancient times Buddhist monasteries have had six office-holders who, as disciples of the Buddha, guide the monastic community. Amongst these, the tenzo bears the responsibility of caring for the community's meals. The

Zen Zen ( zh, t=禪, p=Chán; ja, text= 禅, translit=zen; ko, text=선, translit=Seon; vi, text=Thiền) is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty, known as the Chan School (''Chánzong'' 禪宗), and ...

Monastic Standards states; "The tenzo functions as the one who makes offerings with reverence to the monks." Since ancient times this office has been held by realized monks or by senior disciples who have roused the enlightened. Those entrusted with this work but who lack a disciplined mind will only cause and endure hardship despite all their efforts. The Zen Monastic Standards states; "Putting the mind of the Way to work, serve carefully varied meals appropriate to each occasion and thus allow everyone to practice without hindrance." The Tenzo does much more than a "cook" does. It is one of the most demanding positions. The Tenzo prepares meal plans for

Sesshin A ''sesshin'' (接心, or also 摂心/攝心 literally "touching the heart-mind") is a period of intensive meditation (zazen) in a Zen monastery. While the daily routine in the monastery requires the monks to meditate several hours a day, d ...

, making sure all the ingredients are present. The vast majority of food comes from takuhatsu. It means the vegetables are not prime choice, not really "fresh" as sold in stores. It is the job of the Tenzo to provide nutritional meals from the donations received from takuhatsu.

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Traditional Zen Sesshin at the Dai Bossatsu Monastery

Diary of a lay student in Sesshin

Tenzo, minor character dog in Disney's Doctor Dolittle IV (tail to the chief) and PR with Miley Ciyrus
{{Japan-reli-stub Zen Buddhist meditation Zen art and culture Japanese Buddhist titles Buddhist religious occupations

See also

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