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

chef A chef is a professional Cook (profession), cook and tradesperson who is proficient in all aspects of outline of food preparation, food preparation, often focusing on a particular cuisine. The word "chef" is derived from the term (), the di ...

at a

Buddhist Buddhism, also known as Buddhadharma and Dharmavinaya, is an Indian religion and List of philosophies, philosophical tradition based on Pre-sectarian Buddhism, teachings attributed to the Buddha, a wandering teacher who lived in the 6th or ...

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 Pure Standards of the Chan Monastery 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) retreat in a Japanese Zen monastery, or in a Zen monastery or Zen center that belongs to one of the Japanese Zen trad ...

, 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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