First Zen monk ordained in Victoria
Doshu Rogers will be the first person in Victoria to be ordained as a Zen Buddhist Monk. The ceremony will be held at the University of Victoria's interfaith chapel at 10 a.m. on July 19.
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Updated: June 30, 2009 3:25 PM
When Doshu Lars Rogers was diagnosed with leukemia, he didn’t ask “why me?”
Rogers has practiced Zen Buddhism since 1975, and said it taught him to be “present” with his disease.
Rogers said the idea of Zen Buddhism is difficult to explain. Some monks debate whether it’s classified as a tradition or religion as Buddhists do not worship a god. But most agree the fundamentals of Zen act as a guide to bring clarity and harmony to one’s life, work and relationships.
Rogers accepted aggressive chemotherapy treatments, a bone marrow transplant and full radiation in 2002, without self-pity. With his family by his side, he knew he may not have long to live.
He said giving himself permission to think this way liberated him. “It was very freeing,” he said.
This led him to further his practice with the Victoria Zen Centre by completing training and education seminars. The centre will recognize his commitment to the practice and ordain him as Victoria’s first Zen monk at the University of Victoria’s interfaith chapel at 10 a.m. July 19.
Rogers recovered from his treatments, and has been in remission for seven years.
lweighton@vicnews.com
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