Summary: Episode Description: Sensei Irène reflects on the history and meaning of dharma transmission in anticipation of Shinzan Palma's upcoming transmission. Sensei describes a number of the ritualistic endeavors involved and explains that transmission is comprised of two parts: Denkai and Denbo. Continuing on she discusses the life of Maezumi Roshi and the establishment of the White Plum Asanga. Sensei also touches upon one of Maezumi Roshi's most well known sayings: "appreciate your life" and what does it really mean to "appreciate." Bio: Irène Kaigetsu Kyojo Bakker is a certified zen teacher from the Netherlands, a Zen priest and Dharma successor of Joan Jiko Halifax Roshi. She has been a student of Zen in the White Plum Sangha tradition since the mid-80s. Irène Sensei first met Roshi Joan Halifax in Auschwitz in 1996 and they had a strong connection. Irène Sensei then became involved in Upaya's Zen training and Being with Dying training. In 2004, Roshi Joan asked her to continue her training on death and dying in Europe. Every summer, Sensei assisted teaching at Upaya Zen Center. In Holland Sensei serves as teacher for Zen Spirit, which she founded in 2004. As family and systems therapist, she works with people with cancer, end of life care, in psychiatry, and private therapy practice. As a mindfulness trainer she teaches future MBSR trainers at the College / School for Social Work in Utrecht, Netherlands.
