zen doors

Ben Pederson and I built these doors for a zen temple in my neighborhood; the owners were sweet enough to trust us to carve them. Made of Oregon Elm (I acquired the tree several years ago), the face is based on the zen character, Jizo, who is the protector of children, and one who fosters those interested in the zen path, a bodhisattva, he is known for infinite patience. The dragon is the intense character guarding the entrance to zazen interview room, for the equivalent of the confession in zen practice, I imagine a bit more grueling face to face than your standard Catholic download.