Sempai Kohai obedience A special relationship Understanding enlightenment is too complex to explain here. But you should understand the terms Satarie and Kensho this refer between differences in enlightenment between a teacher and a student. Understanding Sempai and Kohai and why its a special relationship The training of practitioners is what would be expected for a social institution modeled, like almost all others in Japan from the family to the nation, on the patrilineal kin group and descended from feudal Japan. A social hierarchy extends from the Grand Master Rikyu, other ancestors, the current Grand Master and his wife, his son who is the heir next in line and his family, other biological family members, the highest ranking teachers (gyotei), mizuya sensei (those in day-and- night service and training to become gyotei), other teachers in rank by seniority, and students likewise ranked. Sempai/kohai or senior/junior relationships are an integral part of the structure. After just one day, one becomes sempai to others, and one remains kohai to others for life. Sempai are responsible to their sempai in turn for their kohai. Obedience without argument or questioning and correction, accepted without excuses, are expected. The most proper response seems to be ‘hai!’ ("yes"). Ideally relationships are characterized by respect for the teacher or sempai and benevolence and guidance for the student or kohai. Many aisatsu (formal greetings, bows, waiting on one’s knees and knuckles) imply the proper respect. Training tends to be in the tradition of rigorous Zen discipline, with no complaints about strenuous hours on ones knees nor about preparations (toban) like sawing charcoal, wiping tatami mats on hands and knees, and cleaning the garden or toilets. These are privileges of service and opportunities for spiritual development, especially death to and transcendence of the self. Meditation traditions the courtesy and Koan's used in Zen Meditation are listed her for Meditation , they are provided by Master Hughes Roshi of the National Meditation center for World Peace , Danoshen Ryu Buddhist temple. It does not matter if you are wanting to study meditation for health reasons or as a "Way of Life" you will find that knowing traditional courtesy and methods will greatly add to your experiences.