Thomas has a new name.  It is Kotetsu.  It means Ancient Wisdom.  HIs teachers gave it to him because of his commitment to the spiritual path even from a young age.  Tetsu also means "Warm Heart".  And they mentioned how that is true for him also.  He is now an official Buddhist Monk and has begun his training to become a Zen Priest.  It will take about 5 years before he will be able to take his vows for that enhancement in his spiritual path.  Here are some pictures we took while we were there.  His two teachers are: Chozen-female and Hogan-male.

www.greatvow.org/ 

MAILING ADDRESS

Great Vows Zen Monastery
PO Box 368
Clatskanie, OR 97016

EMAIL-

Thomas_Westin@msn.com

As most of you are aware Thomas has entered a Zen Monastery to become a monk.  He is doing this in order to prepare the way for Mother Ilowan's incarnation in 20 years or so.  At that time she wants to be able to incarnate or come to a monastic community.  Either Thomas will complete his training and come back to the Temple to help us create an ashram or he will stay at Great Vows so Mother will be able to work with a spiritual teacher who has trained in her lineage.  We, as the Healing Teaching Temple, are helping to support Thomas in this work.  It costs $700 per month for him to do this training.  We are holding various fund-raisers and many people have pledged a certain sum of money each month in order to help with this project.