In the Zen tradition in which I started, a senior student could give a “Dharma talk” but only a Sensei or Roshi could give a “teisho.” This latter type of teaching has a certain mystique about it. Should it?
Teaching without Teishos
Tradition suggests that teachings given by a transmitted Zen teacher carry a special mystical authority. But perhaps we should instead take our inspiration from Manjushri Bodhisattva.
Julie A. Nelson 