In Shodo Harada Roshi's Zen tradition, lineage and transmission hold great significance. This can be seen in the way he has preserved and passed down the teachings of his predecessors, as well as in the way he continues to transmit the Dharma to his students.

Lineage refers to the line of teachers that can be traced back to the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. In Zen, this lineage is known as the "lineage of the mind" or the "lineage of the heart." This lineage is considered to be a direct transmission of the Buddha's teachings from teacher to student, without any written texts or scriptures. Shodo Harada Roshi's lineage can be traced back to the 6th century Zen master, Bodhidharma, who is said to have brought Zen from India to China.

For Shodo Harada Roshi, lineage is not just a historical connection, but also a living connection. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with one's teacher and continuously receiving guidance and instruction from them. This is evident in his own relationship with his teacher, Daiun Sogaku Harada Roshi, from whom he received Dharma transmission in 1982.

Transmission, or Dharma transmission, is the formal recognition of a student's understanding and realization of the Dharma by their teacher. This is a significant event in a Zen practitioner's life, as it marks the passing down of the lineage and the responsibility to continue the teachings. In Shodo Harada Roshi's tradition, transmission is not limited to a select few, but rather is open to anyone who has dedicated themselves to the practice and demonstrated a deep understanding of the Dharma.

Shodo Harada Roshi believes that transmission is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing process. He encourages his students to continuously deepen their understanding and realization of the Dharma, and to pass it on to future generations. This is reflected in his teachings, where he emphasizes the importance of practicing for the benefit of all beings, not just for oneself.

In conclusion, lineage and transmission hold great significance in Shodo Harada Roshi's Zen tradition. They serve as a connection to the historical Buddha and his teachings, as well as a living connection to one's teacher and the responsibility to continue the teachings. Through these practices, Shodo Harada Roshi's Zen tradition continues to thrive and spread to new generations, preserving the wisdom and compassion of the Dharma.