Zendo Procedures At PBZ

Each Zen center has its slight variations in practice.  Please read over the information below and refer to it whenever you are unclear about a procedure in the zendo.  Please don’t feel overwhelmed by these guidelines.  They will soon become familiar to you.  If you are unsure what to do next when in the zendo, just look discretely to see what others are doing at that point.  And remember that this disciplined procedure is a necessary part of Zen structure and training.

Preparation:  Always try to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before any sitting so you can have time to turn your attention to the work at hand.  Line your shoes up neatly.  Zafus and seiza benches in the zendo alcove are available for your use.  If you become a member, you are able to bring your own zafu or bench and have a designated place for it.

When you first arrive, you may place your zafu/bench or stool on your place in the zendo and then return to the outer room until the gong sounds.

Entering the zendo:  Enter at the striking of the gong, or earlier if you wish.  Bow in gassho when you enter the zendo.  Gassho is the raising of your hands, with palms together, in front of your face.  It is an expression of respect, gratitude, humility.

When you get to your place:  Bow in gassho facing your place (a sign of respect for those who are sitting or will be sitting next to you), then turn and bow to the opposite row(s), even if the mats are still empty.

If you are already seated, and the person opposite comes in, return the bow from zazen position with hands in gassho.  Please do this only to the person opposite and not anyone else.

Beginning zazen:  There is a short period of about 5 minutes before zazen formally begins and is a time for you to collect yourself and become present.  The bell rings once.  Rise.  Turn to the altar as the jitsu enters for lighting of the incense and the opening bow.  After the incense is lit, the jitsu will do the prostrtion but all others just bow from the waist as the bell rings.  One one bow, except for special occasions.

Opening chant:  We then chant The Gata of Repentence.  Please refer to your chant card. 

Zazen (lst period):  Sit, facing the other side of the zendo.  The bell rings 3 times (the signal for zazen to begin).  Zazen for 25 minutes.  At the close of 25 minutes, the bell rings twice (the signal to end a zazen period).  Bow, with hands in gassho.  Stretch your legs if you need, as it is important you have feelilng in your feet before you rise, but please do this mindfully and don’t slump etc when zazen is over.  Please wait for the teacher to rise first.  In the absence of a teacher, wait for the jitsu.

Kin-hin:  The clapper will sound for kin-hin.  This is the signal to bow, with hands in gassho.  Second clapper means to turn, place hands in hin-hin position, and begin the slow kin-hin.  After a few minutes of slow kin-hin, the clapper will sound again.  Bow, with hands in gassho, then resume hands in kin-hin and begin the faster kin-han pace, closing any gaps that may have developed.  After some time, the clappers will sound again.  Place hands back in gassho and keep moving until you reach the front of your place.  Stop.  When everybody is in place, clapper will sound, everybody bows and sits. 

In general, whenever you hear the clappers sound, you need to change hand position in some way.  Just see what everyone else is doing until you get the idea of it.

Zazen (2nd period):  During the 2nd period of zazen, please face the wall.  This is part of the Soto Zen tradition and allows for greater concentration in the sitting.  The second period is followed, again, by kin-han.

Monitor.  A monitor may move through the zendo during the 2nd sitting, to help maintain attention and assist with posture.  The monitor will lightly touch you on the shoulder before making any necessary adjustment.  Please remember the monitor is not there to be critical but to help you with the maintenance of your attention and your posture.

At the sound of the two bells that end the period, turn immediately back to face the center.

Dharma Talk (3rd period):  In the 3rd and final period, a Dharma Talk by a teacher or a short talk we call “Words of Encouragement: given by a teacher or a senior student, is given. 

The Gata on Opening the Sutra is chanted before the Dharma Talk.  At the end of zazen, the bell rings twice.  Rise.  Chant sheets are distributed to all who need them.

Chanting:  We rise for The Heart Sutra.  Then we sit.  We chalnt The Four Great Vows 3 times, followed by the Evening Gata chant done by the chant leader.  All rise.  Chant sheets are collected.

Close of formal sitting period:  Turn to the altar for the closing bow.  Announcements are made at this time.  Please remain standing.  After announcements, the clapper will sound once.  Bow and then carry your zafu, bench to the alcove and put it back where you found it.

Leaving the zendo:  If you must leave the zendo during a zazen period, please do so only if absolutely necessary and only during kin-hin.  Simply move in kin-hin until you are by the door, bow, leave and then return, waiting by the door with hands in gassho until your turn in the line comes up.  Bow, slip into the line, and resume the kin-hin hand position.  Do not simply join the line at the end.  Should you need to leave the zendo during zazen because of some emergency situation, please do not return until the next kin-han. 

Samu (work practice):  Samu is carried out at the close of our Sunday morning sittings.  It lasts about 15 minutes and is a short period of silent minful work, cleaning the zendo, preparing the tea that follows and so forth.  You will be given simple instructions on how to carry out the task assigned to you.  Extended samu is practiced daily during our out of town sesshins.  Samu is part of the Zen experience and all Sunday participants are expected to stay for samu unless there are serious reasons why this is not possible.  Samu is followed by an optional tea time with sangha members.

Oryoki (the formal meal in the zendo):  This is the traditional meal in the zendo which is practiced at Plum Blossom Zendo in a modified form during zazenkai (all day sitting).