Zendo Form Bow with hands in gassho when entering/leaving the zendo. Bow towards your zabuton and then towards the sangha before sitting. Always turn towards the altar not away. Sitting periods are 25 minutes (max), alternating with 5 minutes of kinhin (walking meditation). Feel free to sit on a chair, seiza bench, or on a zafu (cushion) as you prefer. The importance being stillness. In general sit anywhere in the zendo except the four corners of the room or directly in front of the altar. These areas are for service positions and Roshi. It is best to enter/exit the zendo during kinhin rather than in the middle of a sit. Solid dark clothing is encouraged to lessen distractions to others.   Zazen Form Densho sequence begins 10 minutes before the first sit, however many people like to use this time to settle in. Please begin silence with Densho. A wooden clap followed by 3 closely spaced bells signify the start of a 25 minute sitting period. Sit with spine erect, head upright and relaxed. Hands on lap, palms up with left hand resting in right hand, thumbs lightly touching. Eyes slightly lowered gazing downward a few feet in front of you.   Kinhin Form Two closely spaced bells after 25 minutes signify the end of a sitting period and the start of walking meditation (kinhin). One bell indicates end of sit. When rising for kinhin please be cautious so as not to move so quickly that your legs give out. Kinhin is a continuation of meditation not a break. Hand position during kinhin is right hand in a loose fist at the belly with left hand covering right. Close all gaps. Walk directly (arm’s length) behind the person in front of you. At the sound of the wooden clap the pace quickens as we return to our places by continuing to follow others around zendo until your spot is reached. Kinhin is ended by a grand exaggerated bow. During kinhin is the time to make an exit if needed. When returning join in the end of the line. Sutra Chanting Sutra service begins with Rahai (prostrations). The Inkin signifies the start. Sutra books should be held with both hands at eye level. When sutra books are not in use please rest book on cushion not directly on floor and do not fold back. Hands should be in gassho or mudra, there are indications for mudra noted in sutra book. Follow the Ino (chant leader) when chanting. Sutras should be chanted as one voice, not too loud and not too soft. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   The practice must be engaged, it must be entered. You must realize by action. In other words, not up in the head or only by concentration, but all together with the body. - Taizan Maezumi Roshi

Daruma (Bodhidharma) by Hakuin