Zen Ritual and Form

The ritual and form of Castlemaine Zen is very simple. Most of it is learned by simply joining in and following along. However, if you are new to Zen or would like an orientation, please contact us. We offer orientation on the first Sunday of each month.

Alternatively, you can read the article below, which has everything you need to know about entering, leaving and practicing in the dojo.

NB. A list of key terms is included at the bottom of this page.

 

Zen Ritual and Form


Entering the Dojo

  • Step into the dojo.

  • Bow at the threshold in the direction of the altar. This is your bow to the Buddha. Do this every time you come in, even if it is only to get a zafu (sitting cushion).

  • If you are coming in for zazen, place your hands in kinhin position and walk quietly around the edge of the dojo to your seat. Please do not walk through the centre of the dojo.

  • Bow towards your seat. This is your bow to the Dharma.

  • Turning in the direction of the altar, face the room and bow.  This is your bow to the Sangha.

  • Turning in the direction of the altar, take your seat.

Leaving the Dojo

  • When you leave the dojo, bow to the Buddha on the altar before stepping out.

Practice In the Dojo

  • Please walk quietly in the dojo, and keep your hands in kinhin position.

  • Sit still during zazen, chanting and other activities in the dojo.

  • If you are using a chair, you may choose a zabuton and fold it in half for your feet to rest on. When seated, make sure your spine is upright and not leaning back into the chair.

  • If you need to cough or sneeze, please do so into the crook of your elbow and not into your hands.

Kinhin (Walking Meditation)

  •  When you hear the bell struck twice, it is time for kinhin.

  •  Still sitting on your zafu, bow.

  • Turn around on your zafu in the direction of the altar.

  • Stand up and place your hands in kinhin position. If your foot has gone to sleep, be careful when standing. It is all right to stay sitting down until you can safely stand. If you cannot join the kinhin line straight away, wait on your zafu until your place comes back. Then gassho and join the line.

  • Gassho when you hear the Jikijitsu’s clappers.

  • Turn to your left and start walking immediately.  The Jikijitsu sets the pace.  Please maintain the distance between you and the person in front of you.

  • Keep your head up and your eyes lowered during kinhin.

  • Continue your zazen practice during kinhin and at all other times.

  • The Jikijitsu will clap the clappers before you reach your zafu to let you know kinhin is finishing.   Stop at your place with your back to your zafu.

  • Gassho with everybody together.  Then turn in the direction of the altar to face your place.  Gassho again and take your seat.

  • Once you are settled, the Jikijitsu will sound the clappers once more before ringing the bells for zazen.

Going to the Toilet or Getting a Drink

  • If you need to go to the toilet or get a drink, it is important to leave immediately after you hear the bell for kinhin. Gassho at the threshold.

  • If you cannot leave quickly, walk in the kinhin line until you get to the door.  Gassho while in the line, but not at the door.

  • If the person in front of you leaves, maintain the gap.

  • When you get back to the dojo, wait until your place in the line comes round.  Gassho quickly and step in.

  • If your place has already passed or you are too late, wait, near the threshold until the line has stopped.   Gassho with the final bow.  Only then return to your place. If you need to get a chair, a kneepad or another zafu, please wait until the final bow of kinhin.  The principle is, “everyone moves together.”

  • If you are late for the beginning of zazen, do not enter while the Jiki’s shijo bell is ringing. Wait until it has finished, gassho and move quietly to your place.

  • Remember, kinhin is not a rest period.  Leave the line only to go to the toilet or to get a drink or if you need to attend to something outside the dojo.

Great Vows for All

  • At the end of each formal Zen gathering we recite “Great Vows for All”.

  • Holding your hands in gassho, recite the following verse three times.

The many beings are numberless;
I vow to save them.

Greed, hatred and ignorance rise endlessly;
I vow to abandon them.

Dharma gates are countless;
I vow to wake to them.

The Buddha Way is unsurpassed;
I vow to embody it fully.

  • After three recitations you will hear an accelerando on the Jikijitsu’s bell (called an inkin). This signals that it is time for Raihai (formal bows).

  • Stand and turn in the direction of the altar.

  • When the Jikijitsu strikes the final bell, bow, then lower yourself onto your hands and knees. Drop your forehead to the floor and raise your upturned palms above your head. Then stand up again. Repeat three times.

  • Finally, turn to face the sangha and bow.

Key Terms

Dojo - Literally “place of practice”, where we set out our altar and cushions.
Dokusan - Dharma interviews with the teacher.
Gassho - A bow, palms together.
Inkin - the small, higher-pitched bell used by the Jikijitsu.
Ino - The person who leads chanting and sutra services in the dojo.
Jikijitsu - The person who rings the bells to mark each round of zazen.
Jisha - The teacher’s attendant, responsible for coordinating the dokusan line.
Kinhin - Walking meditation.
Raihai - Formal bows at the end of a Zen gathering.
Tanto - Literally “head of the line”. The person responsible for tending practice in the dojo.
Zazen - Seated meditation.
Zafu - A small round sitting cushion.
Zabuton - A rectangular sitting mat, roughly 900 x 900mm.

For more information on how to sit in the Zen tradition, please visit our Orientation page.