The following practices are suggested to enhance the sangha’s meditation experience. If you are unsure of what to do while you are in the zendo, please watch and follow along. The form of the zendo invites us into a practice of mindfulness.
Arrival
Remove your shoes and leave them outside the zendo.
Turn off phones and leave personal items under the dana table.
If you arrive late, please enter the zendo as quietly as possible and go to your seat.
General Conduct
Bow in gassho (prayer position) upon entering the zendo. Walk in shasshu (hands folded over solar plexis) around the perimeter of the room until you arrive at your seat. Stand and bow to your cushion in gassho. Turn clockwise and bow to the community in gassho. Quietly take your seat.
In Zen meditation we sit as still as possible. If you must adjust your posture, move as quietly and efficiently as you are able. Please refrain from sniffling or blowing your nose in the zendo.
To use the restroom or get a drink of water, please exit the zendo during kinhin (walking meditation). After using the restroom, rejoin kinhin at the back of the line or return to the zendo.
At the end of meditation, stand and restore your cushion to how you found it, bow to your cushion in gassho, and turn and wait in gassho to bow at the sound of the bell with the entire community.
When leaving the zendo at the end of meditation, turn and bow in gassho to the zendo before exiting.
Apparel
Wear comfortable, loose clothing in muted or dark colors. Please avoid wearing shorts and tank tops.