Introduction to Zen Meditation

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Sitting

Sitting1In Zen temples and monasteries, practitioners traditionally sit in a meditation hall. The practitioner sits on a cushion called a zafu, which itself is usually placed on top of a low, flat mat called a zabuton.

Before taking one’s seat, and after rising at the end of the period of sitting, Zen practitioners perform a bow to their seat, and a second bow to fellow practitioners.

The beginning of a period of a sit is traditionally announced by ringing a bell three times, and the end of a round by ringing the bell either once.

Walking

Walking meditation often follows a period of sitting

Posture

Traditional sitting posture is seated, legs and hands folded, and with an erect but settled spine.

Traditional sitting posture is seated, legs and hands folded, and with an erect but settled spine.

If you are not comfortable seated on a cushion, you are welcome to sit on a chair.

The eyelids may be half-lowered, neither fully open nor closed, so that the practitioner is neither distracted by, nor turning away from external distractions.