FORMS AND GUIDELINES for Online Practice

 

We have two periods of morning and evening zazen (view schedule). Beginning period of zazen will start by the facilitator striking a bell with three times. To end the period and to begin closing verse, there will be one strike on the bell.

 

It is extremely important that we all aim toward creating a calm, quiet, and strong container in which we can deepen our practice of zazen (just sitting). Please keep the following forms in mind to manifest our practice as One Body and One Mind.

 

Creating A Strong Container

Organize and straighten up a space in which you will be sitting zazen. Clean the area around your computer if it is a desktop to create a calm environment in which you can settle. This gives space for a calm mind to manifest. We are connecting and cultivating something deeper that is in harmony with the universe.

 

Sit stable like a mountain and unmovable. Do not move and keep your seat. Become one with your breath, body, and mind.

 

There are various ways to sit – in profile or facing away from the computer screen to not be distracted by others that may be moving. Others may choose to “stop the video” or turn off their camera. You can also face your camera toward an altar, vase of flowers, candle, or incense.

 

Maintaining Noble Silence

Please maintain silence throughout online zendo to deepen your practice and for others as well. Please arrive in silence and on time to create harmony and start practice together as one body. Please mute your microphone when you enter.

 

Begin your sitting by holding your hands in gassho (palms together) and bow towards and away from your cushion or chair to prepare your body and mind for zazen.

 

At the end of zazen after the reciting the closing verse, hold your hands in gassho and bow. When you are finished zazen, comes to standing, brush and fluff your zafu (cushion) and zabuton (mat) as your first activity as stillness in action.