Beginning:
Our Saturday morning sitting meditation, or zazen, session begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. Participants usually sit in the traditional zazen meditation posture (generally lotus or half-lotus, back straight, eyes half shut with a partial downward stare) upon individual round cushions (zafus) that have been placed upon mats (zabutans) on the floor. Some persons may choose to use kneeling boards or chairs. The moktak master rises to light a candle and incense upon the small central altar, and after returning to his/her zafu begins a solo Korean bellchant, the striking sounds of which engender both respect to the ancient founders and traditions of Buddhism as well as enhancement of everyone's beginning focus into awareness of the present moment.
First meditation period:
A bow is given by all upon conclusion of the bellchant, and all persons turn around on their zafus to face away from the altar to begin the first thirty minute session of silent meditation. This session begins with the timer's bell ringing three times. Minimal movement during this thirty-minute meditation period follows the traditions of Japanese formal zazen practice. Present awareness through concentrated breath observation may be one focus during this period.
Walking meditation period:
Upon the ringing of the timer's bell after thirty minutes, participants first bow with palms together, then rise and begin a several minute period of kinhin, or silent walking meditation. All stand in single file about an arm's length from the person ahead, and the timer leads the group in a slow walk around the meditation area. Our sangha's method is to walk in a synchronized step to the step of the person ahead, therefore the entire line of meditators step left foot forward at the same time, then right foot forward at the same time. This is accomplished with a constant downward looking view to the heels of the person ahead, while one continues to use this period with meditation and focus on awareness of the present walking and breathing rhythms. The timer with a loud clap signals the end of the kinhin, and upon such clap all bring their palms together and continue to walk to their cushion where they stand until all do a half bow lead by the timer.
Second meditation period:
Everyone then sits down on their zafu facing ourward as before, and the timer will ring the bell for the start of the second thirty minute meditation session. At the end of such period, the timer rings the bell three times where all bow and then turn around on their zafu back to facing the altar.
Reading of the Heart Sutra:
The moktak master rises and distributes to those who wish, a copy of the words of the Heart Sutra. He/she returns and leads everyone in a group chanting of this pivotal sutra that has guided practitioners into the heart of Zen Buddhist teachings for many hundreds of generations. At the conclusion of the sutra chant, all who wish, place their palms together and mutually recite the Boddhisatva Vows. A sitting bow then concludes this period.Three boddhisatva bows:
In a continuing tradition of respect to all sentient beings, the dharma (or teachings), and the sangha everyone then rises and moves their zafu from their zabutan so that, following the lead of the timer, all at the same time do three full floor bows which involve going down to one's knees and kneeling forward to briefly touch one's forehead to the mat while one's hands are on each side of the head with the palms turned upwards. The lifting of the hands from the mat when you are kneeling represents a vow to "lift" all beings into nirvana before you enter it. It's a representation of the bodhisattva vow to save all other beings first--before you "reach'" enlightenment or nirvana. This boddhisatva bow lasts but a second or two before all rise and repeat two more bows. Upon the rising from the third, a half bow by all concludes this tradition.
Final reading:
Everyone then moves their zafu back onto their zabutan and sits silently to hear someone read a passage from a teacher’s writings in one of a variety of Zen or Buddhist books. When the reading is finished, all do a sitting bow.
Conclusion:
The moktak master rises to extinguish the altar candle; steps back and leads everyone in a final sitting bow. The zazen session is over, and tea or coffee is made for anyone who wishes to stay and visit with each other. New attendees are encouraged to stay and chat to begin to know and become part of our Nashville sangha.