" Within every moment of thought you should see yourself that your fundamental nature is pure. You should cultivate for yourself, pratice for yourself, and accomplish for yourself the enlightenment of buddhahood."
--Huineng [1]

So how do I do Zazen? Part 3: Bowing

   At Dharma Rain, we bow to our seat and turn (clockwise) and bow to the rest of the room, when we begin and when we end our meditation. This represents both gratitude for the opportunity to practice, and willingness to take this difficult inward step. Standing bows are made by placing the palms together in front of the chest, fingers and thumbs together and upright, then bending forward to about a 45 degree angle from the waist.

   We also bow when entering the Zendo, when crossing the center line, when leaving, etc… There are many specific forms for how to move in the Zendo, but they are kept gently. Everybody has to go through a time of learning how to do it comfortably, and everybody makes mistakes. Formal movement expresses our mind state, showing us exactly where we are. It is also a practical, harmonious way of interacting with the community and helps create an environment that is conducive to deep silence.

Posture
   ---Legs
   ---Torso
   ---Hands and head
Breath
>Bowing
Mind
Where
When


[1]Hui-Neng, pgs 60-61 in The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Chinese Patriarch, trans. by J., McRae. (2000) Numata Center, Berkeley CA.