Arriving at the Zendo (Meditation Hall)
Please feel free to arrive as early as one-half hour before any designated meditation.
As we mindfully park the car and softly close the doors, we walk to the practice center, noting the crunch of gravel under our feet and enjoying the garden. As we close the door of the tea-room or meditation hall, we close it gently, so as not to disturb the sitters. With light footsteps, we climb the stairs to the meditation hall, leaving our troubles behind. We are now in touch with our in-breath and out-breath, and with the peace of our surroundings, as well as our own inner peace.
Dress: Our arms and legs are covered, so as not to distract others, and so as not to leave bodily oils on the cushions. Entering in peace, we leave our shoes, bags and keys on the porch or inside the hall door. Our clothing is appropriate for meditation, loose in order to fully breathe, and subtle in color. Men may want to loosen their belt buckles as they sit down. Aware of the sensitivities of others, we wear no scents or oils.
Chairs are available along the walls. Cushions are at the back of the room; benches and backjacks are under the long wooden bench on your right as you enter. Please take the next available seat on either side of the room. (Do not leave empty spaces in the circle or line.) If we are placing a chair, we remove the square black cushion and place the chair on the carpet. We place it so that those on cushions on either side of us can see one another.
There are three bows upon entering the room, one for each of the three gems: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, one bow as we come into the hall, one bow standing behind our cushion and facing away from it, and one bow facing the cushion.
On Sunday mornings, the bows are the same, except that in the Japanese Zen tradition, we make our bows standing in front of our cushion.
There is no incense burned indoors at Cloud Cottage. When we send energy and light to those who need it, we often say the names aloud, offering the incense of our hearts:
In gratitude, we offer this incense
to all buddhas and bodhisattvas [those who live for the sake of all beings] throughout space and time.
May it be fragrant as Earth herself,
reflecting our careful efforts,
our wholehearted awareness
and the fruit of understanding slowly ripening.
May we and all beings be companions
of buddhas and bodhisattvas [wise ones]
May we awaken from forgetfulness
And realize our true home [as buddhas].
We enjoy seated meditation in an upright posture, walking meditation indoors and outdoors, singing, chanting, mindful meals [at retreats], sutra readings, study and dharma discussion. Click on Schedule for more details.
A note of caution: In Asia, it is considered rude to lie down when a teacher is teaching, or to point your feet at the altar or the teacher. We have adopted this protocol at Cloud Cottage. At times, we practice total relaxation, lying down on the floor. We are mindful of our feet.
(Please scan down for Dharma Discussion Guidelines, which we follow at all times, except on Zen 101 Wednesdays, and tea on Sunday mornings, when there is free-flow discussion.)
Bells
When the formal sitting time has begun, you will hear the bell pictured here. Another bell will be invited by the designated bellmaster to welcome everyone, and yet another to signal the beginning of seated meditation.
There is a large bell sound to signify the end of seated meditation. We bow together, with our hands forming a lotus bud, which we offer to all the buddhas-to-be with our whole heart, for those in the room and beyond. Then you will hear a small bell to inform us we can uncross our legs and massage our feet and legs and necks, etc. The next bell is for standing.
When we are ending a service, there are three ending bells -- one to bow to the Dharma, or the teachings, one to bow to the Sangha, the spiritual community, and one to bow to the Buddha, our teachers, parents, friends and numerous beings who give us guidance and support along the path. Note: we do not worship Buddha. He was a human who woke up, and has shown us we have the same potential.
Do not be discouraged! You need not memorize these protocols. Just come and observe what others are doing. We often make a small chant at the end of services to share the merit of our practice: May the merit of our practice benefit all beings and bring peace.
There is a large bell sound to signify the end of seated meditation. We bow together, with our hands forming a lotus bud, which we offer to all the buddhas-to-be with our whole heart, for those in the room and beyond. Then you will hear a small bell to inform us we can uncross our legs and massage our feet and legs and necks, etc. The next bell is for standing.
When we are ending a service, there are three ending bells -- one to bow to the Dharma, or the teachings, one to bow to the Sangha, the spiritual community, and one to bow to the Buddha, our teachers, parents, friends and numerous beings who give us guidance and support along the path. Note: we do not worship Buddha. He was a human who woke up, and has shown us we have the same potential.
Do not be discouraged! You need not memorize these protocols. Just come and observe what others are doing. We often make a small chant at the end of services to share the merit of our practice: May the merit of our practice benefit all beings and bring peace.
