ZEN WATERLOO
Zen etiquette and rituals can be as simple or elaborated as many schools and groups are. The following are some basic etiquette elements to be observed in our Zendo:
1. Leave all personal effects in the foyer. No shoes, cell-phone, purse, etc., are allowed in the Zendo.
2. When in the Zendo, remain in silence.
3. Step in the Zendo with the leftt foot, do gassho. Then proceed to find an available zafu. When walking, turn always in right/square angles.
4. Do not walk in front nor across the Butsudan (Buddha's altar). Instead, always walk on the sides, and pass behind it.
5. Once in your place, do gassho towards the wall, turn clockwise and do gasssho towards the Butsudan. Then turn clockwise again and sit.
6. Beginning of Zazen is marked by 3 sounds of the shokei (small bell-bowl). If kinhin is included in the practice, its beginning will be marked by 2 sounds of the shokei. End of Zazen is marked by 1 sound of the shokei.
7. At the end of Zazen, stretch and regain muscle tone. If chanting follows then turn clockwise facing the opposite wall. Do not face the butsudan and do not move closer to it. Remain in the same place you were. If practice is finished, move zafu to wall, and stand up in gassho waiting to leave the Zendo.
8. To leave the Zendo, reach the gate following the preceding practitioner, never take ahead; do gassho, step out your right foot, turn clockwise and leave.
