Glossary

– small, rectangular patchwork bib symbolizing the Buddha’s robe.

– old teacher, zen master.

– our spiritual community.

– the community of all sentient beings.

– “three prostrations” performed at the beginning of a liturgical service.

– a small kneeling bench sometimes used in zazen to aid sitting in seiza (kneeling position with shins on the floor and weight resting on the heels) position.

– wisdom that embodies the realization of the Dharma. The ultimate essence of manifestation of emptiness (the ever-changing and interconnected nature of everything)

– intensive practice retreat incorporating multiple contemplative practices, usually lasting several days. Generally held around the four major Zen Buddhist holidays.

– hand position (mudra) used in kinhin and when walking in the zendo. The left hand forms a fist around the thumb and the right palm covers the top of the fist, forearms horizontal to the floor with fist at heart level.

– the main governing body organization for the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. Its main temples are Shojiji and Eiheiji. Soto Zen was founded by Dogen and Kaizen-zenji and consists of over fourteen thousand affiliated temples worldwide. Much of the ritual and temple structure follows that set forth by the Sotoshu.

– a Japanese Zen tradition employing great reverence for form and emphasizing shikantaza-“wholeheartedly just sitting,” as opposed to the Rinzai sect whose emphasis is on koan practice.

– wooden clappers used to signal the beginning and end of kinhin periods during the service.

– wooden platform topped by zabuton and zafu in the zendo. Used during zazen and oryoki.

– “one who comes thusly.” In the Pali Canon the Buddha refers to himself as the Tathagata. Someone who has transcended the human condition.

– Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.

– Japanese-inspired abbreviated, mini version of the O’kesa, sewn by a practitioner, in our Order, for presentation at Kie Sanbo ceremony.