A Glossary of Zen Terms

Gassho

Hand position with palms together and fingers pointed upward.


Hara

Area about two inches below the navel. The center of the core of the body.


Hokkaijo-in (Cosmic Mudra)

Hand position in which the right hand rests palm up cradling the left hand. Both thumbs touch lightly, neither rising nor falling.


Inkin

A bell used to signify the beginning and ending of zazen.


Jiki

The person who leads the sitting practice.


Mokugyo

Fish-shaped wooden block drum used to keep time while reciting the sutras.


Mudra

The position of the hands while sitting.


Okyo

Sutra chanting.


Sutra

A text of intentions recited to regulate the breath, the mind, and to synchronize the participants of zazen.


Tanden

The lower midsection of the body.


Taku

Solid wooden blocks used to focus attention and to start and end zazen.


Zazen

Literally to sit in zen. The practice of seated meditation.




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