Virtual Zazen

Monday Morning Meditation

Zazen from 7:30-7:50 a.m followed by

Chat from 8:00-8:30 a.m.

Please email Michelle Jissan Nicolle at michellejissannicolle@gmail.com for Zoom password.

Arrive punctually (in Zen this means 5 minutes early). Upon entering and during meditation, observe silence unless it is absolutely necessary to speak.  

Correct Sitting Posture

Sitting on a cushion on the floor in one of the traditional lotus postures (half or full) is recommended. Approaching your seat, bow, in gassho (hands with palms together), toward your seat and then turn and bow toward the room before sitting down. When your neighbor arrives, bow in gassho to them when they bow to their seat. Sit on the front third of the cushion with your knees touching the mat. Gently rock left and right, in smaller and smaller arcs, until your spine is straight. Tuck in your chin and straighten your spine. Lightly press your tongue against the upper palate. Place your right hand, palm up, against your abdomen. The fingers of your left hand (also palm up), should rest upon the fingers of the right, the tips of your thumbs lightly touching each other, forming an oval. Look straight ahead and lower your gaze to four feet or so in front of you.. Draw a deep “clearing breath,” and slowly release it. After that, breathe naturally through your nose.

Beginning and Ending Zazen

A bell will sound three times beginning 20-minutes of seated meditation. Two rings of the bell signal the end of the period. At the end of the period, bow in gassho.

If you are unable to remember the foregoing details that is just fine. Do your best, observe what seasoned practitioners do, and ask plenty of questions when the time is right.