Glossary

Daisan

Daisan is an ancient Zen tradition of direct, frequent contact between teacher and student; it must be brief, but can occur regularly as to help each student in her or his spiritual growth. Other Zen communities (sanghas) use different terms for this, including "dokusan" or "sanzen".

Gassho

A gesture of respect and deference, with hands facing upward in front of the chest and heart, in a prayer-like position.

Kinhin

Walking meditation, usually performed as a group during zazen. The sangha lines up behind a leader, who guides the group during the kinhin. Kinhin usually ends with re-entry into the sitting hall.

Mokugyo

"Wooden fish", a hollow ritual percussion instrument (typically made of wood) used to keep the rhythm during periods of chanting, typically used while reciting sutras, mantras and other holy texts. They are sometimes referred to as a "wooden fish"  due to their shape, which is much like a fish or pumpkin.

Roshi

A senior teacher of Zen, a teacher especially respected and revered for his or her many years of studying and teaching Zen; in some ways, a teacher of teachers.

Samu

Work practice, work as meditation; usually to clean and maintain the zendo.

Sangha

A community of Zen practitioners and seekers under the formal guidance of a teacher, usually a sensei or roshi.

Sensei

A well respected teacher who has studied under other teachers for many years, and who devotes much of their life to passing on the teachings and heritage of Zen.

Sesshin

Longer times of especially intense Zen group practice; e.g. week-long retreats or week-end retreats, generally held at retreat centers.

Shasshu

Holding the hands folded over the lower chest or stomach.

Shuso

A senior sangha member who leads chanting and ceremony, takes care of administrative matters regarding the zendo, and who extends hospitality to all who enter. Also known as "head monk".

Taku

Wooden blocks used as clappers, mostly used to signal the start and finish of kinhin, i.e. walking meditation.

Teisho

The sangha teacher's lecture, often regarding a koan, a Zen text, or a sutra. These are usually brief, approximately 10 minutes in length.

Zafu and Zabuton

Floor cushion (zafu) and mat (zabuton) used in zendo for meditation sitting.

Zazen

A formal time of sitting meditation, intermixed at Clear Mountain with teisho (teacher's instruction), kinhin (walking meditation), and chanting. Zazen can be considered the sangha's main and most regular form of group practice.

Zazenkai

A longer zazen session, usually lasting from early morning to later afternoon or early evening.

Zendo

A Zen meditation hall, where Zazen and other Zen practice ceremonies are regularly held.