Ritual and Power in an American Zen Monastery by Shannon Hickey, Spring 2005

1
Ritual and Powerin anAmerican Zen Monasteryby
Shannon Hickey, Spring 2005
2
Zendo layout
3
Entering the zendo

• Enter through left side of door, on left foot.
• Bow toward altar.
• Proceed to seat, withoutcrossing in front of
  altar.

4
Arriving at the seat

• Bow toward seat.
• Turn clockwise and bow to room.

5
Sitting down

• Avoid placing feet on edge of platform (meal
  board).
• Turn clockwise to face wall.

6
After meditation

• Turn clockwise and get off platform, without
  touching meal board.

7
Leaving the seat

• Fluff cushion.
• Bow to seat.
• Turn clockwise, bow away.
• Walk toward door.

8
Exiting the zendo

• Exit on the right foot (Nearest doorframe).

9
Seating by rank

• Abbess head monk by door
• Senior teachers at inner corners
• Officers along front and back walls
• Novices along side walls

10
Tassajara-style zendo layout