Edgar,
I don't time my tooth-brushing; but some people's electric brushes turn off
after 3 minutes, by design. I don't know if that's contrary to the essence of
Zen, or if there is any such essence, or of hygiene, but I think it's something
to do with the ADA, the American Dental Association.
At different practice centers, standard timed lengths of sits are the norm. At
most places, the timing is scrupulous. The reason is to keep from frightening
practitioners, even well-established ones: if they know the period is to be 45
minutes, then let it be 45. If 30, then 30. If 25, then 25 minutes.
I once had a teacher tell me that he has "25-minute knees".
Anyway, you know already that Kinhin between sits is not a "break" for the legs
(although it IS); it is just one of the many practices worked out in the Zen
tradition over centuries to help us to bring samadhi off the cushion and into
activity. So is Samu (work-practice), Dokusan, Oriyoki, Dharma-Combat, Teisho,
Bowing (prostrations), Chanting, etc., etc. A neat program, honed over
centuries by geniuses of wisdom, experience, and compassion.
Timing is *crucial* in monastic centers, and all lay places, too. There are
TWO temples which must be in-synch at ALL times: 1.) the Ch'an Hall; and 2.)
the Kitchen.
And, 3.), the Teacher. ;-)
Anybody who has been an officer/leader of any kind on Sesshin, and not merely a
temple-tourist, knows this, and has worked hard to make it so, while taking
care of and settling into one's own practice at the same "time".
Not everything on 7-day sesshin happens by Magic. You might be surprised at
what goes into it, to make it flow smoothly for all. Or, you know, if you've
been a leader/officer.
--Joe
PS Rohatsu ends tomorrow, and *IS* tomorrow. At least on the Gregorian
(Christian, Western) calendar. Many happy people will stream from sesshin.
> Edgar Owen <edgarowen@...> wrote:
>
> Chris,
>
> I use nothing. I don't time my Zen... To me that's contrary to the essence of
> Zen...
>
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