Session sequence

Zazen takes place in silence. However, in Europe, oral teachings (kusen) are often given during zazen.

In general, a session consists of 30 to 50 minutes of zazen, 10 minutes of walking practice (kinhin), and then zazen again. This varies from place to place, see directly on their site where there is further specific information.

These different moments are indicated by bell strokes:

• 3 bells indicate the start of zazen (stillness and silence).
• 2 bells indicate the start of kinhin (silent slow walking).
• 1 short bell strike indicates the end of kinhin.
• 3 bells indicate the start of zazen.
• 1 bell indicates the end of a session.

It is recommended to sit about 5 minutes before the bells announce the immobility and silence of zazen.

It's useful to know the practices in a zendō so as to harmonize with others.