When we gather for Zen practice, we sit for 2-3 periods of zazen alternating with 5-10 minutes of walking meditation, called kinhin. Kinhin gives you the opportunity to get circulation in your legs moving again, but it is not a stroll or a break in practice of Zen. While you are walking, your attention is on your walking in harmony with others, breathing, being where you are right here, right now. If you start daydreaming or thinking, bring your attention back to your legs walking, your breath, the harmony of walking together.
There is a kinhin leader who will start the group practice by standing up in front of his chair or cushion with a pair of wooden clappers. Once everyone is standing, the kinhin leader will signal a bow by striking the clappers. After the bow, turn at your cushion to form a line and follow the person in front of you. Begin and end kinhin with your hands in gassho, palms together at chin height as shown in the photo above.
Once the kinhin line is clear of the sitting area, the leader will pause and strike the clappers as a signal to move your hands to the walking position (shashu). Gently wrap the fingers of your left hand around your thumb and place your fist against your solar plexus (below your breastbone). Lightly cover your left hand with your right. Make a line with your forearms, elbows out. Walk in a straight line following the kinhin leader. Your eyes are soft as they are during zazen and your posture is upright. Follow the person in front of you at arms length, closing any gaps in the line, and pay attention to your walking and the group’s pace.
Kinhin begins at a slow pace. If you are able, try to match the steps of the person in front of you. Otherwise simply walk slowly until the kinhin leader indicates a change in pace with the kinhin clapper sticks. The leader will start to walk more quickly, and you can fall into your natural stride. The final strike of the clappers is the signal to put your hands in gassho as the line returns to the zendo. Remain standing in front of your cushion until the kinhin leader signals a bow with the clappers, after which you can take your seat again.
If walking is uncomfortable or difficult, you can opt out of kinhin. The kinhin period is also an appropriate time to use the restroom or see to other personal needs, find a place in the zendo if you arrived late, or leave early.