Sōtō Zen originated in Japan. In keeping with tradition we have adopted a number of Japanese terms that don’t have a good English equivalent. Many are shared among all Zen groups, but there are a few monastic terms we have adapted to our lay practice. We also use a few Pali and Sanskrit words that are broadly used across all of Buddhism.
- Ango – A period of intensive practice.
- Dāna – (Pali) Giving. Selfless giving without expecting anything in return.
- Denbō – The formal ceremony where a new teacher receives dharma transmission.
- Dharma – (Sanskrit) The Buddha’s teachings.
- Dharma Holder – A Zen teacher in training. This is idiosyncratic to our lineage.
- Dokusan – A formal teacher-student meeting.
- Ensō – “Circle”. A circle drawn in ink with a calligraphic brush in one decisive brushstroke. It is deeply symbolic in Japanese culture. In Zen it represents Zen mind.
- Ghasshō – A hand position with palms together and held at chin height.
- Jikidō – Timekeeper. Our zendo uses the word jikidō for the student volunteer who signals the beginning and end of zazen periods with a bell.
- Jukai – “Receiving the precepts”. Jukai is also called a lay ordination or taking refuge. It is a ceremony where students formally commit to Zen practice and upholding the Boddhisatva precepts.
- Kenshō – A moment of awakening, where you see your self-nature.
- Kesa or Okesa – An outer garment of sewn together strips of cloth worn by a monk or priest. It represents the Buddha’s robe.
- Kinhin – Formal walking meditation.
- Kōan – A short, paradoxical, story designed to trigger a sudden, wordless understanding of Buddha nature.
- Keisaku – Encouragement stick. We do not use one. In Zen centers it is used to help students maintain their posture and mindfulness during long periods of zazen.
- Mokugyo – “Wooden fish”. The drum used to keep time during chants.
- Shuso – “Head student”. The shuso is an experienced Zen student who has accepted the responsibility of making sure services and events run smoothly, freeing up teachers to focus on Zen practice.
- Rakusu – A small garment with straps worn around the neck. It represents the Buddha’s robe. Lay teachers and students who have taken up the precepts wear them. In our sangha, students wear black, teachers wear black or gold, and practice leaders including dharma holders and the shuso wear green.
- Rōshi – A title granted only to very senior Zen teachers. A Rōshi often serves as the abbot at a Zen center or monastery.
- Sangha – (Pali) A Buddhist group led by one or more teachers.
- Sensei – In Zen, sensei has come to mean teacher. It is a Japanese honorific used after the teacher’s name to show respect.
- Sesshin – Literally “touching the heart-mind”. A mediation retreat.
- Shashu – The formal hand position for kinhin.
- Shikantaza – “Just sitting.” A word for the Sōtō Zen style of open awareness meditation.
- Zabuton – A rectangular mat placed on the floor to make sitting more comfortable.
- Zafu – A small, round cushion.
- Zazen – Formal seated meditation.
- Zazenkai – “Day of Zen” One day retreat.
- Zen – Meditation. The Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character for Chan, a translation of the Sanskrit dhyāna.
- Zendō – The meditation hall.
We use some additional terms during sesshin.
- Densu – The volunteer responsible for waking everyone up in the morning.
- Han – A hanging wooden board that is struck in patterns with a mallet to signal the start of a zazen period.
- Kentan – A “morning greeting”. In our version, a teacher walks through rows of seated students before the first period of zazen.
- Tenzo – Cook. We use the word for a volunteer who works with a caterer to ensure that the menus for a retreat meet everyone’s dietary needs.