The Meditation Schtuff

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  • chicanobudista
    Member
    • Mar 2008
    • 864

    The Meditation Schtuff

    If you go to such web page stores as The Dharma Shop or The Monastery Store, they will have a meditation supplies section. Now. I know you don't need all the "schtuff." Heck. For all I know, no schtuff is needed.

    But.

    In day to day practice, are there actual "meditation supplies" needed? :?:

    I only have my chair, coffee table for Mr. B, candle, and incense. But do you need, for example, a meditation gong?
    paz,
    Erik


    Flor de Nopal Sangha
  • M@rk

    #2
    Re: The Meditation Schtuff

    This hooded meditation cloak seems like an unusual thing to wear:

    http://www.dharmacrafts.com/2CLOAKS/Hoo ... Cloak.html

    M@rk

    Comment

    • chicanobudista
      Member
      • Mar 2008
      • 864

      #3
      Re: The Meditation Schtuff

      Originally posted by M@rk
      This hooded meditation cloak seems like an unusual thing to wear:

      http://www.dharmacrafts.com/2CLOAKS/Hoo ... Cloak.html

      M@rk
      I think it's for Wu-Tang Clan meditation fans.

      ...ok...add to my "grocery list of meditation schtuff." :mrgreen:
      paz,
      Erik


      Flor de Nopal Sangha

      Comment

      • Ryumon
        Member
        • Apr 2007
        • 1806

        #4
        Re: The Meditation Schtuff

        All you need's a zafu (or equivalent) but this kind of stuff is for people who want to show off that they meditate. Or those who are insecure and need things around them to remind them...

        I do have a Tibetan singing bowl. I bought it during an exhibit I set up when I was working with a group supporting Tibetan refugees. It does sound cool...

        Kirk
        I know nothing.

        Comment

        • Charles
          Member
          • Feb 2008
          • 95

          #5
          Re: The Meditation Schtuff

          For me, just a zafu and zabuton.

          --Charles

          Comment

          • lindabeekeeper
            Member
            • Jan 2008
            • 162

            #6
            Re: The Meditation Schtuff

            For me too, it is just a zafu and zabuton. Although I do have a bit of an altar on a coffee table with Buddha, a candle and some rocks or flowers. I have had bowls of water (a Tibetan thing) but it didn't do much for me or Buddha. I have used a pile of three rocks for a Buddha
            Incense is fun but not necessary (and now it appears that the particulate matter in the smoke is not particularly healthful .

            I know there was some discussion on treeleaf a while back about wearing robes. I'm not sure what the conclusion was, though.

            Gassho,

            Linda

            Comment

            • Chris H
              Member
              • Feb 2008
              • 41

              #7
              Re: The Meditation Schtuff

              I like to wear a blue cape, swimming goggles, and thigh-high patent leather boots when sitting zazen, but that's just me.

              Comment

              • Chris H
                Member
                • Feb 2008
                • 41

                #8
                Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                ....But seriously folks...
                I think the danger comes when you find the stuff necessary for you to sit zazen. It's fine to have, just don't let it become a convenient excuse not to practice. For example, " I can't sit until my zafu comes in the mail," or "I would sit but I'm out of my favorite incense and my Obi Wan Kenobi costume is at the cleaners." None of this stuff is necessary for zazen. Just roll up a blanket or get a couple pillows to sit on and your in the game.

                Comment

                • Charles
                  Member
                  • Feb 2008
                  • 95

                  #9
                  Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                  Originally posted by Chris H
                  I like to wear a blue cape, swimming goggles, and thigh-high patent leather boots when sitting zazen, but that's just me.
                  Sounds like you need a big "E" stitched onto the back of your cape. Maybe you can take care of that as part of the online Jukai. :wink:

                  --Charles

                  Comment

                  • Jundo
                    Treeleaf Founder and Priest
                    • Apr 2006
                    • 40533

                    #10
                    Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                    Originally posted by lindabeekeeper
                    I know there was some discussion on treeleaf a while back about wearing robes. I'm not sure what the conclusion was, though.
                    Well, you should wear CLOTHES, although even that is optional. Did I ever mention the time I was invited to teach at the nudist Zendo in Florida?

                    Skyclad Zendo


                    Follow teachings of Toni Packer and Springwater Center. The Skyclad Zendo is a naturist Zen meditation group which follows a non-traditional approach of open inquiry through awareness, mindfulness and attention. We meet every Sunday morning for two hours of zazen au naturel, from 10 A.M. to noon in the yoga room at Paradise Lakes Resort, 2001 Brinson Rd., Lutz, FL 33558-8367. We also offer seven-day silent meditation retreats with various teachers.
                    Anyway, if you are sitting with other people, it is usually recommended that you wear dark (e.g., dark brown or black), patternless clothes, and loose fitting so as not to pinch the circulation.

                    As to folding up a blanket or using a couple of pillows: I do not know if the pillows would be firm enough. It should be something solid enough to lift your seated body about 5 inches off the ground (that varies by size of the person). Here is more information than you probably need. In Soto Zen, we traditionally go for the traditional round Zafu because ... well, because its traditional!

                    http://stores.ebay.com/Shade-of-the-Bo- ... -Zafu.html

                    Gassho, Jundo

                    PS - At the Skyclad Zendo, you place a towel atop your Zafu. ops:
                    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

                    Comment

                    • Jundo
                      Treeleaf Founder and Priest
                      • Apr 2006
                      • 40533

                      #11
                      Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                      Also, Brad mentioned this on his blog today ... Have a look:

                      https://<div class="videocontainer w... </a> </div>

                      TRANSLATION:

                      Announcer: Mr. Gori’s training.

                      On screen words: The flame will still your confused mind. Without moving, quietly allow your mind to settle.

                      Loud voice: Katsu! (nonsense syllable used mainly at Rinzai temples often as kind of [existential shout])

                      Announcer: Game over. For your family health, Wii Fit.

                      On screen words: Weight, BMI (body mass index), Center of gravity balance, Various training. Wii Fit, List price 8,800 yen.

                      Mr. Gori: But I was thinking of the blue skies and blue sea of Okinawa the whole time!
                      ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

                      Comment

                      • Gregor
                        Member
                        • Apr 2007
                        • 638

                        #12
                        Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                        Tonight I'll be Zazen-ing in a lime green shirt and bright Madras shorts ---- so much for conservative colors. I'd be kicked right out of the Zendo, lol!!


                        As far as "Schtuff" goes --- probably nothing is needed. But, I just did acquire a nice 8" carved Buddha statue --- not needed but nice to have. I appreciate it.

                        take care - gonna go "Sit Along" over at the leaf.
                        Jukai '09 Dharma Name: Shinko 慎重(Prudent Calm)

                        Comment

                        • chicanobudista
                          Member
                          • Mar 2008
                          • 864

                          #13
                          Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                          Originally posted by Jundo

                          PS - At the Skyclad Zendo, you place a towel atop your Zafu. ops:
                          Thanks for answering a question I did not want to post. :mrgreen:
                          paz,
                          Erik


                          Flor de Nopal Sangha

                          Comment

                          • chicanobudista
                            Member
                            • Mar 2008
                            • 864

                            #14
                            Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                            Originally posted by rex54
                            For me, just a seiza bench and a blanket - and white wall.
                            -gassho, rex
                            Now. That's what I've been looking for.
                            paz,
                            Erik


                            Flor de Nopal Sangha

                            Comment

                            • fb2d

                              #15
                              Re: The Meditation Schtuff

                              Originally posted by M@rk
                              This hooded meditation cloak seems like an unusual thing to wear:

                              http://www.dharmacrafts.com/2CLOAKS/Hoo ... Cloak.html

                              M@rk
                              I use a zafu and zabuton, which are put away on a book shelf when not in use. I think the cloak product is kind of funny, because I meditate in the downstairs den where it's cold in the winters - so I just wrap a polar fleece blanket around myself to keep warm. No cloak required.

                              Comment

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