The Meditation Schtuff

[chicanobudista]

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?

[M@rk]

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

[chicanobudista]

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

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

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

[Ryumon]

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

[Charles]

Re: The Meditation Schtuff

For me, just a zafu and zabuton.

--Charles

[lindabeekeeper]

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

[Chris H]

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.

[Chris H]

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.

[Charles]

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.

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

[Jundo]

Re: The Meditation Schtuff

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:

[Jundo]

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!

[Gregor]

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.

[chicanobudista]

Re: The Meditation Schtuff

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:

[chicanobudista]

Re: The Meditation Schtuff

For me, just a seiza bench and a blanket - and white wall.
-gassho, rex

Now. That's what I've been looking for.

[fb2d]

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

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.