Online practice: Zendo etiquette

[Myozan Kodo]

As online practice emerges, it seems to naturally evolve its own etiquette. For example, even when sitting on Google+ alone, I bow to the webcam at the start and end of a sit. It is bowing to the Sangha. And even when sitting alone you experience the support of the Sangha: any of whom may enter the Zendo at any time as you sit. This means you tend to sit for 30 mins if that's what you set out to do. It supports your intention to sit.

Does anyone else have etiquette practices they have developed for their online practice?

Gassho
Myozan

[Ryumon]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

Funny you should say that. I just joined your hangout - the first time I've done one - and I asked myself the same questions. I bowed to my iPhone when I set it in position to show me, than did a one-handed bow when I finished and picked up the iPhone and left the hangout.

As for supporting intention, that's exactly what I felt. The idea that I was sitting with others helped me to sit longer than I usually do (30 min or so, instead of 20).

I guess it's just natural to bow to the device that connects one to the sangha, but I think that should be part of the routine.

[Ekai]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

I agree if you are on Google +, bowing before and after whether you are alone or not is good practice. We bow if we are sitting without Google + so we should bow the same if on Google.

Google + definitely helps supports my practice. I have been wanting to get up earlier for a long time now to sit for 30 min but that snooze button was just too good to resist. Now that I have Sangha members to sit with, the alarm goes off and I get right up to sit and support each others practice. Thanks so much!

Gassho,
Ekai

[Shokai]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

I agree with all that's been said. As well, years ago when i first sat zazen in a zendo, the group would assemble in an outer room and at the appointed time, line up at the door and enter individually, each performing prostrations and taking their place at a zafu and proceeding to sit. After the initial group was seated, there may be stragglers entering before the bells. As each straggler took their seat one would gassho to welcome them. You may notice, this is still a habit of mine in the hang outs; as I receive a signal that a new person is is joining the hangout, it is a natural distraction and the action of a welcoming gassho helps to get back into zazen.

[mrsedwards]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

... as I receive a signal that a new person is is joining the hangout, it is a natural distraction and the action of a welcoming gassho helps to get back into zazen.

Oh I like that so much. Especially in this virtual world it lets those joining they are truly welcome.

[Kaishin]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

One thing I'm never sure about is if the other(s) want/expect to have a short chat after. I usually mute my mic to avoid background noise being sent, and when finished sitting just gassho and then disconnect. I guess we could just put a comment on G+ after starting the hangout, such as "Silent Zazen", or "Zazen - free to chat after" to signal our intentions?

[jefftos]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

One thing I'm never sure about is if the other(s) want/expect to have a short chat after. I usually mute my mic to avoid background noise being sent, and when finished sitting just gassho and then disconnect. I guess we could just put a comment on G+ after starting the hangout, such as "Silent Zazen", or "Zazen - free to chat after" to signal our intentions?

I haven't been doing it long, but I think about the same thing, I don't currently have a camera or a mic, so all my sessions are "silent Zazen" for now, and usually I am off to work right after my morning Zazen. I like the idea of just posting as silent though if that's what you intend on doing.

Gassho,

Jeff

[Daijo]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

I normally have my mic muted too. The wife and kids are very respectful of my zazen time, Rogers the Pitbull mix, not so much. There have been a couple of instances when I had planned on chatting at the end, otherwise I usually just bow and leave.

I also make it part of my practice to bow to the cushion and then to the webcam. I felt silly at first, but now it's just part of my practice.

[Shugen]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

One thing I'm never sure about is if the other(s) want/expect to have a short chat after. I usually mute my mic to avoid background noise being sent, and when finished sitting just gassho and then disconnect. I guess we could just put a comment on G+ after starting the hangout, such as "Silent Zazen", or "Zazen - free to chat after" to signal our intentions?

Good idea Kaishin!

My routine for G+ is to bow as I enter my sitting space, turn on my computer, bow to my alter, do my rakusu chant etc. while the computer is booting up, go to G+, bow to my bench/cushion then bow to the camera and start my sit.
When my timer goes off, I bow and repeat the 4 vows 3 times, stand up and bow to my alter and then bow to the camera again.

Ron

[Gary]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

When in doubt I bow bow bow and I try to remember to smile smile smile. It's all good.
Gassho
Gary

[Myoku]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

... as I receive a signal that a new person is is joining the hangout, it is a natural distraction and the action of a welcoming gassho helps to get back into zazen.

Oh I like that so much. Especially in this virtual world it lets those joining they are truly welcome.

I see where you two come from, and it makes much sense to me. I have a different behaviour, that is, after the bell rung and I started sitting, I not move in reponce to anyone entering, leaving, coughing or wistling (ok, the last is a joke). However, I much appreciate everyone who joins and try to express that in my comment after zazen. Not moving anymore is intended to signal "you didnt disturb me, its all fine".

Gassho
Myoku

[Marek]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

Everytime when I push ,,hangout" button is like enter to zendo. So, like for all of you, bowing is a natural thing to do.

Usually I sit 30 min with muted microphone because I' m not sure that someone will not interrupt this moment. My family respect my time for zazen, and they now that time because a zen circle hanging on my door .... but my dog doesn' t know that rule... and he can be a very noisy beast :twisted: :wink:

[Seimyo]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

I've observed many of you turn your microphones off and I believe that's the kind thing to do if you have many distractions coming over the wire, but if you are in a moderately quiet space, I enjoy the audible presence of those I sit with. Whether it's the sound of a car driving by, or of a deep exhale, the momentary focus I give that sound bolsters my presence in the moment as well as giving me appreciation for Sangha. It's only a moment before the breath and clarity return.

Thank you to everyone for making an effort to sit more online. Google+ has been much busier these past few weeks and it's always wonderful to sit with you.

Deep gassho,
Chris

[Shujin]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

Hey y'all. I enjoyed reading the different perspectives. One habit of mine, which isn't really a matter of etiquette, is to sit facing away from my webcam. This stems from the old mebeam/ooVoo days, in which you would never know who joined in if you didn't see them. At that point, I found that my curiosity would always get the best of me, and I would turn my head to peek.
Anyhow, if you see me facing away I'm not trying to be rude. Happy to sit with y'all -- I'm amazed at the growth of the online sits after the switch to G+

gassho,
Shujin

[Myoku]

Re: Online practice: Zendo etiquette

... if you are in a moderately quiet space, I enjoy the audible presence of those I sit with.

+1

Gassho
Myoku